Wells State Park Campground near Auburn offers a quiet woodland setting with 400-acre Walker Pond at its center. Located just 20 minutes southwest of Auburn in Sturbridge, this campground sits at an elevation of 720 feet, providing cooler temperatures during summer months. The campground operates from May through October, with newly renovated shower facilities and 60 campsites nestled among mature trees.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Wells State Park Campground features an extensive trail system ranging from easy walks to challenging terrain. "The hiking is great with Carpenter's Rocks being one of the more difficult trails, but the payoff in views is worth it," notes one visitor. The park maintains well-marked paths through dense forest.
River activities: Charlie Brown Campground provides water recreation along the Natchaug River. "We did a late checkout for $5 extra, but the noon checkout and two dump stations would make leaving on time a non-issue as well," reports a camper who enjoyed tubing on the river. The campground offers tractor rides and riverside sites at reasonable rates.
Swimming options: George Washington State Campground features a clean swimming beach area at its lake. "There is a nice beach for children. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe," notes a reviewer. The park maintains a designated swimming area separate from boating zones.
What campers like
Scenic pond views: Sutton Falls Camping Area offers waterfront sites along Aldrich Mill Pond. "We stayed here as our first venture out with our new rig and it was a nice place. The site we stayed at (47) took a little leveling to get right but it was pretty nice having views of the water," shares one visitor. The campground includes a covered bridge and waterfall area.
Privacy between sites: West Thompson Lake Campground provides spacious, shaded campsites. "Large campsites, Nice basketball court, Decent bathrooms for a state campground," explains one reviewer. The campground maintains wooded buffers between many sites, creating a more secluded camping experience.
Well-maintained facilities: Normandy Farms Campground offers premium amenities for glamping near Auburn. "Everything was fantastic. If I could pick ONE thing to improve it would be bigger shower stalls. But seriously. There is so much to do and so much amazing staff that you'd never have to leave," mentions a satisfied glamper. The resort maintains four swimming pools, including an indoor heated option.
What you should know
Electrical considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations with power supply. At Webster Sturbridge Family Campground, "The electrical is the worst part. It constantly fluctuates and if you have a surge protector it will turn everything off in your camper to keep it safe. The electrical could not run our air conditioner and we had 30 amp power."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Auburn area operate from mid-April through mid-October. Wells State Park closes after Columbus Day while Sutton Falls runs April 15 to October 1. During peak summer weekends, reservations are essential.
Cell service variations: Coverage can be spotty in wooded areas. One camper noted at Sturbridge RV Resort: "First main issue was how bad the cell reception is. Normally, I'd day that's a perk for camping but we're full-timers and work on the road so it is important for us."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Wells State Park Campground, "The campsites are a nice size to drive your car up to and still have ample tent/picnic table/fire space. Camp sites are clearly labeled and none are that far of a walk from the beach or bathrooms."
Organized activities: Campgrounds often schedule family-friendly events. Charlie Brown Campground provides "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!"
Beach areas: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming zones. George Washington State Campground has "a beautiful beach for children. The water was warm and clean." Most lake beaches feature gradual entry points appropriate for younger swimmers.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campsites require some adjustment. At Sutton Falls, a camper noted, "The site we stayed at (47) took a little leveling to get right but it was pretty nice having views of the water."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have covered bridges or narrow roads. Sutton Falls has a covered bridge that concerned one RVer: "There's a covered bridge that scared me a little due to size concerns but it's quite tall and wide enough. Our rig is 11'9" to the top of the A/C and we had no issues."
Hookup variations: Not all sites offer full connections. At George Washington Campground, one RVer shared: "Very neat and clean, open, and quiet. Firewood $5 a bundle, pumpout $25, water, electric, gray water hookup, $63." Check campground maps carefully when booking to ensure your site has the necessary hookups.
