Tent camping near Holland, Massachusetts offers primitive sites spanning multiple state forests and recreation areas. The region sits at the intersection of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with elevations ranging from 600-1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80°F during day and drop to 60°F at night, with mosquitoes most active from June through August.
What to do
Paddling at Tully Lake: Rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboards directly at Tully Lake Recreation Area for exploring the lake's islands and coves. "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 camper Ben P.
Hiking to Doane's Falls: Located near Tully Lake, this easy 0.5-mile trail features five cascading waterfalls within a wooded area. "If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area," explains Nancy R.
Exploring historic sites: The Gillette Castle State Park Campground area offers unique historical exploration. "Castle has tours at certain times," mentions Todd J. The surrounding Quabbin Reservoir area contains cellar holes and other remnants of towns submerged in the 1930s.
Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds offer mountain biking access on surrounding trails. Tully Lake provides both hiking and biking opportunities on maintained trails. "You can hike and bike (mtb). Nearby there are waterfalls (gorgeous) and a local mountain," states Miguel B.
What campers like
Privacy at walk-in sites: Tent campers appreciate the seclusion of sites without vehicle access. At Barton Cove Campground, "Rustic camping only- sites have tent platforms, grill, fire pit and picnic tables. Porta potties and latrines were very clean... There was only 1 other occupied campsite so it was very quiet and private," reports Brie B.
Waterfront access: Sites adjacent to rivers and lakes remain popular for swimming and fishing. "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset," shares Jackie G. from Gillette Castle State Park.
Natural surroundings: The dense forests and minimal development appeal to those seeking wilderness experiences. At Onion Mountain Park, "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night. The spot is not very big so make sure to bring a smaller tent but has a firepit already set up," reports Nora S.
Rustic accommodations: Most tent campsites remain deliberately primitive. "It's a very casual site and good for your first trip, you are close to your car and the road in case you need it so no need for a bear bag," explains Marshall S. about Onion Mountain Park.
What you should know
Cart logistics for walk-in sites: At Federated Womens Club State Forest, "It's possible to park at other sites; I'm guessing the gate at the beginning of the road toward the campground is open when the campground is open. If so, high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred." Jean C. adds, "Some of the sites are definitely walk-in, with a narrow trail leading from the road."
Limited cell reception: Most primitive tent camping areas have spotty or nonexistent phone service. Jean C. notes about Federated Women's Club State Forest: "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here."
Water availability: Most sites require campers to bring their own water. At Tully Lake, "There is one central restroom with showers (bring your quarters) and a place to wash dishes," according to Miguel B. Similarly, Barton Cove has "1 or 2 places to grab water so make sure to bring refillable containers."
Gate procedures: Some campgrounds have complex entry protocols. At Barton Cove, Brie B. explains, "You check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, unload your stuff, drive to gate, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, return key, drive back to campground, walk to your site."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites near amenities: For family tent camping in Holland, Massachusetts, consider campgrounds with accessible facilities. "The campsites are spacious and though there is not a bad site, some are better suited for certain purposes like group camping. Each site has a table and a fire ring," notes Miguel B. about Tully Lake.
Pack minimally for walk-in sites: When tent camping with children, consider distance to facilities. Lauren A. shares about Tully Lake: "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night."
Consider unique accommodations: Chester Railway Station offers a caboose accommodation popular with families. "It is a really fun place to spend a night, especially for a train enthusiast. The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too," reports Esther L.
Check swimming access: Not all waterfront sites permit swimming. At Barton Cove, "You can't swim (unless you rent a canoe/kayak and swim while you're out on the water) and sites are fenced in due to how steep it is to the water," explains Brie B.
Tips from RVers
Consider tent-only designation: Most campgrounds near Holland Massachusetts primarily accommodate tent camping with limited or no RV facilities. At River Highlands State Park River Campground, tent sites are designated separately from limited RV spaces.
Prepare for rustic conditions: RV campers should note most sites lack hookups or have limited facilities. At Sodom Mountain Campground, recent improvements show progress: "All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired. The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back. Great Wi-Fi now, store has been redone and grands are much nicer," notes Brad N.
Research road access: Many campground roads remain unpaved and may be challenging for larger vehicles. At Federated Women's Club State Forest, "high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred" when accessing certain campsites, according to Jean C.
