Auburn, MA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Auburn is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Auburn, reviewed by campers like you.
$17 - $55 / night
"Beautiful campground in a nice central location nearby several nice towns in Central Massachusetts."
"This is a great campground located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts on walker pond. Brand new bathroom/shower facility this year. Offers hiking, biking, swimming, fishing. Nice and quiet also."
$18 - $75 / night
"So if you are confused about things like location, let’s knock that out first:
This campground is located near 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814."
"The campground was safe, nicely laid out so we could have a series of sites next to one another. Biking was a blast for the kids along with trail hike around pond, beach, and fishing."
$70 - $115 / night
"Miles and miles of country/forests surrounding pine acres, however pulling in you’ll soon realize how much goes on inside the campground."
"Although the tent sites are a distance from anything, the main areas of the campground are fantastic. With a full calendar of events (some free, some cost $) you will never be bored."
$40 - $65 / night
"Cute quiet place with a lake. Family run very friendly. They only thing I didnt love is they remodeled one set of bathrooms in the back and the front was the old set."
"Cabins and RV sites across the lake, along with beaches for swimming. Bathrooms located on P1 peninsula. Canoe rentals on-site. Lovely picnic dining area alongside covered bridge and waterfall."
$15 - $30 / night
"They have bathrooms and showers close by that (if I remember correctly/things haven’t changed too much in the past couple of years) were in relatively decent shape compared to others I’ve been in at campgrounds"
"centrally located bathrooms/showers basketball court, playground and ampitheatre to keep the kids busy. hiking trails galore, disk golf, and swimming nearby. so fun!"
$65 - $125 / night
"What really sets this place apart is the location. You’re literally steps away from Douglas State Forest, which made morning hikes and evening strolls absolutely magical."
"Drive times: Boston: 60min| Hartford: 62min| Providence: 42min| Albany: 120min| Portsmouth: 106min"
$50 - $200 / night
"The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping."
"Driving around this place is definitely not a typical campground but more of a luxury camp because of all of the amenities.
That being said it was very nice and felt safe."
"The manager was able to give me a great campsite away from all of the RVs and cabins. It was right at the entrance however you did have to hike up a short 50ft hill to get to the site."
"We had a great time relaxing around the campfire with another family. The playground was a hit for our kids!"
GuideNice quiet place for all the sites showers could be better bathrooms were clean but out dated
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutWe 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.
GuideDon't expect to go swimming in the so called pond its all weeds and muck dear flies are killer but a little smokey fire takes care of them showers and bathrooms were always super clean id go back
ScoutWe ended up at Indian Ranch Campground after leaving another local campground under less-than-ideal circumstances… and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best accidental discoveries we’ve ever made.
From the moment we arrived, the energy here was completely different—welcoming, relaxed, and full of life. The campground is beautifully laid out with well-kept sites, plenty of trees, and easy access to Webster Lake(aka Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg—yes, really).
🎶 The concerts? Incredible. Being able to walk from our campsite to watch national music acts perform live at the Indian Ranch Amphitheater is a game-changer. It’s like a music festival that doesn’t require you to sleep in a muddy field. Huge bonus for music lovers!
🛺 Golf cart rentals make exploring the campground easy and fun, especially if you're hauling chairs, coolers, or just want to cruise around and enjoy the views.
🏊♂️ The pool is clean and inviting—perfect for relaxing after a show or just enjoying a sunny afternoon.
🌅 The lake itself is stunning, with spots to sit and watch the boats, fish, or just take in the view. The vibe is very“lake life meets concert culture,” and it works perfectly.
🍔 There’s also an on-site restaurant inside the gates with great food, cold drinks, and a laid-back patio atmosphere that completes the experience.
🤝 The people here? Fantastic. Campers were friendly, staff was helpful, and there was an overall sense of community that you just don’t get at every park. In Summary: Awesome mix of camping+ concerts Clean facilities, full hookups, and spacious sites Golf cart rentals= a must! Pool, lake, and great food on-site Walkable access to live shows= chef’s kiss🎶 We stumbled in… and didn’t want to leave If you're looking for more than just a campsite—if you want an experience—this is it. We'll be back. Probably more than once.
ScoutI wish I wasn’t writing this.
Truly. But if sharing our experience helps even one person avoid the same mistake, then it’s worth it.
We booked two full weeks at Douglas Forest RV Resort, drawn in by its wooded setting and supposed family-friendly charm. The photos looked peaceful. The location sounded perfect. But within hours of arrival, we realized we had walked into something completely different.
Almost immediately, we witnessed aggressive, disturbing behavior—adults yelling and chasing children through the park. At one point, a child was literally being pursued by a vehicle. In a campground. On the roads where people walk, dogs are walked, and kids ride bikes. We were shocked. We kept expecting someone from staff to step in—but no one did. When we brought it up to another guest, they just nodded and said,“Yeah… it’s always like this.” Turns out, management is known to overlook certain behavior from“regulars.”
