2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) and Otter River State Forest accommodate pets at all campsites, with both campgrounds requiring dogs to remain on leash throughout the grounds. Tully Lake offers cart-accessible tent sites near the water where pets can swim from designated areas, while Otter River provides options for tent camping, RVs, cabins, and yurts. Both locations maintain clean facilities with bathrooms and showers, though pet owners should note the central bathroom facilities at Tully Lake require a potentially long walk from some campsites during nighttime bathroom trips. Sites fill quickly during peak season, with Tully Lake bookings opening months in advance for summer weekends. The campgrounds enforce quiet hours that help maintain a peaceful environment for pets sensitive to noise. The Dyrt includes reviews of campgrounds near Athol, Massachusetts.
Trails surrounding both campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for leashed dog walks, with the 4-mile loop around Tully Lake particularly popular for pet exercise. The nearby Doane's Falls area, accessible via a short trail from Tully Lake Campground, offers scenic waterfall views where dogs can cool off during summer hikes. Pet owners should bring quarters for the pay showers at Tully Lake and pack all pet supplies as the minimal camp store carries limited items. Cell service ranges from spotty to non-existent at both locations, making it advisable to download maps before arrival and know the location of the nearest veterinary services. Wildlife encounters are possible, so keeping pets secured at campsites and properly disposing of food waste helps minimize unwanted animal interactions. During summer months, bug repellent is essential for both humans and pets, as June camping can be particularly buggy.
"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"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $55 / night
"It was fine, but not near the water. This time, we chose a site near the water, but it's literally surrounded by three other sites. It's not shown like that on the map."
"The North loop also has a small beach; for the East loop, you’ll either need to walk to the day use are, which features a larger beach, or drive around to it."
from $17 - $35 / night
"Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border."
"Volleyball and horseshoes are near the entrance. You may purchase firewood. The bathrooms offer flush toilets and a single shower on each site, plus a dishwashing sink outside."
from $40 / night
"Great for pets. They have pet poo drop boxes and bags. Super clean bathrooms. The sites are not very private, but spacing is decent."
"Sites along the river, pull thrus in the field, shaded along the edge of the field, completely wooded area towards the end of the campground. Playground, volleyball, horseshoes, game room."
from $47 - $70 / night
"Great for kids and pets. We love taking the dog to the dog beach for a swim. Camp store is great, fun fishing on the lake and tons of activities for the kids."
"Miles and miles of country/forests surrounding pine acres, however pulling in you’ll soon realize how much goes on inside the campground."
from $70 - $115 / night
"Good bathroom ,nice people, great lake."
"It’s incredibly peaceful with wooded sites and the lake is just gorgeous with the fall foliage. Bonus that they deliver firewood to the campsite."
from $34 - $47 / night
"Situated by a beautiful lake and access to several hiking trails. "
"Friends told me about this little gem in north central Massachusetts, not far from Rt 2. The big draw here is the pond, with the public beach on one side and lined with private cabins on the other. "
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 / night
"Lake access with kayaks , some local hiking. Major grocery store nearby along with Walmart."
"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"
from $42 - $65 / night
"This campground is pretty centrally located with easy access to grocery stores, gas, and the highway. It is down a quiet road far enough that you do not hear any traffic noise."
"There are 3 nice and short trails, 2 with a great view and the other that is quite steep down to a swimming hole."
"The campground was large enough to tire out the dogs walking around, staff was friendly, helpful and welcoming!"
from $28 - $58 / night
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
ScoutWe were visiting family around Nashua and needed somewhere to park the RV nearby. Berry’s Grove ended up being a really good fit. We could come and go easily and still have a nice place to relax at the end of the day.
ScoutWaking up with the lake right outside the camper never got old. We would have breakfast, sit by the water for a while and then head out to explore the area.
ScoutOur dog loved it here. We spent alot of time outside and there was enough space around the campground for him to get some exercise too.
TravelerGorgeous pond filled with lily pads!
TravelerNice and peaceful spot with a trail that leads to a brook in the woods! Beautiful fall leaves throughout property
ScoutWe brought the boat along and having access to the lake made the whole trip better. Nice to have everything right at the campground instead of having to load up and drive somewhere.
GuideLet me just preface this review by saying when I go camping, I like to be immersed in nature– ideally with a toilet and shower nearby. These are my only desires. This is not that kind of campsite. But just because it isn’t for me, that doesn’t mean it won’t be for you.
Pros:
- Easy to book and accommodating staff.
- Restrooms/showers were clean(though the air fresheners are not migraine sufferer-friendly).
- Nice, tall trees.
Cons:
- My only real con is the general vibe. Again, it’s just not for me. It has lots of activities for kids (an arcade, park, pool, etc.), so if that’s what you’re looking for, great! It just wasn’t what I personally was looking for. But with limited camping options in the area, it was our only real choice.
ScoutFishing off the dock in the evening was such a nice way to end the day. We didnt catch much lol but still had a good time.
Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Athol, Massachusetts, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Athol, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Athol, MA is Otter River State Forest with a 4.1-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Athol, MA?
TheDyrt.com has all 124 dog-friendly camping locations near Athol, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
