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."

Best Camping Sites Near New Salem, Massachusetts (157)

    1. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    9 Reviews
    Royalston, MA
    11 miles
    +1 (978) 249-9150

    $40 / night

    "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."

    2. Otter River State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Baldwinville, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    $17 - $55 / 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"

    3. Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    14 Reviews
    Foster Lake, OR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 297-1609

    $17 - $35 / night

    "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."

    "As a caveat, waterfront in this instance was more of a water view as the lake was on the other side of the campground road and a large open area with trees."

    4. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

    15 Reviews
    Rutland, MA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 882-9509

    $70 - $115 / 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."

    5. Erving State Forest Campground

    3 Reviews
    Erving, MA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 544-7745

    $17 / 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. "

    6. Federated Womens Club State Forest

    1 Review
    Petersham, MA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    7. Ashuelot River Campground

    18 Reviews
    West Swanzey, NH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 357-5777

    $47 - $70 / 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."

    8. Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts

    4 Reviews
    Barre, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 355-2090

    $28 - $58 / night

    "The campground was large enough to tire out the dogs walking around, staff was friendly, helpful and welcoming!"

    9. Barton Cove Campground

    2 Reviews
    Greenfield, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 863-9300

    $22 - $30 / 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"

    10. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park

    19 Reviews
    Jaffrey, NH
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 532-2416

    $29 - $35 / night

    "Campsites are well shaded but if you have an RV take the time to rent an RV site otherwise backing in will put you in and awkward position as the mixed use “standard” sites are oriented towards tent camping"

    "The campsite is big and away from another site. You can easilly access to hiking trails. The staff there are friendly and helpful. It's definitely a plus."

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Recent Reviews near New Salem, MA

701 Reviews of 157 New Salem Campgrounds


  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice ‘n Easy campground

    We stayed for 3 days off season so not busy. Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night. Sites have fire rings with excellent airflow for good burning with low smoke. Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area. Office staff was very helpful and they’re open later into the day til 7 PM. Good firewood and large bundle delivered for $15 to your site. We passed over this site on our first trip to the area but are glad we came here and we’re planning to return. Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    NF 83 - riverside

    NF83

    Great camping site. The road into the site was pretty rough.

  • Rae-Ann W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Another great trip to Ashuelot River Campground

    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. This was our 2nd visit to Ashuelot.

    We were in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park. We were in a fully wooded area on the left side of the campground, which we prefer. They have sites located in fully open areas, as well as some that are partially wooded and have river access. There is a nice mix.

    Having good weather, we took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit. We were able to enjoy a nice, slow drift around the campground.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time again and will definitely be back.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    Nice weekend getaway

    This place was really nice. Easy to pull our 20ft camper in. Two minutes drive to the very cute town of Wilmington. Good places to eat there. The campsite was really private. Had a picnic table and fire pit. The pond was sweet and the Deerfield Valley Trail is right off the campsite. We would definitely like to stay there again.

  • Michael
    Sep. 20, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    The Quarry Campground

    Very quiet. At night all you can hear is the crackling of the campfire.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park

    Good Campground

    Stayed for over a week off season , mid September. Very quiet during the week , weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night. Very loud until after 10:00 on Friday / Saturday. 50 percent or more is seasonal camp sites. Sites in back are ok with trees and different levels. Sites are a little closer than I usually find. Neighbors are very considerate on site privacy. Owners are exceptionally helpful and work hard to keep the site functioning and clean. Coin operated showers with hot water, mostly nice and clean except after a crowd gets packed and checks out Sunday AM. Laundry room takes quarters for machines. Small store at office which was open every day. Game room with wi fi. Pool , playground , volleyball area. Good size wood bundle for $10 , delivered directly to your site. Lake access with kayaks , some local hiking. Major grocery store nearby along with Walmart.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Grout Pond Loop

    Camping Grout Pond Loop is truly nice after Labor Day (Sept 5-7). Campsites 15 & 16 offer pull-out space to turn around truck campers --we lucked out w/ 4 wheel camper pop-up). Over hanging trees would make it difficult for larger equipment, plus saw posting that excludes trailers from certain roads. We reserved well in advance; however many fellow campers were trying to find first come sites and ended up hiking in to camp around pond sites. Sites are in eye-site of each other but you don't feel crowded. Temps during day around 65-70 F. Nights dipped to 45-55F.
    We saw deer & turkeys driving the surrounding woods after short hikes.
    We love chatting w locals and learned of a special shrine that was faithfully built from stone to resemble original in modern day Turkey. What a special & serene place.

  • Kenneth P.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    Not So Bad

    We spent one night at site #20 and enjoyed our stay.  It was rather peaceful other than the hum of I-91. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were generally wooded, pretty level, and fairly spread apart from one another.  I saw no signs of the problems identified in the June 2025 review.  Yes, I must agree that the restrooms are old, but they were clean.  The other problems might happen anywhere and were obviously brought under control.  Clearly, the writer of the June 2025 post knew way more than any weekend camper would be aware of and this shows that is more to their story that should have been revealed in their post.


Guide to New Salem

Camping near New Salem, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful nature and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are great trails nearby, especially at October Mountain State Forest. One camper mentioned, "The trails were completely perfectly maintained with some 2x6 boards over the muddy bits so our boots didn't get wet."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, October Mountain State Forest is close to the Housatonic River, which is perfect for catch-and-release fishing. A reviewer noted, "This campground was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside."
  • Exploring Local History: The area is rich in history, with nearby towns offering historical sites and charming shops. One visitor said, "Concord is only a 30-minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Spacious Skies Minute Man. A reviewer shared, "The sites were ample size and space for our rig and needs."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the welcoming atmosphere. At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, one guest said, "Pat and Gordon are incredibly welcoming hosts."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained grounds are a big plus. A camper at George Washington State Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! the nicest I've seen yet."

What you should know:

  • No Same-Day Reservations: Many campgrounds, like October Mountain State Forest, do not allow same-day reservations. A frustrated camper noted, "First off no same day reservations or walk-ups allowed."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Monadnock State Park Campground said, "I wish this were clearer on their website as we needed service to do some work."
  • Mosquitoes: The area can have a lot of mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. One camper warned, "The mosquitoes here were something out of a Soviet lab."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Camping On The Battenkill, a reviewer said, "A big playground for kids."
  • Plan for Rain: Be ready for sudden weather changes. One family at Wells State Park Campground experienced a storm but still had fun, saying, "Even with the heavy downpour, the site soaked it up and we had one small puddle."
  • Bring Extra Lights: It can get very dark at night. A camper at Wells State Park Campground advised, "Bring two lights at night!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Accessibility: Some sites may not be RV-friendly. A camper at Wells State Park Campground mentioned, "The driveway to site 38 was a mess."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. A reviewer at Camping On The Battenkill noted, "They have tent sites to full hookup sites."
  • Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds have additional fees for non-residents. A visitor at October Mountain State Forest shared, "It cost me $52 because I am not a Massachusetts resident, per night."

Camping near New Salem, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

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 157 campgrounds and RV parks near New Salem, MA and 12 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 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Salem, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 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.