The best tent camping near Orange, Massachusetts offers remote sites with varying access conditions across the region. Sites at Tully Lake typically range from 50 yards to a mile from central parking, with site terrain varying from level platforms to hilly tent pads that can challenge setup. The camping season generally runs from May through October, with higher humidity and insects common in June and July.
What to do
Canoe exploration: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, visitors can paddle the extensive shoreline with 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," notes Ben P.
Disc golf: Near the Tully Lake dam, a course attracts regular players even during summer months. "A disc golf course is also near the dam and was seeing a fair amount of activity," reports Jean C., who visited during July.
Waterfall hiking: Doane's Falls offers a series of five cascades accessible via a short walk from the Tully Lake campground entrance. The trail follows an ascending path through wooded terrain, making it suitable for families. "The highlight was Doane's falls, a very quick walk from the campground area," according to Jean C.
History exploration: The Federated Women's Club State Forest area contains remnants of towns flooded in the 1930s to create Quabbin Reservoir. "You'll find cellar holes throughout, remnants of the towns lost in the 30s to create the reservoir," explains Jean C.
What campers like
Off-grid experience: Cell service limitations create a true digital disconnect at most area campgrounds. "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here," notes Jean C. about Federated Women's Club State Forest.
Car-free environment: The vehicle restriction at Zoar Outdoor and similar campgrounds enhances safety for families. "The campground is connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river," explains Seth K.
Helpful staff: At several locations, rangers actively assist with site selection based on specific needs. "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," writes Brie B. about Barton Cove Campground.
Seasonal activities: Summer camping offers swimming and paddling opportunities, while fall brings spectacular foliage viewing from elevated sites. "From some of the sites, this will be a long walk during the night. The mural inside is beautiful," notes Jean C. about facilities at Tully Lake.
What you should know
Gear transportation: Most tent camping near Orange requires hauling equipment some distance from parking areas. "It's a bit of a hassle but worth it," explains Brie B. about Barton Cove's check-in process involving multiple gates and walking.
Water availability: Water sources vary significantly between campgrounds. "There is one central restroom with showers (bring your quarters) and a place to wash dishes," Miguel B. notes about Tully Lake, while Federated Women's Club has no potable water.
Reservation windows: Popular waterfront sites book immediately when reservation systems open. "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," warns Kris M.
Fire regulations: Maple Ridge Farm and most established campgrounds permit fires in designated rings, while some locations have restrictions. "They don't allow fired at the campsites though which is annoying and their quiet hours are quite oppressive," notes Seth K. about Zoar Outdoor's policies.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations based on bathroom proximity for young children. "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," cautions Lauren A. about holiday weekends at Tully Lake.
Activity planning: Allow extra time for gear transportation when scheduling daily activities. "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. No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around," shares Megan G.
Weather preparation: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in the region, with limited shelter at primitive sites. "Some of the sites are located on a small rise; I suspect that was appreciated the night 4" of rain fell recently!" observes Jean C. about Tully Lake's terrain features.
Tips from RVers
Alternative accommodations: When RV camping isn't available, some locations offer cabin options. "It is a really fun place to spend a night, especially for a train enthusiast. The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too," explains Esther L. about the unique Chester Railway Station offering.
