3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent campsites surrounding Charlton, Massachusetts offer a mix of rustic accommodations in natural settings across several state parks and conservation areas. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston provides walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Federated Womens Club State Forest in Petersham offers more primitive tent camping experiences. Both locations provide access to trails, water features, and wooded environments typical of central Massachusetts.
Most tent campgrounds in the region have basic amenities but require some planning for comfort. At Tully Lake, tent platforms are available at each site, but campers must transport their gear from the parking area using provided carts, as the sites are walk-in only. Facilities include centralized flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers, and dishwashing stations. Federated Womens Club State Forest offers more rustic conditions with walk-in access, uneven sites with roots, and composting toilets. Many locations prohibit vehicles at the campsites, enhancing the quiet atmosphere but requiring additional preparation for gear transport.
The tent camping experience in this region is characterized by wooded surroundings and water access. Buck Hill Campground features large group sites accommodating multiple tents, positioned along Wakefield Pond for paddling and swimming opportunities. Waterfront sites at Tully Lake provide direct lake access for swimming and launching canoes or kayaks, which can be rented on-site. "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," one camper advised. Cell phone coverage is limited throughout most primitive tent camping areas, offering a true disconnect from technology. Summer months bring insects, so repellent is essential for comfortable tent camping experiences in these Massachusetts woodland settings.
"All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents). many of the sites are also along Wakefield Pond (big enough lake for canoe/kayak/etc."
"Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them."
"Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border."
from $40 / night
"We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike."
"Very peaceful overnight camping, no permit required. Small campsite, first come first served basis. Other posts claim you can park right the site, but you can not."
from $46 - $50 / night
"I wasn't going to come back again but it is very close to my grandkids. All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired. The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back. "
"The office was super helpful when I called to make reservations, making sure to ask questions about how big my tent was, what kind of view/privacy we wanted etc so they could help me find the perfect campsite"
from $22 - $30 / night
"Spots are hard to find.dorothy gave us a great spot near rest rooms and showers for the kids. Every single person we met was a delight and overly generous to us and our kids."
TravelerSmall but quaint park. It is the off season, but there are numerous folks here. Propane fill available. They stock the river behind the park with trout. Walking path in the woods along the river. Staff are friendly and helpful.
ScoutAmazing amenities and activities here. Staff is great. Lots of room for big rigs. Tent spots are shady while other ones are sunnier. They have rentals such as log cabins/ A-frames to rent also. Hot tubs and pools too!
TravelerBeautiful place about an hour from Salem Boston and Plymouth. Be careful getting in Sharp Hill coming up and down lots of scrapes on the ground tight navigation through sites lots of beautiful trees.
ScoutAfter a busy summer, we wanted somewhere we could just park the camper and slow down for a few days. Sterling Park worked out great for that. We spent one morning fishing, walked the trails later in the day and finished the evening around the fire. Nothing complicated, just a really enjoyable camping weekend.
ScoutWe came with another family and had a blast. The kids disappeared together for half the day while the adults hung around the sites. Between fishing, the pool and the other activities, everyone found something they liked. Would definatly come back.
ScoutOur kids are already asking when we can go back. They loved the pool, playground and all the space to run around. We mostly just sat back and enjoyed having a few days off.
ScoutFriendly staff and very clean facilities. They have sites with sewage hookups along with water and electric. Sites are small and very close together. I liked how many dog waste receptacles were available all over the property.
ScoutBrought our camper up for a long weekend and had plenty of room to relax. The campground store was also super handy when we realized we forgot a few things.
GuideLet me just preface this review by saying when I go camping, I like to be immersed in nature– ideally with a toilet and shower nearby. These are my only desires. This is not that kind of campsite. But just because it isn’t for me, that doesn’t mean it won’t be for you.
Pros:
- Easy to book and accommodating staff.
- Restrooms/showers were clean(though the air fresheners are not migraine sufferer-friendly).
- Nice, tall trees.
Cons:
- My only real con is the general vibe. Again, it’s just not for me. It has lots of activities for kids (an arcade, park, pool, etc.), so if that’s what you’re looking for, great! It just wasn’t what I personally was looking for. But with limited camping options in the area, it was our only real choice.
Tent camping near Charlton, Massachusetts offers primitive and peaceful sites surrounded by central Massachusetts woodlands. The region experiences warm summers with average temperatures around 80°F and cool nights in the 50s, making late spring through early fall the prime camping seasons. Most tent sites require campers to transport gear from parking areas to their sites, creating quieter camping environments away from vehicle noise.
Paddle exploration: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, campers can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to navigate the expansive lake. "We take our canoe and spend the whole day at the lake. You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax," shares Ben P. The numerous islands and shoreline coves create natural exploration opportunities.
Hiking trails: The region offers varied hiking options from beginner to advanced. Near Onion Mountain Park, hikers can access mountaintop views. "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night," notes Nora S. Many trails connect to water features, historical sites, or lookout points.
Swimming spots: While formal beaches are limited, many campsites provide water access. Ricky H. mentions about Onion Mountain Park: "Very peaceful overnight camping, no permit required. Small campsite, first come first served basis." Buck Hill Campground features sites along Wakefield Pond with swimming areas accessible directly from campsites.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the spaciousness and seclusion of tent sites. At Tully Lake Recreation Area, "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," reports Megan G.
Escape from technology: Limited cell coverage creates a true disconnect. "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here," advises Jean C. about Federated Womens Club State Forest. This disconnection contributes to the quiet, immersive nature experience many campers seek.
Waterfront camping: Several campgrounds offer sites with direct water views or access. At Barton Cove Campground, "The office was super helpful when I called to make reservations, making sure to ask questions about how big my tent was, what kind of view/privacy we wanted etc so they could help me find the perfect campsite," notes Brie B.
Site access challenges: Most tent campgrounds require gear hauling from parking areas. At Tully Lake, one camper advises: "Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea." Barton Cove has a specific entry process: "You check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, unload your stuff, drive to gate..." explains Brie B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Charlton, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Charlton, MA is Buck Hill Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Charlton, MA?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Charlton, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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