Glamping sites near Northborough, Massachusetts range from rustic yurts to cabin-style accommodations across several state parks and private campgrounds. Most locations operate seasonally from May through October, with water activities at peak availability during summer months. Winter operations are limited, with only a few locations offering off-season reservations.
What to do
Hiking at Purgatory Chasm: Located just minutes from Sutton Falls Camping Area, this natural landmark offers unique hiking opportunities. "About 5 min from great hiking at purgatory chasm," notes one visitor who appreciated the convenient location.
Swimming at Walker Pond: Wells State Park Campground maintains a designated swimming area at Walker Pond. "Offers hiking, biking, swimming, fishing. Nice and quiet also," states a camper who visited the park. The swimming area features red clay rather than sand beaches.
Fishing opportunities: Aldrich Mill Pond at Sutton Falls provides catch-and-release fishing opportunities. Guests mention "kids had a blast with the boat rentals and fishing," making it suitable for families wanting to teach children fishing skills. Some sites allow fishing directly from waterfront camping spots.
Disc golf courses: West Thompson Lake Campground maintains a disc golf course on property for visitors seeking recreational activities beyond water sports. "We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property," mentions a recent visitor who enjoyed this alternative activity.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Campers consistently rate waterfront locations highly at George Washington State Campground. "There's fishing and hiking right in the park," writes a regular visitor. The stream and pond access provide natural soundscapes for overnight stays.
Clean facilities: Many visitors appreciate the maintained facilities at Wells State Park. "Brand new bathroom/shower facility this year," noted one reviewer, highlighting recent upgrades. Modern restrooms with hot water make extended stays more comfortable, especially for families with children.
Peaceful atmosphere: Smaller campgrounds like The Pine Campground receive praise for their tranquil settings. "Most of the daily/weekly sites back up to a stream, which is nice. You can hear the water running, especially at night," writes a satisfied camper. These quieter options provide alternatives to larger, more crowded resorts.
Proximity to historical sites: Hanscom AFB FamCamp offers military families access to significant historical locations. "In the immediate vicinity are the villages of Lexington and Concord as well as the Minute Man National Park and Walden Pond," notes a visitor who appreciated the historical context of the area.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping locations require advance bookings, with popular waterfront sites filling quickly. "We were delighted when we learned we had the little peninsula of site P1 all to ourselves," writes a visitor to Sutton Falls, indicating the value of securing choice locations early.
Site privacy varies: Campground density differs significantly between locations. At Willard Brook State Forest Campground, "Sites are largely level, around a small, bisected loop with towering pines... not a lot of brush between sites, so not much privacy either."
Seasonal operations: Most glamping facilities close during winter months. Wells State Park operates "May to October," while Sutton Falls runs "April 15 to October 1," making advance planning crucial for fall visits when foliage viewing is popular.
Fee structures: Out-of-state visitors often pay premium rates at Massachusetts state parks. "Prices are steep for what you get if you are out of state," notes a camper at Willard Brook, where 2020 pandemic-related price increases affected non-resident rates.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When booking at The Pine Campground, consider site location relative to play areas. "We picked a site down the road from the playground, if you have kids you may want to be closer," advises a visitor, noting this consideration for families with young children.
Beach access: Otter River State Forest offers swimming options that families appreciate. "Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both)," mentions a reviewer who found this feature valuable for entertaining children.
Rental options: Some locations offer boat rentals that expand recreational options. "Kids had a blast with the boat rentals and fishing," shares a Sutton Falls visitor, highlighting activities that occupy children during longer stays.
Alternative accommodations: Yurts provide family-friendly options for those wanting structure without full cabins. "There is a large yurt suitable for 10 people. The yurt does offer electricity," notes a Willard Brook visitor, describing an option that works well for larger family groups.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Wells State Park requires preparation for uneven terrain. "The site was very un-level, with a steep, narrow driveway," reports an RVer who had difficulties with their initial site assignment but ultimately found an alternative.
Electric service quality: When temperatures rise, electrical capacity becomes crucial. At Douglas Forest RV Resort, "The electrical system needs significant attention. Multiple RVs share single pedestals... Power fluctuations are common during warm weather, causing frequent breaker trips."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly between campgrounds. The Pine Campground receives positive marks for accessibility, with staff that "assisted to guide us into our space. 25' travel trailer, full hookups," ensuring safe arrival for those with limited towing experience.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer on-site sanitation facilities. Willard Brook lacks these amenities: "There are no hookups nor a dump station at the campground," requiring planning for longer stays with self-contained units.
