Tent camping near Monson Center, Massachusetts ranges from remote forest sites to lakeside spots in an area that sits at 600-850 feet above sea level. The region typically sees average summer temperatures between 65-85°F, with cooler nights ideal for campfires at established grounds. Between May and October, campers can expect a mix of primitive walk-in sites and more accessible car-camping options across multiple state forests and recreation areas.
What to do
Paddling at Tully Lake: The campground provides canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals for exploring the lake's numerous islands and inlets. As one camper noted, "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. It's a beautiful area right in your own back yard" (Tully Lake Recreation Area).
Hike to Quabbin Reservoir views: From Federated Womens Club State Forest, hike past site 15 through Gate 36 toward Soapstone Hill for sunset views of the reservoir. A visitor recommends, "If you continue past site 15, you'll head through Gate 36 out toward Soapstone Hill which offers a great view of Quabbin Reservoir and sunsets." Download offline maps as "cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon."
Whitewater rafting: Zoar Outdoor in Charlemont offers rafting trips combined with camping packages. According to a visitor, "Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting. Highly recommend the site."
What campers like
Car-free camping environments: Tully Lake Recreation Area keeps vehicles in the main parking area, creating a quieter experience. A camper shared, "We stayed at site 1, which was HUGE and extremely private. Sites closer to the water that we saw were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out. No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around."
Unique accommodation options: The caboose at Chester Railway Station offers an unusual camping experience. One reviewer explained, "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."
Primitive camping with hiking access: Onion Mountain Park offers simple, primitive sites accessed via marked trails. As one visitor noted, "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 (no group sites) but has a firepit already set up."
What you should know
Advanced reservations essential: Popular lakefront sites at Barton Cove Campground fill quickly during summer months. One visitor advised, "The office was super helpful when I called to make reservations, making sure to ask questions about how big my tent was, what kind of view/privacy we wanted etc so they could help me find the perfect campsite."
Gate access procedures: Some campgrounds use locked gates requiring specific entry procedures. At Barton Cove, "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."
Limited amenities at remote sites: Most primitive campgrounds require self-sufficiency. At Federated Womens Club State Forest, you must "Bring your own water" and be prepared for "composting toilet located near the group site in the field."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: Choose campgrounds with appropriate distances to facilities. At Tully Lake, one camper noted, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site and neighboring campers."
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for encounters with local wildlife. A visitor to River Highlands mentioned, "As a heads-up, the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders (which might be expected in a natural setting like this)."
Transport solutions: For walk-in sites, minimize gear or utilize provided transport options. At Tully Lake, "Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites.)"
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: The region primarily caters to tent campers with few dedicated RV sites. Most campgrounds like Zoar Outdoor have strict size limitations and minimal hookups. According to a visitor, "Amenities are well maintained. Could use a refresh but overall great experience."
Alternative accommodations: Consider cabins or yurts if traveling with an RV is challenging. Some campgrounds offer these options with more creature comforts than traditional tent camping.
Campfire restrictions: Fire policies vary widely between campgrounds. One Zoar Outdoor visitor noted, "They don't allow fired at the campsites though which is annoying and their quiet hours are quite oppressive."
