Tent campsites near Bolton, Massachusetts range from primitive walk-in sites to grounds with bathroom facilities and organized activities. The region features several small lakes and ponds that provide fishing and paddling opportunities, with elevations ranging from 200 to 600 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal, operating from May through October due to New England's cold winters.
What to do
Swimming at natural beaches: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers swimming directly from waterfront campsites with no formal swimming area. As one camper notes, "We took our canoe and spend the whole day at the lake. You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax. It's a beautiful area right in your own back yard."
Paddling and water exploration: Cape Ann Camp Site provides access to coastal waters for kayaking and canoeing. A visitor mentions, "Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever."
Hiking through historic areas: Explore old forts and historic structures near Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground where a camper reports: "Exploring the island was awesome. We found all kinds of bunkers and a brick house. We ended up making a fire pit on the beach and a flat rock 'grill' to make our burgers."
Wildlife observation: Wooded campsites at Cape Ann Camp Site offer chances to spot local wildlife. One camper shares: "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."
What campers like
Car-free camping environments: Tully Lake Recreation Area creates a quieter atmosphere with its walk-in setup. A camper explains, "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around. It also made for a super quiet stay."
Rustic accommodations near urban centers: Camp Nihan Education Center balances wilderness and convenience. A visitor shares: "The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods. A recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy."
Private, secluded sites: Many tent campers value privacy found at Tully Lake. One writes, "We stayed at site 1, which was HUGE and extremely private. Sites closer to the water that we saw were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out."
Proximity to beaches: Cape Ann Camp Site offers beach access that campers appreciate. As one notes: "Great beach access. Campground is clean but very rustic. Facilities are on the old side."
What you should know
Cart logistics for gear transport: At Tully Lake, be prepared to haul equipment from parking areas. A camper advises, "The sites near the water or on bluffs are further away, and though they provide carts the trails can make hauling them tough. Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea."
Composting toilets at primitive sites: Federated Womens Club State Forest offers basic facilities. A visitor notes, "Bring your own water. There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field."
Limited cell service: Many campsites have poor connectivity. At Tully Lake, "Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want (driving, trail, geocaching) before you arrive."
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly. For Boston Harbor Islands, "These sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance. That said, you can also look for last minute openings."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites based on bathroom proximity: When camping with small children at Tully Lake, consider bathroom location. One family cautions, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night."
Consider weekend noise levels: Holiday weekends can be louder at some campgrounds. A Tully Lake camper shares, "We went memorial day weekend few years ago, busy holiday of young teens partying. Park staff tried their best, but other campers definitely took away from our stay."
Select campgrounds with organized activities: Lost Boys Hideout offers extra amenities for families. As one visitor mentioned, "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!"
Seek car-free environments: The walk-in design at Tully Lake creates safer spaces for children. A parent notes, "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around."
Tips from RVers
RV sites less private than tent areas: At Cape Ann Camp Site, tent and RV experiences differ. A camper observes, "The campground is clean and quiet with beautiful tent sites. The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites."
Consider access road conditions: Some campgrounds have rough entry roads. For Federated Women's Club State Forest, "It's possible to park at other sites; I'm guessing the gate at the beginning of the road toward the campground is open when the campground is open. If so, high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred."
Limited full-service options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Bolton have minimal RV accommodations. Cape Ann Camp Site provides some services, where campers note, "They have water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi."
