3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Central Massachusetts near New Salem offers a mix of state forest campgrounds and private facilities with varied camping styles. The area includes Tully Lake Recreation Area, noted for its tent-only sites accessible by cart or boat, and the Federated Women's Club State Forest with primitive walk-in sites. Erving State Forest Campground provides lakeside camping with swimming access, while Otter River State Forest accommodates tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts. Several of these campgrounds sit near water bodies like Tully Lake, Laurel Lake, and the Ashuelot River, making them popular for paddling and fishing activities.
Most state forest campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with specific opening and closing dates varying by location. Many require advance reservations, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell phone coverage tends to be limited or non-existent at several locations, particularly at Federated Women's Club State Forest and Erving State Forest. The terrain ranges from relatively flat, accessible areas to more rugged settings requiring some hiking to reach campsites. One camper noted, "Download your maps for offline use! Cell connection was horrible heading up here."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region, with lakes and rivers providing swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Tully Lake features cart-in sites that offer greater privacy and a more rustic experience, while maintaining access to flush toilets and showers. Campers regularly mention the quieter atmosphere at these sites compared to drive-up campgrounds. The mixed-use campgrounds in the area cater to different camping styles, with some like Pine Acres and Ashuelot River Campground offering full hookups for RVs alongside tent sites. As one visitor to Tully Lake described, "The sites near the water or on bluffs are further away, and though they provide carts the trails can make hauling them tough. Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea."
"Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border."
"Volleyball and horseshoes are near the entrance. You may purchase firewood. The bathrooms offer flush toilets and a single shower on each site, plus a dishwashing sink outside."
from $40 / night
"Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both). One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts."
"I loved it here, it was a great little campground for massachusetts"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $55 / night
"It was fine, but not near the water. This time, we chose a site near the water, but it's literally surrounded by three other sites. It's not shown like that on the map."
"The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet."
from $17 - $35 / night
"Miles and miles of country/forests surrounding pine acres, however pulling in you’ll soon realize how much goes on inside the campground."
"Although the tent sites are a distance from anything, the main areas of the campground are fantastic. With a full calendar of events (some free, some cost $) you will never be bored."
from $70 - $115 / night
"Situated by a beautiful lake and access to several hiking trails. "
"Friends told me about this little gem in north central Massachusetts, not far from Rt 2. The big draw here is the pond, with the public beach on one side and lined with private cabins on the other. "
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 / night
"We had easy access to trails that went along the river behind some of the sites with a few paths down to the river. Everyone we encountered was friendly and respectful."
"Large, open campground surrounded by the Ashuelot River. Friendly owners who go around delivering wood and ice to guests given the pandemic right now."
from $47 - $70 / night
"Beautiful surrounding area! Cons- swimming isn't allowed in the river! It's crystal clear and deep in spots right next to camp sites. Crushing blow that we couldn't play in it. Sites pretty tight."
"Close to highways."
"The campground was large enough to tire out the dogs walking around, staff was friendly, helpful and welcoming!"
from $28 - $58 / night
"Only real annoyance was dealing with set up and take down of the campsite- you check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate"
from $22 - $30 / night
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
ScoutWe were visiting family around Nashua and needed somewhere to park the RV nearby. Berry’s Grove ended up being a really good fit. We could come and go easily and still have a nice place to relax at the end of the day.
ScoutWaking up with the lake right outside the camper never got old. We would have breakfast, sit by the water for a while and then head out to explore the area.
ScoutOur dog loved it here. We spent alot of time outside and there was enough space around the campground for him to get some exercise too.
ScoutWe brought the boat along and having access to the lake made the whole trip better. Nice to have everything right at the campground instead of having to load up and drive somewhere.
GuideLet me just preface this review by saying when I go camping, I like to be immersed in nature– ideally with a toilet and shower nearby. These are my only desires. This is not that kind of campsite. But just because it isn’t for me, that doesn’t mean it won’t be for you.
Pros:
- Easy to book and accommodating staff.
- Restrooms/showers were clean(though the air fresheners are not migraine sufferer-friendly).
- Nice, tall trees.
Cons:
- My only real con is the general vibe. Again, it’s just not for me. It has lots of activities for kids (an arcade, park, pool, etc.), so if that’s what you’re looking for, great! It just wasn’t what I personally was looking for. But with limited camping options in the area, it was our only real choice.
ScoutFishing off the dock in the evening was such a nice way to end the day. We didnt catch much lol but still had a good time.
ScoutCame up from Boston for a little change of scenery and this worked out great. Close enough that the drive wasnt a hassle but it felt like we were actually getting away.
