Camping options near Devens, Massachusetts range from rustic tent sites to full-facility campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. With elevations generally between 300-600 feet, the region features rolling hills and mixed forest terrain that keeps summer temperatures typically 5-10°F cooler than Boston. Most campgrounds in the area open from May through September, though several offer extended seasons into October when fall colors peak.
What to do
Hiking trails with geocaching: At Otter River State Forest, the trail system offers varying difficulty levels through woodland settings. "It's very clean and nice with lots of trails for hiking and biking. The bathrooms were clean and water was easy close to the camp ground," explains one camper at Otter River State Forest.
Mountain biking: Bear Brook State Park provides extensive trail networks specifically designed for mountain biking enthusiasts. A visitor notes, "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count. The campground is nice and spacious, well kept and the staff is friendly. The biking trails were a blast," according to a review at Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Pond swimming: Multiple state parks offer swimming areas with natural pond settings. "There is a nice beach for children. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe," reports a visitor at George Washington State Campground, making water activities accessible for families during summer months.
What campers like
Affordability: State forest campgrounds provide budget-friendly options with basic amenities. "Site 3 is a great site. Large and separated enough from others," noted a camper at Willard Brook State Forest Campground who appreciated the value and privacy compared to private campgrounds.
Family-friendly pools: Normandy Farms Campground provides multiple swimming options regardless of weather. "They have 3 outdoor pools and 1 indoor pool. Lots of activities for the kids and the bathrooms were pretty clean for a campground," explains a visitor at Normandy Farms Campground.
Waterfront sites: Several campgrounds feature premium sites directly on ponds or lakes. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" shares a camper about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, where waterfront locations remain in high demand.
What you should know
Crowded summer weekends: State parks fill quickly during peak season, particularly those with water access. "This campground is beautiful and in a nice location in the state park but is really crowded in the summer months with large groups of loud children," cautions a visitor about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Site privacy varies: Site selection impacts experience significantly at most area campgrounds. "The sites are a bit too close to each other but there are some that are nice and private. Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!" explains a regular visitor to Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Bathhouse conditions: Facility quality varies widely between campgrounds and seasons. "Not all sites are level. The best plus ever...NEW HUGE bathrooms!!" reports a camper at Wells State Park Campground, highlighting infrastructure improvements that enhance comfort.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When camping with children, consider proximity to play areas. At Otter River State Forest, a visitor recommends: "Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both). One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts."
Water activities: Look for campgrounds with multiple water options for different ages. "They have a pool that we enjoyed on a few of the hot days. We enjoyed our stay and will be back," shares a camper at The Pine Campground, where water features enhance the family experience.
Off-peak timing: For glamping close to Devens, Massachusetts with children, consider weekday stays. "We stayed when there weren't very many other campers," mentions a visitor who found Willard Brook State Forest Campground more peaceful during non-peak periods.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. "We picked 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. All utilities were well-placed and functioned properly. The site was level," explains an RVer at Normandy Farms Campground.
Limited hookup options: Most state parks offer minimal or no hookups. "There are no hookups, but there is running water and a dump station is available," reports a camper about Bear Brook State Park Campground, important information for RVers planning stays.
Military facilities: Active and retired military personnel have additional glamping options near Devens. "The HanscomField Fam Camp is a wooded recreational camp for military families and retirees, as well as for RV camping for active duty military on temporary orders," explains a visitor at Hanscom AFB FamCamp, describing this specialized camping resource.