As we walked the grounds, we also noticed**several people clearly living out of tents—**not camping, not weekend warriors, but living there long-term. It gave the entire campground an uneasy, off-kilter feel. The line between traveler and transient is not well-maintained here, and it adds to the overall lack of safety and structure.
We were ready to leave that night, but with tight, poorly lit roads, towing out after dark just wasn’t safe. So we locked up, barely slept, and pulled out at first light. We had paid for 14 nights. We stayed one. And we didn’t ask for a refund—because honestly, we just wanted out.
And yes, we later discovered that many of the glowing reviews online were written by someone who works at the campground. That’s not just misleading—it’s reckless. Campers rely on those reviews to make informed choices.
Douglas Forest RV Resort could be something special, but it’s not. Not right now. Not while safety is ignored, accountability is non-existent, and some guests are clearly treated as untouchable. Please, do your homework before booking here.
We wish we had—just one day earlier.
GuideMixed Experience- Potential Hindered by Operational Issues
The new ownership appears committed to improvements, though the focus seems more on revenue generation than guest experience at this time.
Infrastructure Concerns: The electrical system needs significant attention. Multiple RVs share single pedestals, and we observed exposed wire connections and pest issues at electrical boxes. Power fluctuations are common during warm weather, causing frequent breaker trips. The road system requires maintenance- while some fresh gravel has been applied, many intersections remain challenging for larger trailers due to poor grading and poorly placed boulders.
Accommodations& Atmosphere: This is primarily a seasonal/long-term resident park rather than a traditional camping resort. The site composition includes many permanent residents, which creates more of a residential community feel. For those seeking a transient camping experience, this may not align with expectations.
Facilities: The pool is well-maintained and enjoyable. However, other amenities need attention- the playground equipment shows its age, and laundry facilities, while clean, have mechanical reliability issues. Currently, only one restroom facility is fully operational, with others being gradually brought online.
Accessibility: Most sites feature loose gravel surfaces that may present challenges for guests with mobility equipment. The playground uses mulch surfacing, which may also limit accessibility.
Management: Communication with management regarding concerns can be challenging, and families should be prepared for a more relaxed supervision environment.
Bottom Line: While the location has natural beauty and potential, current operational challenges and pricing don't align well with the amenity level provided. Those seeking a quiet, well-maintained camping experience might find better value elsewhere until improvements are completed. Positive reviews seem to be coming from investors of the campground or people with personal interest.
ScoutThe Quarry has something for everyone. Swimming, fishing, hiking, seasonal, daily, full hookups or tenting. Lots of pull throughs!
LegendWe were here a couple years ago and told everyone we knew about it in the PNW never knowing if our big road trips would have us near Foxboro again. Imagine our surprise and delight when our quest to hit all the MLB parks showed Normandy as proximal to Fenway. Yahoo! Red Sox win and we get to be here again. Kids and adults alike love it. What’s not to love. It’s the kind of place summer camping trip memories are made of. 4 pools, fishing pond, lodge, trivia night, soccer, baseball, softball and frisbee golf and so much more. Full hook ups. Super long sites.
Camping near Auburn, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Auburn, MA, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any state parks with camping facilities near Auburn?
Wells State Park Campground in Sturbridge features newly renovated bathroom/shower facilities and sits on Walker Pond. The park offers an extensive, well-marked trail system with varying difficulty levels, plus swimming, biking, and fishing opportunities. Willard Brook State Forest Campground provides another excellent option with level sites arranged around a small, bisected loop surrounded by towering pines. Located just up the hill from Damon Pond, this tranquil setting makes for a peaceful state park camping experience in north/central Massachusetts.
What campgrounds near Auburn offer full amenities for families?
Families looking for amenity-rich camping near Auburn should consider Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest, located less than 25 miles north of Boston. This campground provides ample on-site activities with wooded sites perfect for family camping. For a resort-style experience, Pine Acres Family Camping Resort near Oakham offers comprehensive amenities including water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. The resort caters specifically to families with recreational activities and comfortable facilities, making it ideal for those seeking a full-service camping experience close to Auburn.
What are the best camping spots near Auburn?
Central Massachusetts offers several excellent camping options near Auburn. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake provides waterfront sites where you can paddle or walk into your campsite, with a convenient canoe/kayak launch nearby. For those seeking a hidden gem, Otter River State Forest offers a clean, well-maintained campground with swimming options in a pond or a short drive to a larger lake. Both locations provide a peaceful setting with recreational activities like hiking, swimming, and fishing while remaining accessible from the Auburn area.
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