ScoutSmall campground, which we actually really liked. It wasnt crowded or overwhelming and we could just relax at our site.
The campgrounds near New Salem, Massachusetts spread across both sides of the Quabbin Reservoir, which serves as a 412-billion-gallon water supply for Boston. Most campsites sit between 800-1,200 feet elevation, creating cooler evening temperatures even during summer months. Local terrain ranges from gently rolling hills to steep rock outcroppings with numerous small lakes and ponds throughout the region.
Explore islands by kayak: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, paddlers can navigate around several small islands. "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," notes camper Ben P. The lake offers many secluded spots perfect for swimming breaks.
Golf at nearby courses: Camp Coldbrook offers an on-site 9-hole course, though recent visitors report it needs maintenance. Better options exist within 15-20 minutes driving distance in surrounding towns, with greens fees typically ranging from $25-40. "The 9 hole course is more weeds than course. The greens have not been cared for in 10+ years," reports camper Glenn M.
Waterfall hunting: The region contains several waterfalls within short drives. Near Monadnock State Park, multiple cascades dot the hillsides. "There is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area," according to Nancy R. Most falls require less than a mile of hiking to reach.
Cart-in camping privacy: Campers appreciate the vehicle-free environment at Tully Lake where sites must be reached by cart. "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around. It also made for a super quiet stay," explains Megan G. The carts are provided by the campground, allowing gear transport without vehicles.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms despite rustic settings. At Lake Dennison Recreation Area, "the sites were raked out and the fire pit was free of ash when we arrived," according to Nicole P. Bathroom cleaning schedules vary by campground but typically occur twice daily.
Geocaching opportunities: The Quabbin Reservoir area contains numerous geocaches, particularly around Federated Women's Club State Forest. "There are several along the entrance rd and in the area," notes Jean C. Download offline geocache maps before arrival as cell service is limited throughout the region.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the area have poor or non-existent mobile coverage. "Download your maps for offline use! Cell connection was horrible heading up here," warns Jean C. about Erving State Forest. Verizon typically has the best coverage, though still spotty. AT&T has usable signal at certain campgrounds: "Cell service was fine with AT&T," reports gabe N. at Lake Dennison.
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. Ashuelot River Campground requires reservations during peak season. "We spent another great weekend at the Ashuelot River Campground. We recently purchased a new-to-us camper and wanted to get in a trip or two before putting it away for the winter," mentions Rae-Ann W.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds close entirely during winter months. Erving State Forest operates from "May 25 to October 8" according to their official season. Weather can change rapidly in the region, with overnight temperatures sometimes dropping below 50°F even during summer months.
Playground access: Otter River State Forest offers facilities particularly good for younger children. "This campground is clean and well kept. Lots of families here. Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both)," reports Lori-Ann D. The playground areas typically accommodate children under 12.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, especially at campgrounds near water. "Buggy in June so bring your repellent," advises Sa R. about Tully Lake. Sites at higher elevations typically have fewer insects than waterfront locations. Bringing screened shelters for eating areas is recommended during peak season.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming beaches with varying amenities. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort features multiple swimming areas. "Perfect sized lake to swim and kayak," shares Emily H. about Lake Dennison's beach area. Most swimming areas lack lifeguards, so family supervision is required.
Site selection strategy: RV campers should research specific sites before booking. At Pine Acres Family Camping Resort, "A lot of sites are tight to get in. The lake beach could use a dredge so there is more sand (weedy)," warns Rick C. RVs longer than 30 feet may have difficulty at most state forest campgrounds.
Electrical concerns: Some campgrounds have reported electrical system issues. At Camp Coldbrook, one camper noted, "The electrical system has claimed countless RV components and 2 total losses. Instead of fixing it, they simply run generators for years." Bringing a surge protector is strongly recommended for all hookup sites.
Covered bridge awareness: When traveling to campgrounds near the New Hampshire border, be aware of low clearance bridges. "Highly suggest reading the directions on the campgrounds website about the covered bridge you're not allowed to cross - we discovered this the hard way," cautions Mallory P. about accessing Ashuelot River Campground. Some bridges have height restrictions as low as 7'6".
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near New Salem, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, New Salem, MA offers a wide range of camping options, with 170 campgrounds and RV parks near New Salem, MA and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near New Salem, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Salem, MA is Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Salem, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near New Salem, MA.
What parks are near New Salem, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near New Salem, MA that allow camping, notably Tully Lake and Edward MacDowell Lake.
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