Best Tent Camping near Montague, MA
Tent campsites around Montague, Massachusetts offer a mix of established campgrounds and walk-in sites within a 30-mile radius. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston provides tent-only camping with waterfront access, while Barton Cove Campground in Gill features tent platforms overlooking the Connecticut River. Federated Womens Club State Forest in Petersham offers more primitive tent sites for those seeking a rustic experience in a wooded setting.
Most tent campgrounds in the region require campers to park in designated areas and walk to their sites. At Tully Lake, wooden wheelbarrows are provided to transport gear from the parking area to individual campsites. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with central facilities for restrooms and showers. Barton Cove features tent platforms with grills and fire pits, though the check-in process involves unlocking gates and returning keys to the office. Potable water is limited at most locations, with Tully Lake offering a central bathhouse with flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers, and outdoor sinks for washing dishes.
The tent camping experience near Montague emphasizes privacy and natural surroundings. Many sites at Tully Lake offer direct water access for swimming and paddling, with canoe and kayak rentals available on-site. The walk-in nature of these campgrounds creates a quieter atmosphere without vehicle traffic disturbing the camping experience. Federated Womens Club State Forest provides more secluded tent sites with minimal amenities, requiring self-sufficiency from campers. A visitor commented that "it's a very casual site and good for your first trip, you are close to your car and the road in case you need it." Cell service is limited throughout the region, so downloading maps before arrival is recommended for tent campers exploring the area.