1 campground with availability next weekend
Tent campgrounds near New Salem, Massachusetts offer several rustic and walk-in options throughout the region. Tully Lake Recreation Area in nearby Royalston provides tent-only sites that require campers to park and walk in with their gear. Federated Womens Club State Forest in Petersham offers primitive backcountry tent camping approximately 15 minutes from New Salem, with significantly fewer amenities but greater solitude.
Most tent sites in the region require some level of self-sufficiency. At Tully Lake, campers must use provided wooden carts to transport equipment from the central parking area to their sites, with distances ranging from a few yards to nearly a mile. Federated Womens Club State Forest requires campers to check in at Erving State Forest first and has walk-in only sites with a composting toilet near the group camping area. Sites generally include fire rings and picnic tables, though firewood availability varies by location. Water access is limited or non-existent at more primitive locations. One visitor noted, "The entrance road is marked with signs, but I accidentally drove past it the first time."
Tent campsites around New Salem provide a range of experiences from moderately developed to highly primitive. At Tully Lake, sites offer privacy with some near the water and others on bluffs, creating a more secluded camping experience without vehicle noise. The lack of RVs and cars at the sites creates a quieter environment for tent campers. Several areas provide access to hiking trails, with Tully Lake featuring paths along Doane's Falls and around the lake itself. In early summer, sites can be buggy, so repellent is recommended. A camper observed that "Some of the sites are definitely walk-in, with a narrow trail leading from the road. It's possible to park at other sites; high clearance vehicles are definitely preferred."
"Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them."
"Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border."
from $40 / night
"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"
from $22 - $30 / night
"Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites. They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."
from $25 - $30 / night
"The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too. You hear the trains running at night. Very clean and comfortable."
from $50 - $100 / night
from $35 - $140 / night
from $50 - $100 / night
TravelerSmall but quaint park. It is the off season, but there are numerous folks here. Propane fill available. They stock the river behind the park with trout. Walking path in the woods along the river. Staff are friendly and helpful.
TravelerBeautiful place about an hour from Salem Boston and Plymouth. Be careful getting in Sharp Hill coming up and down lots of scrapes on the ground tight navigation through sites lots of beautiful trees.
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.
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.
TravelerLove this place. We were the only ones there during a weekday visit in October. It’s incredibly peaceful with wooded sites and the lake is just gorgeous with the fall foliage. Bonus that they deliver firewood to the campsite. My only wish and I wouldn’t knock a star off because we were literally the only ones there is I wish they didn’t lock the showers. I would have loved to have a shower but the office was closed and I wasn’t able to find anyone to unlock a shower. Just be prepared and bring your dude wipes 🤣 Other than that amazing place.
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
GuideWonderful owners. A variety of sites to choose from in a relaxing setting. No waste hookups here, but they have a dump station. $51 per night with cash.
TravelerLaundry is clean, bathrooms are clean and showers are hot. Pool, dishwashing station, sometimes quite sometimes very active. Love this place! Wish it was open year round!
RangerNice campground. Pull through was helpful for quick overnight stay. I like that there are some walking paths and a dog beach. We would return.
Tent camping near New Salem, Massachusetts offers diverse experiences across terrain that ranges from 800 to 1,400 feet in elevation. The region's humid continental climate brings warm summers and cold winters, with the camping season typically running from late April through October. Water is a central feature of the area's camping options, with several sites offering access to rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Paddle exploration opportunities: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, campers can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the lake's many 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," shares Ben P.
Hiking trail access: Multiple hiking trails connect to camping areas, ranging from easy waterfall paths to challenging summit routes. "From the main entrance, collect a cart, load your gear, and following the appropriate divergent path from the parking lot or bath house (they are color coded)," notes Jean C. about navigating Tully Lake.
Wildlife observation: Chester Railway Station offers a unique camping experience with regular train sightings and ample wildlife viewing opportunities in the surrounding fields. "The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. You hear the trains running at night," reports Esther L.
Quiet camping environment: The walk-in nature of sites creates a noticeably different camping experience. "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," says Megan G. about Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Privacy between sites: Campsites in the region are generally well-spaced. "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," notes Megan G.
Natural swimming spots: Rather than developed swimming beaches, campers find natural water access points. "You can't swim (unless you rent a canoe/kayak and swim while you're out on the water)," explains Brie B. about Barton Cove Campground.
Parking and access limitations: Many campgrounds require walking to sites. "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," reports Brie B.
Reservation timing matters: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year...Booking for Memorial Day meant I booked in April), so you have to be on your game," advises Kris M.
Facility limitations: Federated Womens Club State Forest offers very primitive facilities. "Bring your own water. There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field," notes Jean C.
Cart logistics planning: When camping at cart-in sites, consider how to manage equipment transportation. "You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site," explains Nancy R., adding that "The campsites are spacious and though there is not a bad site, some are better suited for certain purposes like group camping."
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies widely throughout the area, affecting navigation and safety. "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here," advises Jean C.
Off-site activity options: Zoar Outdoor offers alternative adventures. "The campground is connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river," says Seth K.
Limited RV accommodations: Most tent camping areas near New Salem restrict or don't accommodate RVs. "The sites here are great, if you aren't bringing too much with you (or are staying long enough you don't mind the multiple treks to and from the car for various streches)," notes Kris M., explaining that the lack of vehicle access creates challenges for those with extensive gear.
Site selection considerations: When booking, request details about site access and terrain. "If you are a car camper this is going to be more rustic as there is no driving up to the sites, but there is a main parking area and a few sites 50-100 yards aways from it," explains Miguel B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near New Salem, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near New Salem, MA is Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near New Salem, MA?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near New Salem, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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