Tent camping options near South Ashburnham, Massachusetts feature wooded sites within the eastern portion of Worcester County, where elevations range from 900 to 1,300 feet. The region experiences typical New England seasonal variations with warm summers reaching highs in the 80s and cold winters. Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with limited off-season availability at state forest locations.
What to do
Paddle exploration: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals for water-based adventures. "We take our canoe and spend the whole day at the lake. You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax," notes camper Ben P. about Tully Lake.
Hiking trails: Multiple day-hiking options connect to camping areas. Campers at Monadnock HQ Campground can access trails leading to Mount Monadnock, while Federated Women's Club State Forest offers more secluded paths. "If you continue past site 15, you'll head through Gate 36 out toward Soapstone Hill which offers a great view of Quabbin Reservoir and sunsets," notes Jean C.
Waterfall viewing: Several campgrounds provide access to cascades within walking distance. The Doane's Falls trail near Tully Lake features multiple waterfall sections. "The highlight was Doane's falls, a very quick walk from the campground area," explains Jean C., describing the series of falls that can be particularly impressive during spring runoff.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Tent campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at many locations. At Tully Lake Recreation Area, "We stayed at site 1, which was HUGE and extremely private. Sites closer to the water that we saw were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out," reports Megan G.
Vehicle-free camping: The absence of cars creates a quieter environment for families with young children. "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around. It also made for a super quiet stay," shares Megan G. about her experience at Tully Lake.
Island camping: For campers seeking solitude, some locations offer truly secluded options. "I stayed on the island site, which was absolutely amazing. The views are to die for, and it's really meant for people who want to be outdoors in the woods," notes Kris M. about Tully Lake's distinctive island site, which requires booking well in advance.
What you should know
Cart logistics: Most tent sites require transporting gear from parking areas. "Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea," advises Miguel B. about Tully Lake. At Federated Women's Club State Forest, "Some of the sites are definitely walk-in, with a narrow trail leading from the road. It's possible to park at other sites; I'm guessing the gate at the beginning of the road toward the campground is open when the campground is open."
Limited connectivity: Cell service ranges from weak to nonexistent at most locations. "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here," recommends Jean C. regarding Federated Women's Club State Forest.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly when bookings open. "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year...Booking for Memorial Day meant I booked in April), so you have to be on your game," cautions Kris M. about securing sites at Tully Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Pack strategically: For sites with longer walks from parking, minimize equipment. "The sites near the water or on bluffs are further away, and though they provide carts the trails can make hauling them tough. Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea," advises Miguel B. about Barton Cove Campground.
Select sites near facilities: For families with young children, consider proximity to restrooms. "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site and neighboring campers," shares Lauren A. about their Tully Lake experience.
Check for activities: Some locations offer family programming during peak season. "There are family oriented programs offered, and dogs are allowed, on leash only," notes Nancy R. about Tully Lake's organized activities that can enhance a family camping trip.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: The best tent camping near South Ashburnham focuses primarily on tent-only sites with few RV accommodations. At Lost Boys Hideout, "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!" notes Steve K. about their glamping accommodations.
Consider alternative lodging: For those wanting camping experiences without tent setup, some locations offer prepared accommodations. "We visited this privately owned campground within a month of it opening. The owners were so friendly and excited to welcome campers. They have a common room that has games and eggs for sale," shares Les R. about Maple Ridge Farm.
Access challenges: Many campgrounds have restrictions on vehicle access to sites. "Only real annoyance was dealing with set up and take down of the campsite- you check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, unload your stuff, drive to gate, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, return key, drive back to campground, walk to your site," explains Brie B. about the procedures at Barton Cove.
