Manchaug is situated near Douglas State Forest, a 5,907-acre protected area in southern Massachusetts that offers diverse camping options across varying terrain. The region experiences distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters, limiting year-round RV camping availability. Most campgrounds operate from April through October when temperatures remain moderate enough for comfortable outdoor activities.
What to do
Swimming and water sports: Douglas Forest RV Resort offers access to nearby swimming areas in Douglas State Forest. "You're literally steps away from Douglas State Forest, which made morning hikes and evening strolls absolutely magical," writes Tye G.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes within 15 minutes of Manchaug provide freshwater fishing. Catch-and-release options are available at several locations. "Close to lake/fishing. Easy drive to museums, shopping," notes Mark T. from Countryside RV Park.
Historic exploration: Old Sturbridge Village is less than 20 minutes from most RV sites near Manchaug, Massachusetts. "Sturbridge is in a very cool area that I didn't expect to be so awesome," writes Sammii D., who stayed at Thousand Trails Sturbridge.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Several campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites for RV campers. At Newport RV Park, "The distance between sites was far enough that you did not feel cramped or on top of your neighbor," according to Nancy W.
Playground facilities: Family-friendly amenities for children are available at select locations. At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, "The playground was a hit for our kids," reports alissa T.
Dog-friendly areas: Many campgrounds welcome pets with designated exercise spaces. "We got a great pull through full hookup with a 5 minute walk to a huge dog park. There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park," notes Ilana F. who stayed at Newport RV Park.
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Gravel is common, but quality differs across campgrounds. At Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts, "Sites are level and a decent size with a picnic table, fire pit, shaded by the tall pines," according to Becca A.
WiFi reliability issues: Internet access is inconsistent throughout the region. "Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls," explains Mara S. after staying at Thousand Trails Sturbridge.
Bathroom maintenance: Cleanliness standards differ between facilities. "The bathrooms and shower house are located in the middle of the park and were very clean," observed Nancy W. at Newport RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Consider seasonal activities: Many RV parks near Manchaug offer structured programs during peak season. "We had a great time relaxing around the campfire with another family. The playground was a hit for our kids!" shares alissa T. from Thousand Trails Sturbridge.
Check pool availability: Swimming facilities at campgrounds may close during off-peak times. "The pool is well-maintained and enjoyable," notes Glenn M. about Douglas Forest RV Park.
Scout hiking options: Walking trails suitable for different ages connect many campgrounds to natural areas. "The nearby hiking trail was perfect for our dog and while it was just a few miles long, it was great because it was within walking distance," shares Nancy W. about Newport RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Monitor electrical systems: Power stability varies widely at RV sites near Manchaug. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, "Our site was a nice long, level pull-thru. Hook-ups were placed in ideal locations for the pad which was gravel. The cable tv worked well and many sites would accommodate satellite users," reports Nancy W.
Verify site dimensions: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "The site we were in had a slight downhill slope so it required some extra blocks to level out," notes Nick P. at Newport RV Park.
Check seasonal operation dates: Most RV parks close during winter months. "Good campground, a mix of seasonal & short-term visitors," explains Happy Camper L. from Ashaway RV Resort, which unlike most area campgrounds, operates year-round.