Best Tent Camping near Auburn, MA
Tent campers seeking secluded sites near Auburn, Massachusetts have several options within an hour's drive. Tully Lake Recreation Area offers walk-in tent sites along the shores of a scenic lake in Royalston, while Barton Cove Campground provides tent platforms with views of the Connecticut River. Both locations feature tent-only areas that emphasize a more traditional camping experience away from RVs and developed campgrounds.
Access to tent campsites varies considerably across these locations, with most requiring some planning for supplies and gear transport. At Tully Lake, campers must use provided wooden wheelbarrows to transport equipment from the central parking area to their sites, with distances ranging from 50 yards to nearly a mile for waterfront locations. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most sites, but amenities remain basic. Most tent-only areas feature centralized bathroom facilities rather than site-specific amenities. A review on The Dyrt noted, "You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site."
Waterfront tent sites provide the most sought-after experiences in the region. The island site at Tully Lake offers complete seclusion with 360-degree water views, though these premium locations typically require booking immediately when reservations open, sometimes months in advance. Boston Harbor Islands State Park provides a unique tent camping experience accessible only by ferry, offering remarkable city skyline views after day visitors depart. Walk-in tent sites at Federated Women's Club State Forest provide a more rustic experience with composting toilets and no running water. "The sites do come with picnic tables and most of the campsites offer grates with the firepit. The camp store offers water for sale if you forgot some," mentioned one camper describing the basic but adequate facilities typical of tent campgrounds in the region.