Massachusetts offers several options for glamping near Boylston with varying levels of accommodations and natural settings. Situated in Worcester County at approximately 480 feet above sea level, the area features rolling hills with mixed hardwood forests that provide comfortable camping conditions through three seasons. Many campgrounds near Boylston remain open from April through October, though specific amenities may be limited during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Hiking at Wells State Park: Located in Sturbridge, this park offers woodland trails with connections to the campground. "Beautiful park! Yes you will hear the road so plan accordingly and not all sites are level. The best plus side ever....NEW HUGE bathrooms!!" notes Ryan C. about Wells State Park Campground.
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds maintain disc golf courses on their properties, allowing for casual play without leaving the grounds. "There are a lot of choices for hiking including a disc golf course," says Deborah B. about West Thompson Lake Campground.
Kayaking and fishing: Many sites offer water access for small craft with some restricting fishing to catch-and-release. "We've camped here twice so far and can't wait to be back. This campground is very small and quiet, but the lake and adjoining river offer hours of fun for small craft. Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings," shares Cynthia K.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds have updated their facilities recently. "The bathrooms were clean and water was easy close to the camp ground. If you drive they have a great breakfast place about two miles from the camp ground," mentions Jamal C. about Otter River State Forest.
Pet-friendly accommodations: Most campgrounds in the region welcome dogs with varying restrictions. "They have a really long list of amenities for this campground...huge off-leash dog park (you can reserve individual day kennels)," reports Nancy W. about Normandy Farms Campground.
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds often host special events during peak seasons. "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween 🎃. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities. They have an indoor and an outdoor pool. The restrooms are clean," shares Liz W.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, particularly for specialized accommodations like yurts. "We are going back in August to rent the yurt and bring the whole family. It's located not too far from the NH line and not too far from Fitchburg," explains Susanne V. about Willard Brook State Forest Campground.
Water access limitations: Not all ponds or lakes permit swimming despite their scenic appeal. "The lake is pretty but you cannot swim or eat the fish," cautions Deborah B.
Seasonal availability: Most glamping options in this region operate on limited schedules. "Prices are steep for what you get if you are out of state," notes Jean C. who recommends checking fees carefully as Massachusetts increased out-of-state pricing significantly in recent years.
Tips for camping with families
Playground considerations: Note the condition and location of play equipment when selecting a site. "Playground was a bit older but it was maintained well, and the kids had fun," shares Joe D. about The Pine Campground.
Beach amenities: Swimming areas vary greatly in size and maintenance. "Gorgeous campground. It's red clay instead of sand. I knocked a star because I think the swimming area could be bigger and raked," comments Emily H.
Privacy levels: Site spacing affects the family camping experience significantly. "The sites that are near the small pond are generally larger and have better space for pitching a tent. The sites on the first two loops/spur roads are smaller," advises Jean C.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites require significant adjustment for larger rigs. "Our site (47) took a little leveling to get right but it was pretty nice having views of the water," explains Sean at Sutton Falls Camping Area.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow roads or tight turns challenging for larger vehicles. "Covered bridge that scared me a little due to size concerns but its quite tall and wide enough. Our rig is 11'9" to the top of the A/C and we had no issues," adds Sean.
Site specifications: Check site dimensions carefully before booking. "We chose a paved full hook-up pull thru with paved patio (Site E1). Our site was easy to navigate in and out of and was definitely big rig-friendly with ample space for our motorhome and tow car," reports Nancy W.
