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Best Campgrounds near Ashby, MA

591 Reviews

Campgrounds near Ashby, Massachusetts include a mix of state parks, private facilities, and recreation areas offering diverse camping experiences. Willard Brook State Forest Campground, located directly in Ashby, provides tent and RV sites along with cabin and yurt options from late May through early September. Pearl Hill State Park Campground, just a few miles away in Townsend, offers similar accommodations with a slightly longer season extending from mid-May to mid-October. The region features several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles, including tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, with most facilities concentrated within a 15-mile radius of Ashby's town center.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping availability throughout the area, with most state-operated facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend and reopening in late May. "Sites are largely level, around a small, bisected loop with towering pines. Most of the sites are best suited to tents and small trailers, but a couple of sites can accommodate slightly larger units," notes one camper about Willard Brook State Forest. Many campgrounds in the region offer limited or no hookups, though private facilities like Spacious Skies Minute Man and The Pine Campground provide full hookup options year-round. Cell service varies significantly across the area, with several reviewers mentioning spotty to non-existent coverage at locations like Tully Lake. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends, particularly for waterfront sites.

The camping areas surrounding Ashby feature numerous water-based recreation opportunities. Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground and Tully Lake provide popular waterfront camping experiences with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Several visitors highlight the extensive trail systems available for hiking and mountain biking, particularly at Pearl Hill State Park and Otter River State Forest. A review of Tully Lake mentioned, "There are miles of trails and logging roads for hiking and biking. A small beach is within walking distance from the campground." Campground amenities vary widely, with state parks typically offering more basic facilities while private campgrounds provide additional services like camp stores, playgrounds, and organized activities. Out-of-state visitors should note that Massachusetts state parks charge significantly higher fees for non-residents, especially during peak season.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ashby, Massachusetts (126)

    1. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $39 - $999 / night

    "The pool is huge and clean and there is a ton of seating around. The shop has everything you could need. There are horseshoes, can jam, basketball, and bocce. There’s a playground and a rec room."

    "Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."

    2. The Pine Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 386-7702

    "Small river/ brook rind behind the campground.   Some shots have nice sound of river right behind the sites.  No pond or pool for swimming."

    3. Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    14 Reviews
    Foster Lake, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 297-1609

    $17 - $35 / night

    "The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet."

    "As a caveat, waterfront in this instance was more of a water view as the lake was on the other side of the campground road and a large open area with trees."

    4. Pearl Hill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    West Townsend, MA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-2850

    $17 - $35 / night

    "We really lucked out with getting one of a few sites left on Memorial Day weekend - after walking the campground, I think we would have chosen the same one again! "

    "It was like walking with fur on the bottom of our shoes. The dog also got needles stuck all over and we had to use our COVID alcohol gel to get the glue off. "

    5. Otter River State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Baldwinville, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    $17 - $55 / night

    "Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both). One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts."

    "I loved it here, it was a great little campground for massachusetts"

    6. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park

    19 Reviews
    Jaffrey, NH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 532-2416

    $29 - $45 / night

    "Campsites are well shaded but if you have an RV take the time to rent an RV site otherwise backing in will put you in and awkward position as the mixed use “standard” sites are oriented towards tent camping"

    "The campsite is big and away from another site. You can easilly access to hiking trails.

    The staff there are friendly and helpful. It's definitely a plus."

    7. Willard Brook State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-8802

    $14 - $55 / night

    "This small state forest campground in north/central Massachusetts is just up the hill from Damon Pond. I suggest downloading maps before you head out because cell service is iffy in the area.  "

    "This campground is small - but its conveniently located near a larger city if you decide you want to venture back to civilization. The trails in the park are nice and well maintained."

    8. Greenfield State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Bennington, NH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 547-3497

    $35 - $105 / night

    "Easy access to a bathroom (which was very clean). Quiet neighbors, everyone around us observed the quiet hours (10p-7a) and even during the day no one was super loud."

    "Nice views of the lake, swimming, wide open sites, not too over crowded! I'd definitely go back!"

    9. Field and Stream RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Hollis, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 673-4677

    $47 - $80 / night

    "Great site right next to the water. Sites are clean and well equipped. Coin laundry with nice machine. Nice people."

