Campgrounds surrounding Buffumville Lake offer varied terrain and amenities for dogs and their owners. The region features heavily wooded sites with several bodies of water including Lake Manchaug, Walker Pond, and West Thompson Lake. Sites range from primitive tent areas to full-service RV hookups with most campgrounds open from mid-April through mid-October.
What to do
Fishing at Walker Pond: Wells State Park Campground provides access to this fishing spot with multiple species available. "Great campground located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts on walker pond. Offers hiking, biking, swimming, fishing. Nice and quiet also," notes John L., highlighting the diverse activities.
Disc golf courses: West Thompson Lake Campground has an on-site course perfect for beginners and intermediate players. According to Kasie R., the campground offers "hiking trails galore, disk golf, and swimming nearby. So fun!"
River tubing: Charlie Brown Campground sits adjacent to the Natchaug River with tubing opportunities. "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!" Michael shares in his review.
Lakeside recreation: Many campers appreciate the multiple water access points. Michael adds that Charlie Brown has "grounds were clean, the playground was nice, and the people were all friendly," making it ideal for water-focused recreation.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Pine Acres Family Camping Resort offers larger sites for dog owners needing space. "Tent sites were very dispersed and way up on the top of the mountain. Another big plus was the abundance of wood to get from fallen trees (not having to pay for the expensive bundles at the store) and the size of the fire pits," explains Rob L.
Clean facilities: Newer bathhouse renovations make several campgrounds more comfortable for extended stays. Lauren C. mentions 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."
Dog-specific amenities: Pine Acres provides designated dog areas. According to Rob G., it's "great for kids and pets. We love taking the dog to the dog beach for a swim."
Proximity to attractions: Thousand Trails Sturbridge offers convenient access to Old Sturbridge Village. As Sammii D. notes, the campground is "close to Old Sturbridge Village and many cool hikes and MA cities," making it perfect for day trips with your dog.
What you should know
Cell coverage varies dramatically: Reception can be spotty in forested areas. At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, Sammii D. reports, "the place is massive and they are more about make money than making people comfortable. First main issue was how bad the cell reception is."
Summer crowds at beaches: George Washington State Campground gets busy during peak season. "There is a nice beach for children. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe. The dogs cannot go on the beach, but they can go in the boats," explains Jessica W.
Site reservation strategy: Request sites away from highways for quieter camping with dogs. Jessica also notes at George Washington that "It is very noisy, the road has heavy traffic. I was disappointed that I picked a hike in site and it sounded like I was camped on the side of a highway."
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant temperature variation between day and night, even in summer months. Firewood availability differs between campgrounds, with Rob L. mentioning Pine Acres has "abundance of wood to get from fallen trees."
Tips for camping with families
Pick sites near amenities: West Thompson Lake Campground offers family-friendly layouts. Cynthia K. says, "The park rangers and camp staff are super friendly and helpful, and the facilities are kept neat as a pin all the time."
Book waterfront sites early: Prime locations sell out quickly, especially during summer. "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers," notes Nick P. about George Washington State Campground.
Consider swim safety: Not all lakes allow swimming due to water quality concerns. Jeremiah F. points out that West Thompson Lake has restrictions: "We were slightly disappointed that the lake was not suitable for swimming (as was posted), but it wasn't a big deal."
Plan for evening activities: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours starting at 10 PM. Cynthia K. adds that West Thompson Lake is "very small and quiet, but the lake and adjoining river offer hours of fun for small craft."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Indian Ranch Campground offers unique amenities but has specific considerations. Jim R. recommends, "Golf cart rentals make exploring the campground easy and fun, especially if you're hauling chairs, coolers, or just want to cruise around and enjoy the views."
Site leveling needs: Wells State Park requires additional preparation. According to Jen V., "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."
Electrical limitations: Understanding amperage restrictions prevents trip interruptions. Jen continues about Wells State Park, "We were able to pull in and get leveled relatively easily, even in the pitch-black. The site was very spacious, close to the bath house, and had a really nice view of Walker Pond through the surrounding trees."
Weekend planning: Several campgrounds host seasonal events that change the atmosphere. At Indian Ranch, Jim R. notes, "Being able to walk from our campsite to watch national music acts perform live at the Indian Ranch Amphitheater is a game-changer," which creates a livelier weekend environment.
