Top Tent Camping near Ayer, MA
Looking for the best options for tent camping near Ayer? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Ayer with tent camping. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Ayer, MA (17)
1. Greenfield State Park
19 Reviews•41 Photos•98 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
2. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
9 Reviews•90 Photos•2 SavesOverview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to come relax at Tully Lake. There are a variety of outdoor recreation activities for you and you family. Although the dam was built primarily to reduce flood damages on the Millers and Connecticut Rivers, the 1,300-acre reservoir area provides a place for you to get away from it all and connect with nature.
Recreation
Tully Lake offers many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Activities in and around the lake include mountain biking, camping, disc golf, hiking, picnicking, boating, and fishing and hunting in the appropriate seasons.
Facilities
The Tully Lake Pavilion is located in the recreation area and offers picnic tables and grills. Maximum group size is 50 people with parking for 25 passenger vehicles at the upper gravel lot. The recreation area has a small playground for young children, volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. Bathrooms are provided, but there is no running water.
Natural Features
The 1,262-acre Tully Lake property is managed to sustain a healthy ecosystem for future generations. The thriving biodiversity of the Tully River Valley and the interconnections of our forests, wetlands, waters, and wildlife are valued and managed for the long term. Tully Lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from tiny insects and song birds, to large mammals such as deer and moose. Fifty-five percent of the reservoir area is wetlands, providing habitat for fish, waterfowl, song birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as beaver, mink and otter. The rest of the property provides habitat for upland species such as deer, coyote, fisher, owl, fox, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, rabbit, and squirrel. The forest within Tully Dam's reservoir area is composed primarily of white pine, providing habitat for owls and woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks, and white-tailed deer.
Nearby Attractions
When visiting Tully Lake there are several opportunities for visitors to explore in the surrounding area. At the north end of the lake there is a tent only campground run by the Trustees of the Reservations which provides a perfect launching point to enjoy the outdoor attractions nearby. Ten miles away is the Birch Hill Dam, another Army Corps project that provides miles of trails and river to explore. The Quabbin Reservoir is also within a short ten mile drive of Tully Lake and serves the city of Boston as its water supply. The Quabbin is a unique area; there were four towns flooded to create it, and it has some of the most interesting blends of human and natural history in the region.
Charges & Cancellations
Please review the cancellation and refund policy at the bottom of the webpage. In general, we will require at least two weeks prior to your reservation to consider a request.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$40 / night
3. Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
8 Reviews•67 Photos•88 SavesCOVID has changed some reservation availability. Please check before planning to camp Made up of 34 islands and peninsulas, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is an urban oasis just minutes from Boston’s city center. Hop aboard a park ferry and discover islands rich with opportunities for outdoor recreation, relaxation, and Boston Harbor Islands camping.
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Yurts
- Picnic Table
$8 - $70 / night
4. Cape Ann Camp Site
14 Reviews•21 Photos•246 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$36 - $44 / night
5. Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp
2 Reviews•9 Photos•49 SavesCamp Nihan is the perfect place for your next group camping experience. There's plenty of opportunities to learn about the local habitat. Explore a variety of nature and wildlife across 65 acres.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
7. Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities
1 Review•1 Photo•3 SavesOverview
Edward MacDowell Lake is situated in a quiet corner of the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.
This day-use area lies just off State Route 101 on the shores of the picturesque lake named after the famous composer and concert pianist, Edward Alexander MacDowell.
Natural Features:
The 165-acre lake is surrounded by densely forested rolling hills. Shady pine, birch, poplar, maple, oak, beech, hemlock and alder trees cover the area.
Wildlife is abundant in and around the park. White-tailed deer, moose, beaver, fisher, muskrat, otter and many other mammals make their homes around the lake. Birders may observe many species including osprey, hawks, owls, great blue herons, woodpeckers, waterfowl and songbirds.
Recreation:
Visitors can spend days kayaking and canoeing on the scenic lake, and a boat ramp is provided for easy lake access.
Fishing is also a popular activity. Largemouth bass, pickerel, perch and horned pout are all found in abundance.
Several hiking trails link up around the lake as well, including the West Ridge Trail, which runs along the entire western edge of the lake and up through the surrounding wetlands.
Younger visitors enjoy the parks Junior Ranger Program, which focuses on the surrounding forest, its wildlife and waterways and protecting the environment. Kids ages six through 12 become honorary park rangers upon completion and receive a patch and certificate.
Facilities:
This year-round park is open from sunrise to sunset. It offers two day-use picnic shelters, perfect for large parties or family functions. Flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and grills are provided.
A swim beach, playground, horseshoe pits and volleyball court offer additional recreation opportunities.
