Camping near Buffumville Lake presents options for overnight stays in south-central Massachusetts where hardwood forests meet the French River watershed. The region's mild summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during peak camping season, with occasional humidity spikes in July and August. Sites within a 20-mile radius of the lake offer access to multiple water bodies including Walker Pond, West Thompson Lake, and the Natchaug River.
What to do
Hiking network at Wells State Park: The trail system ranges from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes with rocky terrain. "The hiking is some of the best I have seen from a campground in the area, with a huge system of trails which are all very well marked," notes a visitor to Wells State Park Campground.
Disc golf access: West Thompson Lake Campground features an on-site disc golf course that accommodates various skill levels. A recent camper mentioned, "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."
Paddling opportunities: Lakeside access at Sutton Falls allows for multiple water activities. A camper at Sutton Falls Camping Area shared, "Had a great time, kids had a blast with the boat rentals and fishing. Saw they have 2 yurts for rent as well."
Cultural sites nearby: Old Sturbridge Village offers a historical complement to outdoor recreation. "I was very pleasantly surprised by this Park, just tucked away off of Route 49 in Sturbridge. It is practically down the road from Treehouse Brewery, near Sturbridge Village, Hyland Orchard and countless other community amenities," reports one visitor.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Many campgrounds in the area prioritize natural spacing between campers. At George Washington State Campground, guests appreciate the layout: "Big open sites, really quiet, great place to relax and hike," reports one visitor.
Modern bath facilities: Bathroom quality varies between locations but recent renovations have improved several campgrounds. "Wells State Park camp grounds recently got new bathrooms and they are so clean! The campsites are a nice size to drive your car up to and still have ample tent/picnic table/fire space," shares a camper.
Water recreation beyond swimming: Fishing and paddling options exist at multiple locations. One camper at West Thompson Lake noted, "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. Fishing here is all catch and release."
Proximity to local breweries: The Treehouse Brewery appears in multiple reviews as a destination highlight. "Intereating sites, well built. Not particularly near much for real outdoor activities. Decent place to be close to treehouse brewery," states one camper.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for comfortable setup. "We booked site #39 online, based on proximity to bath house. No pictures of individual campsites on the ReserveAmerica booking site, so we were kind of winging it. The site seemed nice, but was very un-level, with a steep, narrow driveway," reports a visitor to Wells State Park.
Variable cell reception: Digital connectivity varies dramatically between locations. A camper at Thousand Trails Sturbridge reported, "Cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls."
Seasonal availability: Most glamping options close to Buffumville Lake operate from May through October. "Deep in the woods. Great variety of activities. Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers," notes a visitor to Brialee Campground.
Road noise concerns: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "I was disappointed that I picked a hike in site and it sounded like I was camped on the side of a highway," shares one camper about their experience.
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Family-focused campgrounds offer structured programming. At Brialee Family Campground, "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs."
Playground quality: Play areas vary significantly between locations. "Wells State Park camp grounds recently got new bathrooms and they are so clean! The campsites are a nice size to drive your car up to and still have ample tent/picnic table/fire space. Camp sites are clearly labeled and none are that far of a walk from the beach or bathrooms. There were lots of families camping when I last visited, and also a handful of dogs joining campers," reports a visitor.
Multi-age entertainment options: Some sites offer recreation beyond traditional camping. "Beautiful campground. It's red clay instead of sand. I knocked a star because I think the swimming area could be bigger and raked," notes one camper about the beach area at Wells State Park.
Budget considerations: Glamping accommodations near Buffumville Lake typically cost 40-60% more than standard tent sites. "Easy and affordable campsite to book," mentions a camper at Wells State Park regarding standard (non-glamping) options.
Tips from RVers
Power supply issues: Electrical capacity varies significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Webster Sturbridge Family Campground reported, "The electrical is the worst part. It constantly fluctuates and if you have a surge protector it will turn everything off in your camper to keep it safe. The electrical could not run our air conditioner and we had 30 amp power."
Dump station access: Not all sites offer full hookups. At Charlie Brown Campground, "Good place overall and great price. Not far off of 395, so that's always nice. Had a beautiful river side site. Oversized and nicely unkept. Grey dump only due to river so no biggie."
Site privacy factors: Wooded vs. open field placement impacts the camping experience. "The sites are pretty cramped and don't offer for lots of activities to be done at your site. My only complaint are the number of dogs who bark constantly and the owners who let their dogs run off leash," notes a visitor to Brialee Family Campground.
Site navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have limited turning radius for larger RVs. "The campground is quite tight but doable for large campers," reports one RVer about their experience at Webster Sturbridge Family Campground.
