Camping spots near Manchaug, Massachusetts include multiple options within the Douglas State Forest region at elevations between 400-600 feet. The area experiences warm summers with average temperatures reaching 80°F and mild spring and fall seasons ideal for outdoor recreation. Winter camping isn't available at most facilities as seasonal operations typically run from mid-April through October.
What to do
Explore walking trails: At George Washington State Campground, visitors can access multiple hiking paths around several lakes. "Has great hiking trails going around some lakes. Clean showers," notes Joey S. The campground features both drive-in and walk-in access with tent, RV, cabin and glamping options.
Disc golf courses: Wells State Park offers disc golf facilities along with traditional hiking. "There's a disc golf course on property. Once the boat races finished each day the camp was very quiet and peaceful," reports Jason L. who stayed at West Thompson Lake Campground. These courses provide recreation without additional fees beyond campsite costs.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies near Manchaug offer fishing options, though regulations vary. "We enjoyed swimming and fishing," reports Thomas M. about George Washington State Campground. Some locations like West Thompson Lake are catch-and-release only, with one camper noting "the lake is pretty but you cannot swim or eat the fish."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Circle Campground Farm receives positive feedback for site size. "The sites are HUGE and it feels like I have plenty of room for my vehicle and travel trailer. Felt like a private oasis," writes Donya B. Sites include water, electric and sewer hookups with fire rings and picnic tables.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds prioritize bathroom cleanliness. At Sutton Falls Camping Area, a visitor noted: "Staff was incredibly friendly and gave us restaurant recommendations around the area. About 5 min from great hiking at purgatory chasm." Another camper appreciated the "beautiful pond and very friendly staff."
Water access: Waterfront sites remain popular choices in the region. "We were delighted when we learned we had the little peninsula of site P1 all to ourselves. Stunning views across the large pond," writes Stephanie M. about Sutton Falls. This campground offers multiple accommodation types including tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and yurts.
What you should know
Varying cell service: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. At Stateline Campresort & Cabins, one camper reported: "Without our antenna we only had 1 bar of both Verizon and AT&T. No signal at all on T-Mobile/Sprint. With our antenna we got two bars but it wasn't enough to not drop calls."
Bathroom quality varies: Facility maintenance differs between campgrounds and sometimes within the same property. At Sutton Falls, a camper noted: "They remodeled one set of bathrooms in the back and the front was the old set. They are gross my kids wouldn't use them and I don't blame them."
Site leveling challenges: Some locations require equipment for proper setup. At Wells State Park, one camper warned that "not all sites are level." Another visitor at George Washington State Campground appreciated that "sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: West Thompson Lake Campground offers water recreation despite swimming restrictions. "The lake is pretty but you cannot swim or eat the fish. There are a lot of choices for hiking including a disc golf course," advises Deborah B. The park provides boat-in and drive-in access for tents, RVs and cabins.
Kid-friendly activities: Structured recreation programs exist at several locations. "My family and I come here twice a season it's quiet it's calm and never crowded. There's fishing and hiking right in the park," notes Nick S. about George Washington State Campground. Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas.
Seasonal events: Check calendars for special weekend activities. At Stateline Campresort, Johnny W. shared: "We went to their Oktoberfest that they did on Saturday and that was decorated great and the band and activities were good!" These events typically run holiday weekends and select summer dates.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Normandy Farms Campground, full hookup options include premium sites with paved patios. "Campsites are big and well spaced. Bathrooms are best of any campground," reports Matt T. Premium sites include 50-amp service while others offer 30-amp connections.
Backup bathroom plans: When campground facilities disappoint, alternatives exist. "They remodeled one set of bathrooms in the back and the front was the old set. We would just drive to the other one unless it was late at night," reported a camper at Sutton Falls. Consider campgrounds with multiple facilities if this is important.
Campground access challenges: Some locations have difficult entrances. At Sutton Falls, one RVer mentioned "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." Always verify clearance requirements before arrival.
