Near Holliston, Massachusetts, glamping options expand beyond upscale yurts to include primitive tent sites and cabin accommodations within a 40-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 178 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Camping seasons typically run from mid-April through October, with some facilities remaining open until November.
What to do
Disc golf courses: West Thompson Lake Campground offers disc golf directly on the property. "We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property," reports Jason L., highlighting additional recreational opportunities beyond standard hiking trails.
Swimming and paddling: While not all water bodies are suitable for swimming, many campgrounds offer water recreation. At Wells State Park Campground, "You can kayak or canoe. The dogs cannot go on the beach, but they can go in the boats," explains Jessica W., noting the pet restrictions that apply to water access.
Military history exploration: Hanscom AFB FamCamp provides unique access to historical sites. "In the immediate vicinity are the villages of Lexington and Concord as well as the Minute Man National Park and Walden Pond, so the campground makes a great basecamp for exploration of the area's rich culture and history," shares Janet R., describing the educational opportunities within easy reach.
Boat-in camping: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers distinctive island access. "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells," recounts Jess G., detailing the multi-step transportation process required.
What campers like
Natural water features: Sutton Falls Camping Area offers waterfront settings with peninsula camping. "We were delighted when we learned we had the little peninsula of site P1 all to ourselves. Stunning views across the large pond," shares Stephanie M., emphasizing the unique waterfront camping layout.
Clean, updated facilities: Recent renovations at several campgrounds have improved the camping experience. "Brand new bathroom/shower facility this year. Offers hiking, biking, swimming, fishing," reports John L. about Wells State Park, highlighting infrastructure improvements that matter to campers.
Secluded tent sites: George Washington State Campground features private tent camping areas. "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers," notes Nick P., mentioning the $1.50 for 6-minute shower costs that campers should budget for.
Off-the-grid feel with amenities: Some glamping options balance seclusion with convenience. "Sites were big and well spaced. Bathrooms are best of any campground," states Matt T. about one facility, appreciating the balance between privacy and access to well-maintained facilities.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Reservations open 6 months in advance and sites fill quickly, so plan ahead if you're counting on a particular day," advises Jean C. about Boston Harbor Islands, highlighting the competitive booking window.
Pricing varies by residency: Non-resident fees can be substantially higher. "If you're not a Rhode Island resident the fee for most sites is $36/night. Is it worth it? Eh, probably not unless you're really jonesing to camp for a weekend in the Ocean State," cautions Ryan A., noting the premium charged to out-of-state visitors.
Off-season limitations: Normandy Farms Campground maintains different operating schedules throughout the year. "Our site was easy to navigate in and out of and was definitely big rig-friendly with ample space for our motorhome and tow car. All utilities were well-placed and functioned properly," reports Nancy W., noting their October visit when "the campground was not very busy."
Gate closure policies: Some campgrounds restrict nighttime access. "Only complain is that they close the gate to enter at 9pm," notes Cameron F. about West Thompson Lake Campground, indicating an important logistics consideration for campers planning evening activities off-site.
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Family-friendly campgrounds offer structured programming. "They had tons of festive activities. They have an indoor and an outdoor pool. The restrooms are clean," states Liz W. about a Halloween celebration at a campground, pointing to seasonal special events.
Consider site location carefully: Boston/Cape Cod KOA offers varying quality based on site selection. "I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay. I'll never book the basic campsite again I'll pay the few extra dollars to have a bigger site," advises Janet P. about investing in premium locations within the campground.
Evaluate swimming options: Not all campground water features are suitable for swimming. "There is swimming at the lake but it looked way too dirty," comments Ryan A. about one location, while others note clear swimming areas with designated beaches for children.
Check playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer better recreational equipment than others. "The activities for kids is the draw for this campground for sure. My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts," shares Amy G., detailing specific children's programming that enhances the family camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Electrical system variations: Douglas Forest RV Resort and other locations have varying electrical setups. "Multiple RVs share single pedestals, and we observed exposed wire connections and pest issues at electrical boxes. Power fluctuations are common during warm weather, causing frequent breaker trips," warns Glenn M., describing infrastructure concerns relevant to power-dependent RVers.
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "The site (or what we could see of it) seemed nice, but was very un-level, with a steep, narrow driveway," recounts Jen V., highlighting terrain challenges that particularly affect RVs requiring leveling.
Premium site benefits: Investing in better sites can significantly improve the RV camping experience. "We chose a paved full hook-up pull thru with paved patio. Our site was easy to navigate in and out of and was definitely big-rig-friendly with ample space for our motorhome and tow car," describes Nancy W., detailing specific site features that benefited their large rig.
Bridge clearance concerns: Some campgrounds have access limitations. "There's a covered bridge that scared me a little due to size concerns but its quite tall and wide enough. Our rig is 11'9" to the top of the A/C and we had no issues," reports Sean about Sutton Falls, providing exact measurements valuable for large RV planning.
