Buffumville Lake sits at approximately 522 feet above sea level in south-central Massachusetts, surrounded by mixed hardwood forests and wetland areas. The lake spans 200 acres and features a maximum depth of 35 feet. Camping facilities in the region often operate seasonally, with most closing between late October and mid-April due to the harsh New England winters.
What to do
Hiking in Douglas State Forest: The forest offers multiple trail systems directly accessible from Douglas Forest RV Resort. "You're literally steps away from Douglas State Forest, which made morning hikes and evening strolls absolutely magical," notes a visitor. The network includes both flat terrain and more challenging elevated routes.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide direct lake or pond access for anglers. At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, one camper mentioned "catch and release fishing" among the activities available at their lake. Fish species commonly found in area waters include largemouth bass, pickerel, and various panfish.
Water recreation: Seasonal water activities remain popular from June through September. "Cool pond for paddle boats and canoeing! Family friendly," reported a camper about Thousand Trails Sturbridge. Many regional campgrounds maintain their own small lakes or ponds for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower houses rank high in visitor preferences. A camper at Newport RV Park appreciated "clean bathrooms with music piped in." These facilities often represent the most significant factor in overall satisfaction ratings.
Playground access: Family-oriented campgrounds typically feature play areas for children. "The playground was a hit for our kids!" wrote a visitor to Thousand Trails Sturbridge. Most play structures include standard swings, slides, and climbing equipment suitable for children ages 5-12.
Hiking trails: On-site and nearby walking paths provide recreational opportunities without requiring vehicle travel. At Woodmore Family Campground, visitors appreciated "some local hiking" options. Trail difficulties range from easy, flat terrain to moderate inclines suitable for day hiking.
What you should know
Cell reception varies dramatically: Coverage gaps exist throughout the region, particularly at certain rv parks near Buffumville Lake. At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, a reviewer warned that "cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls." Work-dependent travelers should verify connectivity options before booking.
Seasonal operations: Most facilities close during winter months. "We stayed for over a week off season, mid September. Very quiet during the week, weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night," reported a camper at Woodmore Family Campground. Call ahead for current operating dates.
Reservation requirements: Advanced booking remains essential during peak periods. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, a visitor shared how "Steve saved us honestly because we had no reservation here. By chance they had a cancellation." Weekend availability becomes particularly limited from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips for camping with families
Quieter weekday stays: For families seeking peaceful environments, Sunday through Thursday dates offer significantly reduced noise and crowding. A visitor to Woodmore Family Campground observed: "Very quiet during the week, weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night."
Pool considerations: Swimming facilities often operate on limited seasonal schedules. A Newport RV Park camper praised their "clean facilities" while noting they offer "not many amenities." Call ahead to confirm pool availability and operating hours if this represents a primary activity for your family.
Bathroom proximity: When tent camping with younger children, site selection relative to restrooms matters significantly. A Camp Coldbrook visitor mentioned: "The bathrooms in the campground were newer and immaculate. This 'resort' has lots of amenities that would occupy kids time."
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: Internal campground roads present navigation difficulties for larger rigs at several facilities. A review of Newport RV Park noted "our site was not angled and that made it tougher to get in to it." Many campgrounds feature tight turns requiring careful maneuvering.
Leveling requirements: Site grading varies significantly among rv parks surrounding Buffumville Lake. A Newport RV Park visitor warned: "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)." Bring additional leveling blocks when visiting this region.
Site types: Different campgrounds offer varying hookup capabilities and pad materials. At Newport RV Park, a reviewer observed "good size sites. Trees. Decent WiFi." Another mentioned "take note of grass and course gravel pad material as well." Most full-hookup sites provide 30-amp service with limited 50-amp availability.