Nearby Attractions:
Educational programs are offered by park rangers, and the nearby ranger station contains interpretive exhibits.
- Pets
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
9. Lost Boys Hideout
3 Reviews•21 Photos•78 SavesPlatform and Back-country Sites are available. Sunset Ridge is hammock preferred and small tent friendly, however Only the signature site has a provided tent and stove ( this listing is for weekday rentals only) … see our separate listing for the signature Lost Boys Hideout Rock'n Summer for weekend rentals of the campsite {which does have pictures here on this page). Different sites have different parking areas and different levels of access ease. Sunset Ridge is the most difficult, think rural and rugged. While the Hideout, our main signature site, is the easiest and has the most amenities. Sleepy Hollow is the middle ground to walk in, with provided summer tents & some comforts, but is closest to the local public road. This is your perfect escape to the woods with a private seasonal pond and plenty of marked private hiking trails. A short drive down to the beach and a full-service boat ramp for Horace Lake, so bring your boat, water skis and ice fishing gear! You can rent our canoes for Horace Lake or Turkey Pond for great fishing. Don't forget your mountain bike for trails or area specialty adventure centers. Off site ATV trails, snowmobile trails, and other seasonal adventure locations are within easy reach. Be at peace and stay by the campfire soaking in calm with nature surrounding you. I'll have some fresh drinking water ready for you. We are excited to meet you! One night stays will be considered on a case-by-case basis- don't hesitate to ask! If we don't have a prior multi-day reservation one week ahead of time, we will do our best to accommodate you! Lots of extras available for rent for those folks who are not stocked up on camping gear. Bedding, tents, cooking gear, gas stove top, etc etc!
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$49 - $149 / night
Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Ayer
660 Reviews of 17 Ayer Campgrounds
Lorrie W.
Scout
Ashuelot River Campground
Ashuelot campground
Site 47 pull thru. Nice clean campground ! No neighbors left and right. Staff very nice. Very noisy tho in sites by the river due to Rte 10. We enjoyed the campground. Small and cozy. Nice size sites
- Judy W.
Traveler
Bear Brook State Park
Bearbrook Pros and Cons
Con: Signage is awful! Hard to find park, office and cabins! Once there, Looong drive to both campground and Cabins.
Pro: cabins are on a remote lake. Perfect for star gazing! Rustic but comfy (beds) cabins. Bring all your own stuff. No electricity, so no lights. Our cabin had a steep path. Others did not.
- ffallonScout
Sunset View Farms
Lovely spot in the woods
We booked last minute (2 hours before we arrived) and were met with the friendliest staff ready to help us at 7:30PM and get us checked in. Perfect spot if you don’t mind a 40 minute ride over to The Big E fair which is what brought us out to this part of MA. The restaurant was so nice, and to my surprise more than accommodating as I have celiac, they really went above and beyond. We will definitely be back next summer for a longer stay.
katherine B.Scout
Forest Lake Campgrounds
People who run it are rude and of their word
Paid in full for a week in July, we stay here every year. Learned in May that I had cancer and would need surgery and weekly chemo until the end of September. Contacted Forest Lake Campground in May to cancel reservation, discussed options and was told we could carry our week over for later. Just received the all clear from my Dr today. Called to make reservations and was told they would not honor our already paid week. They said we would not get our money back either. Won’t stay here again as they are not people of their word.
- CChuck H.Scout
Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort
Small, clean, quiet campground close to NH beaches and Portsmouth NH
Friendly staff, hard gravel access roads, level gravel sites. No issues with electric, sewer or water hookups. Some of the best clear, clean, drinking water at high pressure we have come across. Great access to beaches, numerous eateries and shopping minutes away. This is our second time we have been here and here for the month of September.
I would reccomend Seacoast RV Park to other campers.
- GGordon C.Traveler
Ponkapoag Camp
Beautiful
Had an amazing stay, cabin was perfect and comfortable. Water was nice and fish were biting. Can’t wait to come back.
Shannon S.Scout
Otter River State Forest
Perfect escape
Very peaceful! Little hidden gem! We loved our weekend away
- LLisa H.Traveler
Winding River Campground
Great time with kids
We had a great time here camping with our kids and grandkids. River is not much to look at but the pool was great and there were great events like foam parties, DJ at the pool, pancake breakfast and live music to name a few. Staff were friendly and helpful.
- Jonathan J.Traveler
Wompatuck State Park
Everything you NEED
This spot does have everything you need. It is very remote and a lot of distance between campsites. Lots of trees. The bathroom amenities work but not the cleanest. There isn’t much to the RV sites but an electric plug. Like I said what you need, but not want you might want.
