The Holland, Massachusetts camping area sits in central Massachusetts where elevations range from 726 to 1,155 feet above sea level. The landscape features several ponds and lakes, dense forests, and rolling terrain that attracts outdoor enthusiasts throughout the camping season. Most campgrounds operate from April through mid-October, with some extending their season through early December.
What to do
Kayaking at Wilderness Lake Park: Free kayak and canoe rentals are available for campers at Wilderness Lake Park in nearby Willington, Connecticut. "They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake," notes one reviewer who appreciated this complimentary amenity.
Hiking nearby trails: At West Thompson Lake Campground in Connecticut, multiple hiking trails connect directly to campsites. A camper mentions, "You can start hiking the trails around the lake right from campsite." The campground features several well-maintained trails with lake views.
Fishing opportunities: Catch-and-release fishing is permitted at several area lakes. "Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings. Fishing here is all catch and release," reports a West Thompson Lake visitor.
Disc golf courses: Some local campgrounds have integrated disc golf into their recreational offerings. One visitor to West Thompson Lake notes the campground features a disc golf course on the property, giving campers an additional activity option.
What campers like
Recently renovated facilities: Wells State Park Campground has upgraded its bathhouse. "Nice campground with big private spots. NEW HUGE bathrooms!!" reports one camper, highlighting the improved amenities.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer swimming opportunities. At Charlie Brown Campground, visitors can enjoy river activities. "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids," notes one camper.
Quiet atmosphere: George Washington State Campground offers a peaceful setting according to visitors. "It's quiet, calm and never crowded. There's fishing and hiking right in the park," states one reviewer who visits twice each season.
Spacious campsites: Multiple campgrounds feature sites with good spacing between neighbors. "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice," writes a camper about George Washington State Campground.
What you should know
Reservation policies: Many campgrounds have strict cancellation policies. Partridge Hollow Campground enforces their policy consistently, even for medical emergencies, so read the terms carefully before booking.
Late checkout options: Some campgrounds offer extended checkout for a small fee. At Charlie Brown Campground, "We did a late checkout for $5 extra, but the noon checkout and two dump stations would make leaving on time a non-issue as well."
Cell service limitations: Reception varies significantly throughout the region. At Brialee Family Campground, one visitor notes, "WiFi in common areas isn't great so if you're planning on working during some down time, this isn't the place."
Water safety considerations: Not all bodies of water are suitable for swimming. A visitor to West Thompson Lake points out, "We were slightly disappointed that the lake was not suitable for swimming (as was posted), but it wasn't a big deal."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Brialee Family Campground focuses heavily on scheduled activities. "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs," reports a visitor.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Wells State Park camp grounds recently got new bathrooms and they are so clean! Camp sites are a nice size to drive your car up to and still have ample tent/picnic table/fire space. None are that far of a walk from the beach or bathrooms," notes a camper.
Recreation options: Thousand Trails Sturbridge provides multiple recreation options. "We had a great time relaxing around the campfire with another family. The playground was a hit for our kids!" writes one visitor.
Seasonal campground focus: Be aware that many campgrounds cater to seasonal guests. "This is a large seasonal oriented campground. The staff was not well trained and or not oriented to short term campers," reports a Brialee Family Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites that may require additional effort to level your rig. As one camper at Wells State Park noted, "We booked site #39 online, based on proximity to bath house. No pictures of individual campsites on the booking site, so we were kind of winging it. The site seemed nice, but was very un-level, with a steep, narrow driveway."
Gray water disposal: Not all campgrounds offer full sewer hookups. At Charlie Brown Campground, "Grey dump only due to river so no biggie. Good place overall and great price."
Accessibility concerns: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. One camper visiting Partridge Hollow Campground mentioned, "The way in is very twisty and hilly. Was a challenge for our 33' towing a car but we made it!"
Utility hookups: Verify what hookups are available at your campground before arrival. "Site B1, which was water and electric. Close to the pond. Not directly at the pond, though," notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Sturbridge.