    10. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Rindge, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 899-3362

    $42 - $65 / night

    "the rules but everybody does and it's a good experience, everyone is very friendly the owners are wonderful people and super friendly very helpful it's clean they offer a lot of stuff to do right on a lake"

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Recent Camping Photos near Ashby, MA

360 Photos of 126 Ashby Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ashby, MA

591 Reviews of 126 Ashby Campgrounds

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

  • Kenneth P.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    Not So Bad

    We spent one night at site #20 and enjoyed our stay.  It was rather peaceful other than the hum of I-91. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were generally wooded, pretty level, and fairly spread apart from one another.  I saw no signs of the problems identified in the June 2025 review.  Yes, I must agree that the restrooms are old, but they were clean.  The other problems might happen anywhere and were obviously brought under control.  Clearly, the writer of the June 2025 post knew way more than any weekend camper would be aware of and this shows that is more to their story that should have been revealed in their post.

  • S
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Cold Springs Camp Resort

    All Around Exceptional

    This place is just great! They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless. There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest! Our kids were never scolded for being loud and neither were the adults. We have booked our return trip already and can't wait to go back!

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    Really pretty and chill

    This campground is pretty and offers many private site options. We didn't use the bathrooms so can't speak on that. But overall it's a clean campground.

    There are two loops. The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet. The sites by the lake are really pretty, but there's not much privacy. All of the sites are good size and the fire pits are placed well.

    The other loop farther away from the entrance has a lot more lakeside sites. But there's very little privacy. The sites with higher numbers by the lake are all on top of each other with little to no trees or shrubs between sites, and you can't really decipher where one site ends and the next begins. We would not stay on that loop if we visited again. Unless it was site 101 which seemed more private for that loop.

    Sites 1 through 5 on the first loop are pretty quiet and peaceful. We stayed at site 4 and we think that it was one of the best sites in the campground. We didn't have neighbors on either side of us. We only had neighbors across from us. The site was spacious , peaceful and pretty. There was a little trail from our site that went down to a marsh. That was absolutely beautiful.

    We will definitely stay here again.

  • gabe N.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    What a gem

    We camped here one night on a pit stop and it exceeded our expectations! We camped on the north shore; sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake. However, there is limited privacy between sites so hope for good neighbors :) also cell service was fine with AT&T.

  • Cassie G.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Fun laid back place. This campground has a lot of potential. Some info on their website and Facebook isn’t accurate.

    I would like to share my experience this past weekend at Winding River in Exeter NH. My family of 3 Stayed at tent site 523 in the Oak area. We also had family at 553 and 554 and Cabin 2.

    About site 523: I clearly had one of the largest and most private tent sites. It was set back with a long driveway tucked between 522 and 524. It’s a very steep drop into the river making most sites a little nerve wracking with a little one. Online it said water available nearby. Most sites had a hookup but there wasn’t a one on my site. It looked like there may have been one to share on the road, but I didn’t end up needing to figure that out.

    Tent sites 522 and 524: Along with most of the tent sites these sites were very close to each other, much smaller and closer to the road. I wished my family members had gotten 552 and 553 as they blended together nicely if you are tenting in side by side spaces. The ground was very rocky making staking tents down difficult. They were right next to the bathroom which was convenient but loud. Ventilation in the bathroom was not good so the doors were propped open much of the time and loud hand dryers.

    Shower:

    • This is the smaller of the two bathrooms in the campground. There are 2 showers there. Each with a single insufficient curtain and no hooks on the wall or bench to place things down. Water was hot enough, pressure was ok if you set it to the high power massage-like setting.
    • The showers in other bathroom (near the town center area) had a door and two curtains. Some had hooks (some of which were broken). I almost tripped going in and out of these bathroom stalls because they are raised up but there is no marking on the ground to indicate that.

    Cabin 2: Ac worked well. There was a good sized bed downstairs, smaller beds in two lofts. I was surprised the couch didn’t pull out. Fridge and all dishes were nice and clean. All the cabins seem to have different back porch setups. This porch was smaller than C1. There was a propane grill that smelled rancid with sooo much caked on The burners. The location of the ceiling fan under the other lights in the ceiling gave them a flashing effect that really bothered me.

    Pros:

    • Lower price compared to other campgrounds (but I don’t feel like I got everything advertised on the website)
    • Two playgrounds, both were nice.
    • Water slide was fun
    • We arrived Thursday at the gate and were told how to get to our site, to set up and then come over to the office which was nice.

