Tent camping near North Billerica, Massachusetts provides access to both woodland and water-based recreation within an hour's drive. The region features several small lakes and ponds with elevations ranging from 100 to 500 feet above sea level. Summer camping season typically runs from May through October with temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak months and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Paddle Tully Lake: Explore the 200-acre lake with rental equipment available directly at Tully Lake Recreation Area. "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake. Great trip! We will be returning," reports one camper. The lake features multiple islands and coves to discover during your paddle.
Visit Doane's Falls: Located a short walk from Tully Lake campground, this series of five cascading waterfalls offers opportunities for photography and nature observation. "If you'd like to hike with children, 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," notes a visitor.
Explore Boston Harbor Islands: Take advantage of inter-island ferries to visit multiple islands in a single day from Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground. "While you're out on the islands, take time to explore one of the others...look for sea glass on Spectacle Island and climb the hill for a view of the Boston skyline, explore the old forts and visitors centers, earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service."
Berry picking: Seasonal wild berries grow throughout the camping areas. "In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks," mentions a Boston Harbor Islands camper. Wild blueberries are also available at some campsites during late summer.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Cape Ann Camp Site, campers appreciate the natural separation between camping areas. "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc.," notes one reviewer. The wooded settings create natural boundaries.
Car-free camping environments: Several campgrounds restrict vehicles to parking areas, creating quieter camping experiences. "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," shares a Tully Lake visitor. This setup reduces noise and enhances safety for families.
Beach access: Some campsites provide convenient water access for swimming and water activities. "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area. Definitely recommend it!" shares a Cape Ann visitor. Another mentions, "Cape Ann Campground is located close to Gloucester and Rockport. The campground is clean and quiet with beautiful tent sites."
Unique camping options: Beyond standard tent sites, some properties offer alternative accommodations. "This campground has 6 yurts and 6 tent sites. The yurts have bunk beds, a floor lamp, a table inside, a picnic table outside and a grill," notes a Boston Harbor Islands camper. These options provide comfort for those with less camping equipment.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or non-existent connectivity. "Cell service is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want (driving, trail, geocaching) before you arrive," advises a Tully Lake camper. Plan communication needs accordingly.
Carrying gear from parking areas: Several campgrounds require campers to transport equipment from central parking to campsites. "Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site," explains a Tully Lake visitor. Another adds, "Some of the sites are located on a small rise; I suspect that was appreciated the night 4" of rain fell recently!"
Variable shower facilities: Shower availability and cost differ across campgrounds. "25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom," notes one Cape Ann reviewer. Others mention bringing quarters specifically for showers. Some primitive sites have no shower facilities.
Reservation timing considerations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "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 a Tully Lake camper.
Tips for camping with families
Consider walk-in site distance: When camping with small children, factor in nighttime bathroom trips. "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site and neighboring campers," shares a Tully Lake visitor. Choose sites closer to facilities when camping with young children.
Look for environmental education opportunities: Camp Nihan Education Center provides learning experiences in a natural setting. "Perfect blend of rugged and convenient for small kid camping. The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods," reports one family. Educational programming often available during summer months.
Seek shallow swimming areas: Some locations offer kid-friendly water access. "The camp is also adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes," notes a Camp Nihan visitor. Protected swimming areas provide safer options for younger campers.
Check for available activities: Federated Womens Club State Forest offers exploration opportunities beyond the campground. "If you continue past site 15, you'll head through Gate 36 out toward Soapstone Hill which offers a great view of Quabbin Reservoir and sunsets." Historical cellar holes throughout the area provide educational exploration for children interested in local history.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near North Billerica have few accommodations for larger vehicles. Cape Ann Camp Site provides some RV-friendly sites but with rustic amenities. "Nice, clean campground with several bathroom locations throughout. The showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change," shares an RVer.
Consider tent camping as an alternative: Due to limited RV facilities, some travelers opt for tent sites instead. "It doesn't look like much but it is absolutely lovely when you actually pull in! We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," reports a Cape Ann visitor who typically travels by RV but chose tent camping for this location.
