Best Tent Camping near Barre, MA
Several tent campgrounds surround Barre, Massachusetts, with options ranging from rustic walk-in sites to more established facilities with tent platforms. Tully Lake Recreation Area in nearby Royalston offers cart-accessible tent sites with waterfront options, while Federated Womens Club State Forest in Petersham provides more primitive walk-in camping experiences. Both locations are within 20 miles of Barre and accommodate tent campers looking for natural settings without RV traffic.
Tent sites at these campgrounds typically require some walking from parking areas. At Tully Lake, carts are provided to transport gear from the main parking lot to campsites, which can range from a few yards to nearly a mile away. A visitor commented, "Each site has a table and a fire ring. There is one central restroom with showers and a place to wash dishes." Most tent areas feature basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly. Federated Womens Club State Forest offers more rustic accommodations with composting toilets and no running water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies.
The tent camping experience near Barre emphasizes natural surroundings and quiet spaces. Sites at Tully Lake provide lake access for swimming, fishing, and paddling, with canoe and kayak rentals available on-site. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds, including paths to Doane's Falls and routes around Tully Lake. According to one review, "Sites are very basic, with only a picnic table and fire ring," making them ideal for campers seeking simplicity. Cell phone coverage ranges from limited to non-existent in these wooded areas, offering a true disconnection from urban life. Many tent sites feature tree cover for shade and privacy, though waterfront locations may have less vegetation screening between sites. For tent campers seeking seclusion, the sites furthest from parking areas typically offer the most privacy and natural experience.