    Cons:

    • The river is very low and yucky so none of the boating or fishing advertised was possible. likely causing the massive amount of mosquitos.
    • The whole arcade building was was “out of order”
    • The laundry room had two washers (one was broken) and two dryers 2.50 each per load. Not sufficient for a campground this size (especially when people leave their clothes in the machine for 30 mins after they’re done!)
    • Camp store was poorly stocked (multiple empty coolers).
    • Ice $3 per SMALL bag.
    • Wood $10 per bundle and rules say you can’t bring from off-site. I saw people with huge metal bins of wood but was never offered that option when I payed for multiple bundles.
    • Camp store closes at 3 on Sunday and doesn’t open until 11 am during the week (which is also checkout). This made it a little confusing when I wanted to return the golf cart. They have a small area with icecream that is scooped and maybe a kitchen. I never saw it open but I think the sign said open morning to 12 and then again in the evening.
    • The pool was green and cloudy on day 3. I called the office and was told they had just shocked it and that was a result of the copper. I am not informed enough on pool safety so I opted out of swimming on the hottest day of our stay. My son was bummed.
    • Planned activities were only scheduled for Friday and Saturday, when online mentions “daily”. During adult kareoke there were plenty of kids and really poor wifi (wasting so much time between songs).

    And just to add:

    • Staff I encountered was friendly enough, but It would be nice if they wore shirts to identify themselves.
    • Golf cart was great, but cost more than the site per night.
    • Pedal go-carts were available for rent (I didn’t ask a price).
  • Rae Y.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Saddleback Campground

    Uncomfortable feeling for my girls

    I made everyone stay in the trailer every night , we just didn’t feel comfortable with our girls being out after dark. There was def a lot of questionable rif raf that were definitely on something and it was obvious that there were a few girls there that were working.   Always men working on vehicles.  Family will not go back. Don’t want my daughter around that

  • Savanna B.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Place is nice, can get loud

    It's a nice campground with a pool and hottub. The store is a little overpriced. Most of the staff is okay but there are some that are a little rude. It can get loud at times but it's mostly chill

Guide to Ashby

Camping near Ashby, Massachusetts, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have access to beautiful hiking trails. For example, at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, visitors enjoy trails leading to scenic views and a mountaintop fire tower. One reviewer mentioned, "There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest."

  • Water Activities: If you love being near the water, check out Normandy Farms Campground. It has a variety of activities for kids, including a bike track and multiple pools. A camper shared, "This is a phenomenal campground! It has it all: large campsites, tons of activities for kids."

  • Wildlife Watching: At Bear Brook State Park Campground, you can spot local wildlife while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. One visitor noted, "Nice camp store, friendly check-in folks and I find folks in NH to be very friendly."

What campers like

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, private sites at Greenfield State Park Campground. A long-time visitor said, "If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. At Wompatuck State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "The bathroom amenities work but not the cleanest," while another said, "The shower facilities were pretty clean, especially compared to the rest of the campground."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the welcoming vibe at local campgrounds. A visitor at George Washington State Campground remarked, "Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds."

What you should know

  • No Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Jamaica State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "Be prepared for no hook-ups but there is a dump station for self-contained toilets."
  • Pet Policies: If you're bringing your furry friend, check the pet policies. At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are allowed on hiking trails but not in the campground or beach area during summer.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy on weekends. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground said, "The weekend was packed! Our neighbors were playing karaoke till 11pm."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. Normandy Farms Campground offers a bike track and daily crafts, making it a hit with families. One parent said, "Absolutely love this campground. It has so many things for the kids to do."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has a beach, a playground, a ball field, and a store."
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially near water. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground warned, "Watch for ticks."

Tips from RVers

  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level, so it's good to have leveling blocks handy. A reviewer at Normandy Farms Campground advised, "We recommend this campground but just be prepared and bring plenty of leveling blocks!"
  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites before booking. A camper at Minute Man Campground noted, "Some of the FHU sites are pretty tight, but overall the campground is nice."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. At Bear Brook State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "There’s a dump station, and the spigots are scattered throughout."

Camping near Ashby, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for family fun, peaceful nature, or a friendly community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ashby, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ashby, MA offers a wide range of camping options, with 126 campgrounds and RV parks near Ashby, MA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Ashby, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ashby, MA is Spacious Skies Minute Man with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ashby, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Ashby, MA.

What parks are near Ashby, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Ashby, MA that allow camping, notably Edward MacDowell Lake and Tully Lake.

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