Jean V.ScoutWompatuck State Park
Good (not excellent)
PROS
- 45 min from Boston
- You have everything you need there: firewood, bathrooms (with shower, soap and toilet paper), a camp pit...
- You get a map in the entrance - very helpful for hiking.
- You can take a trail from the campsite.
- Good sights while hiking, with good spots to have lunch or pause for water.
CONS
- Only one really: You don't have the feeling of being really in the woods. There is NOT a decent amount of land between each campsite. So if you have neighbors all around, you'll feel like in a village!
Jeffry D.Traveler
Quinebaug Cove Campground
Awesome Campground
The best activities for children and adults, great amenities, clean restrooms, Awesome pool thanks to ASHTON, Thanks so much.
- Jeremy T.Traveler
Circle 9 Ranch Campground
Dirty and uninviting
This is one of the dirtiest camp grounds I’ve been to. It smelled of septic gas and trash. The bathrooms were disgusting, the pool and playground were a slimy mess. Camp sites are small and buggy. Open septic line everywhere. Picnic tables were all rotten. Not a pleasant stay at all. This is a trailer park not a camp ground.
Tracy W.Scout
Autumn Hills Campground
Enjoyable and memorable experience
Autumn Hills Campground is AWESOME! It’s remotely located and the amenities and activities are amazing, something for everyone! The staff is so friendly and helpful and I can’t say enough how clean the bathrooms, laundry room and store are! The super nice owners, Adam& Jennifer are constantly making upgrades and changes and have really created a beautiful, family oriented campground! I recommend you take the virtual tour online so you can pick a sight that works for you and book it soon.
Miccal M.
LegendBear Brook State Park
Nice, Clean but crowded, and most sites are close together
This was my first time staying at Bear Brook, it's an easy campground to get to, once you get to the west gate it's about a 4-mile drive to the campground, if you're coming from the east it's about 1.5 miles.
The first impression was impressed by the size and how organized everything was. Check-in was easy, then driving to my site (#7) took a minute.
That's when I realized the sites were 4' apart in the section I was staying in. Other sites on each end are further apart.
The campground has a beach, a playground, a Ball field, and a store. The roads are all easy to drive on but narrow.
- Megan F.Traveler
Wompatuck State Park
Small Issues
I would probably nitpick stay at this park again. The site we had paid for was not given to us. The shower in the bathroom did not provide hot/warm water until the end of my shower, and then the water would not turn off. Also, the lady camping beside us was tent camping, and she literally smoked weed the whole time she was there. We have children, and while she was there, you couldn’t do anything outside without smelling it. Overall, not the best campground.
- kkimberly B.Scout
Saddleback Campground
If I could do negative I would
So my fiance and I we had called and asked if they had tent sites they put us at 9T ( which to any other campground T with the number means tent) but the owner comes up this morning being a complete ass saying that it wasn’t a tent site & that we requested to move sites and now all of a sudden it was a problem so paid 60?which was supposed to be paid for two nights & basically told that we had to pack up and leave with no refund & a very sour taste in my mouth from that campground. I will never return
- kkimberly B.Scout
Circle 9 Ranch Campground
Terrible
So I had gotten a tent site for 4 days and Roxanne the old bag in the office does nothing but talk about everyone & everytime you put in for a reservation she says I can’t give you a tent site 🤔🤔 but yet I’ve been nothing polite and
- aaliyyah A.Traveler
Normandy Farms Campground
Very Enjoyable 1 night stay
We enjoyed our tent site with a wooden lean-to. Overall very private and peaceful, however the only drawback is that people took frequent casual walks pass the area all day long. There's really no way around that.
We did not get a chance to enjoy the amenities, but they all looked nice and well thought out.
We will return.
- aaliyyah A.Traveler
Canoe River Campground
Good But Not Ideal for us
The campground was very busy with families events activities, etc. If you prefer a noisy fun experience and a more social experience with your very close neighbors, this is the pot for you. Our preferred style of camping requires more space and less noise. The pool bathrooms were gross, but the other facilities area near the tent sites was very nice and clean.
The food was great and the staff is friendly. Overall we had a great time, but its unlikely we’ll return mostly due to the noise level.
- AAnn B.
Guide
Spacious Skies French Pond
Plenty of room
I only stayed a few nights, but enjoyed it thoroughly. I had a view of the beautiful pond, which is really a lake, and wished I had more time to rent a kayak. The bathrooms were clean and easy to access, since I do not have sewer in my small pop-up. I spent most of my time exploring the area since there are a lot of things to do very close to this campground.
