Best Campgrounds near New Salem, MA
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."
