Tent Camping near Drury, MA

Tent camping near Drury, Massachusetts sits in the western part of the state, with elevations ranging from 900 to 2,100 feet throughout the surrounding Berkshire Mountains region. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with July and August highs averaging 80°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to 55-60°F even in summer months. Most campgrounds close by mid-October when overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing.

What to do

Paddle the waterways: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, campers can rent canoes and kayaks directly from the campground. "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," notes Ben P. The lake features numerous islands and coves to explore.

Hiking trails: Several trails connect throughout the region, with Tully Lake offering a 4-mile loop around the lake perimeter. According to Jean C., "We hiked the 4-mile loop around Tully Lake. The highlight was Doane's falls, a very quick walk from the campground area." Many trails connect to the Appalachian Trail network for longer excursions.

Disc golf: Located near the Tully Lake dam, the disc golf course provides an alternative recreation option. "A disc golf course is also near the dam and was seeing a fair amount of activity," reports Jean C. No fee is required to use the course, though players need to bring their own equipment.

What campers like

Private island camping: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers a unique island site accessible only by boat. Kris M. shares, "I stayed on the island site, which was absolutely amazing. The views are to die for, and it's really meant for people who want to be outdoors in the woods." Reservations for premium sites often fill the day registration opens.

Caboose accommodation: For a unique alternative to traditional tent camping, Chester Railway Station offers a converted caboose sleeping arrangement. "The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too. You hear the trains running at night," explains Esther L.

Car-free camping environment: Most campgrounds in the region feature walk-in sites. Megan G. from Tully Lake appreciates that "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around. It also made for a super quiet stay."

What you should know

Site accessibility varies: Most campgrounds require transporting gear from parking areas. At Zoar Outdoor, campers appreciate staff assistance with this process. Dominick V. notes, "Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting." At other locations, carts are provided but terrain can be challenging.

Reservation timing critical: For premium sites, especially waterfront locations, booking immediately when reservations open is essential. "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year," warns Kris M. about Tully Lake.

Limited services: Cell service throughout the region is spotty. At Tully Lake, Jean C. cautions, "Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want (driving, trail, geocaching) before you arrive." Most campgrounds have limited or no camp stores.

Tips for camping with families

Best sites for kids: When camping with young children, consider site location relative to bathrooms. One Tully Lake visitor noted, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night." Request sites closer to facilities when booking with children.

Bring entertainment: While natural features abound, some campgrounds offer additional recreation. Stacey W. appreciated the variety at Tully Lake: "This was the trifecta for us, where we could fish, kayak, and swim! We really enjoyed our stay."

Pack for variable weather: Temperature swings of 30°F between day and night are common in this mountainous region. Sa R. reminds campers about seasonal considerations: "Buggy in June so bring your repellent." Early and late season campers should prepare for potential frost overnight.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Traditional RV camping is scarce near Drury. Maple Ridge Farm offers some of the closest accommodations suitable for small trailers, though primarily tent-focused. Les R. shares, "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."

Alternative accommodations: Consider the cabin and glamping options at Peace Farm Rescue for those wanting amenities without hauling an RV on mountain roads. The property features just 2 sites, providing a more private experience than larger campgrounds.

Road considerations: Access roads to many campgrounds feature steep grades and tight turns. Vehicles over 25 feet may struggle with access to several area campgrounds, particularly those on forest roads with limited turnaround space.