- AAnn B.Guide
Spacious Skies Seven Maples
Fiddleheads and Moose
The seven maple trees that greeted guests may be gone, but not the spirit of the campground. Staff were helpful and cheerful along with the chain saw carved bears that greeted me. A very nice shady campground with clean bathhouses - one with a moose guarding the entry - and common areas.
Mal L.Scout
Keyser Pond Campground
Fun time
Me and my fiancé last minute booked a 4th of July trip last minute and had a wonderful time! Our site was all rocks and we were tenting but we made it work knowing we booked the trip last minute! Brought our dog and he had fun!
Jason L.Guide
West Thompson Lake Campground
Pleasantly surprised
We had an excellent experience at this camp ground. The Staff and Rangers were polite and welcoming. We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property. Once the boat races finished each day the camp was very quiet and peaceful. Had a great weekend
Theresa H.TravelerWest Thompson Lake Campground
Great campground
Came for the boat races, very relaxing weekend
Janet R.Legend
Hanscom AFB FamCamp
Recreation camping close to Lexingtin and Concord
The HanscomField Fam Camp is a wooded recreational camp for military families and retirees, as well as for RV camping for active duty military on temporary orders. The campground offers RV sites, some with hookups, as well as more walk-in secluded tent sites as well as one yurt tent. The campground is peaceful and quiet, although adjacent to a very busy AFB. Proximity to the base provides access to the base exchange and other facilities, but the quiet location is a recreational retreat centered around several indoor and outdoor gathering spaces such as basketball and outdoor sports, and an indoor game and recreation room complete with crafts supplies for the kiddos and tourism info for the lical area. In the immediate vicinity are the villages of Lexington and Concord as well as the Minute Man National Park and Walden Pond, so the campground makes a great basecamp for exploration of the area’s rich culture and history. You are also not too far from Cambridge, and can easily access Boston from there if you like.
There are several clean modern bath houses, with hot showers and flush toilets. The office staff is very helpful and friendly!
Dogs are welcome too.
- AAnn B.Guide
Spacious Skies Minute Man
A little bit of heaven
Spacious Skies Minute Man is a forested haven so close to Boston that you think you are in the country. There are so many cool things to do just a short drive away. The nearby town of Ayer is right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Concord is only 30 minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites, and famous people home tours such as Louisa May Alcott. Lots of good coffee spots and restaurants in historic downtown Concord so spend a morning in this special city.
- kkimberly B.Scout
Lazy River Family Campground
Amazing😍🤩
Let me just start by saying I come here every year and I absolutely love the friendliness of the staff, the other campers and or people who tent. I bring my kids here every year the first camping trip kids always ask can we go to Lazy River Campground!! I enjoy every second of being here!
Guide to Ayer
Camping near Ayer, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do
- Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Bear Brook State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One visitor mentioned, "There are hiking trails throughout the campground," making it perfect for exploring nature.
- Water Activities: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking and swimming. A reviewer said, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
- Family Fun: Campgrounds like Normandy Farms Campground offer activities for kids. One camper noted, "It has so many things for the kids to do," making it a great choice for families.
What campers like
- Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, private sites at places like 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: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the facilities. A reviewer from George Washington State Campground mentioned, "Very clean bathrooms & hot showers," which is always a plus.
- Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpful staff at campgrounds like Boston/Cape Cod KOA. One guest said, "The staff was nice," which can make a big difference in your camping experience.
What you should know
- No Hookups at Some Sites: Many campgrounds, such as Wompatuck State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor noted, "There isn’t much to the RV sites but an electric plug."
- Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, "The weekend was packed!" so plan accordingly.
- Pet Policies: If you're bringing a pet, check the rules. For example, at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are allowed on trails but not in the campground during summer.
Tips for camping with families
- Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Normandy Farms Campground said, "Everyone is so friendly," which helps create a welcoming atmosphere for families.
- Plan for Mosquitoes: Some areas, like Bear Brook State Park Campground, can have mosquitoes. A camper advised, "Watch for that," so bring repellent.
- Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, "All sites are very private," which is great for families.
Tips from RVers
- Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level, as noted by a camper at Normandy Farms Campground, who said, "We basically had to park sideways and use a lot of leveling blocks."
- Check Site Size: Make sure to check the size of your site before booking. A reviewer at Boston/Cape Cod KOA mentioned, "The sites in our section are packed right on top of each other."
- Use Reservations: Especially during peak season, make reservations early. A camper at Salisbury Beach State Reservation recommended, "I recommend having reservations if you want to stay at this campground."
Camping near Ayer, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ayer, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ayer, MA is Greenfield State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ayer, MA?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Ayer, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.