Best Tent Camping near Florence, MA
The area surrounding Florence, Massachusetts offers several tent camping options within a short drive, including established campgrounds like Tully Lake Recreation Area and Barton Cove Campground where tent-specific sites are available. Both locations provide designated tent areas with varying levels of amenities and water access, with Tully Lake featuring walk-in tent sites and Barton Cove offering waterfront tent platforms in a more developed setting.
Tent campsites at these locations typically include basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary considerably between locations. At Tully Lake, campers park in a central lot and use provided carts to transport gear to their walk-in tent sites, some located up to a mile from parking. One camper shared that "sites closer to the water were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out." Most tent-only campgrounds in the region provide access to toilets and water, though primitive backcountry sites may require carrying in all supplies. Many campgrounds are seasonal, with peak availability from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
In the cooler months, tent campers experience fewer crowds at most locations, especially at more remote sites. The tent camping experience varies widely across the region, from the lakeside platforms at Barton Cove to the more secluded forest sites at Federated Women's Club State Forest. A review noted that Tully Lake offers "spacious campsites without the noise and presence of cars and RVs near your camp site," making it ideal for traditional tent camping. Many tent-only areas provide good access to hiking trails, swimming, and paddling opportunities. Cell service can be limited or non-existent at more remote tent camping locations, so downloading maps in advance is recommended. Sites with water access are particularly popular in summer months and often require reservations well in advance.
