Camping spots near Webster, Massachusetts offer a mix of forest-based and water-adjacent options across state lines in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend. Several campgrounds feature hiking trails that connect directly to state forests, allowing for extended nature exploration without driving.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: Sutton Falls Camping Area provides waterfront sites with direct access to Aldrich Mill Pond. One camper noted, "We had the little peninsula of site P1 all to ourselves. Stunning views across the large pond, and serving as a wonderful halfway rest/respite on the journey from NYC to Belfast, ME."
Disc golf courses: West Thompson Lake Campground maintains a disc golf course on property that's accessible to campers. A recent visitor mentioned, "We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property. Once the boat races finished each day the camp was very quiet and peaceful."
Paddling opportunities: Charlie Brown Campground sits adjacent to the Natchaug River with tubing options. As one visitor described, "This was our first time visiting and my entire family enjoyed themselves so much, that we've already reserved a site for a few weeks from now. Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river."
Hiking networks: Wells State Park connects to multiple trail systems. A camper observed, "I was impressed with how beautiful and shaded the Park was and all the trails it had to offer. Plus, it is practically down the road from Treehouse Brewery, near Sturbridge Village, Hyland Orchard and countless other community amenities."
What campers like
Well-spaced sites: George Washington State Campground in Rhode Island offers roomier campsites. A visitor reported, "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain updated bathrooms and shower facilities. At Wells State Park, a camper commented, "Wells State Park camp grounds recently got new bathrooms and they are so clean! The campsites are a nice size to drive your car up to and still have ample tent/picnic table/fire space."
Secluded tent options: Many campgrounds offer specialized tent-only areas. At Sturbridge RV Resort, a tent camper shared, "I was probably the only person tent camping in the entire resort. The manager was able to give me a great campsite away from all of the RVs and cabins."
Waterfront access: Multiple campgrounds feature ponds, lakes, or rivers. At West Thompson Lake, one camper described, "This campground is very small and quiet, but the lake and adjoining river offer hours of fun for small craft. Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the area have limited connectivity. About Sturbridge RV Resort, a camper warned, "Cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. For Wells State Park Campground, booking well in advance is recommended as sites are limited and tend to book out for summer weekends.
Pricing variations: Non-resident fees can be considerably higher. At George Washington State Campground, a visitor noted, "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 weekend in the Ocean State."
Campground styles: Some properties primarily serve seasonal campers rather than short-term stays. About Brialee Family Campground, a visitor mentioned, "This is a large seasonal oriented campground. The staff was not well trained and or not oriented to short term campers."
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Brialee Family Campground offers scheduled kids' programs. A family camper shared, "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."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas appropriate for children. About George Washington State Campground, a visitor noted, "ThIs is a lovely campground with a beautiful beach, new pay shower and bathrooms. We enjoyed swimming and fishing."
Dedicated play areas: Many campgrounds maintain playgrounds and recreation facilities. At Charlie Brown Campground, a visitor commented, "The grounds were clean, the playground was nice, and the people were all friendly. Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!"
Traffic considerations: Some campgrounds implement gate systems for security. At West Thompson Lake, a camper noted, "Only complain is that they close the gate to enter at 9pm," which means planning evening activities accordingly when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Stateline Campresort & Cabins offers full-service sites, but some other campgrounds have restrictions. One RVer at Brialee noted, "There was not full service sewer hook up, only gray water. There was a dump station."
Site leveling: Some campgrounds require additional effort for RV leveling. About Wells State Park, a visitor explained, "We booked site #39 online, based on proximity to bath house. No pictures of individual campsites on the ReserveAmerica booking site, so we were kind of winging it. The site seemed nice, but was very un-level, with a steep, narrow driveway."
Seasonal restrictions: Most RV campgrounds close by mid-October. Kings Campground operates from "May 1 to September 15," making it unsuitable for fall camping despite its convenient location.
Site spacing: RV sites vary widely in size and privacy. About Charlie Brown Campground, a visitor remarked, "The RV sites are very large and the owners go out of their way to make you happy."
