Best Tent Camping near Hardwick, MA
Tent campers seeking sites near Hardwick, Massachusetts can access several established campgrounds within a short drive, including Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston and Federated Womens Club State Forest in Petersham. These state-managed tent campgrounds offer primitive settings without the presence of RVs, providing a more natural camping experience. Both locations feature walk-in tent sites that require campers to park in designated areas and transport gear to their campsites, ensuring a quieter atmosphere.
Most tent sites in the Hardwick area feature basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Tully Lake provides flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers at a central bathhouse, while Federated Womens Club State Forest offers only composting toilets near group sites. Campers should prepare to carry water containers at most locations, as drinking water is limited to central facilities. Many campgrounds provide carts to transport gear from parking areas to walk-in sites, with distances ranging from 50 yards to nearly a mile. Cell phone coverage tends to be spotty or nonexistent throughout the region, especially at Federated Womens Club State Forest where Verizon service is described as "faint to nonexistent."
The tent camping experience in this region offers notable privacy and natural settings not available to RV campers. Sites at Tully Lake are described as "spacious" despite being walk-in only, with waterfront locations providing direct access for swimming and paddling. One visitor noted that "sites closer to the water were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out." The absence of vehicles at campsites creates a quieter environment, particularly appreciated by families with children. Hiking opportunities abound near both campgrounds, with trails leading to features like Doane's Falls near Tully Lake and Soapstone Hill overlooking Quabbin Reservoir from Federated Womens Club State Forest. A review mentioned that "no cars at all at the campsites was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around. It also made for a super quiet stay."
