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Best Campgrounds near Palmer Town, MA

630 Reviews

The Palmer Town area in central Massachusetts features several established campgrounds within a 20-mile radius, including Wells State Park Campground and Sunset View Farms. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles from traditional tent sites to RV hookups, with some locations like Pine Acres Family Camping Resort offering cabin options for those seeking more comfort. Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with Wilderness Lake Park in nearby Connecticut extending its season until December.

Campground amenities vary significantly throughout the region, with most established sites providing fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, shower facilities, and dump stations for RVs, though primitive tent-only areas exist at several locations. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when campgrounds reach capacity quickly. The region experiences typical New England weather patterns with humid summers and cold winters, making late spring through early fall the optimal camping season. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly at Tully Lake where one visitor noted, "Cell service is spotty to non-existent for some providers within the campground."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive feedback from visitors to the area, with several campgrounds offering access to ponds, lakes, or rivers. Wells State Park provides hiking trails and swimming opportunities at Walker Pond, while Quinebaug Cove Campground offers 165 sites near water recreation areas. Families particularly appreciate the range of activities available at larger campgrounds like Pine Acres Family Camping Resort, which features 300 sites with various amenities. Noise levels vary by location, with some campgrounds experiencing highway sounds. A camper at October Mountain State Forest mentioned, "Outside the entrance station is a HUGE power station that emits a hum constantly," highlighting the importance of selecting sites away from main roads for those seeking quiet natural surroundings.

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Best Camping Sites Near Palmer Town, Massachusetts (158)

    1. Wells State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Sturbridge, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 347-9257

    $17 - $55 / night

    "Beautiful campground in a nice central location nearby several nice towns in Central Massachusetts."

    "This is a great campground located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts on walker pond. Brand new bathroom/shower facility this year. Offers hiking, biking, swimming, fishing. Nice and quiet also."

    2. Sunset View Farms

    5 Reviews
    Monson Center, MA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 267-9269

    "Great location kids had a blast just wished they had more activities for them to do for the weekend we stay it poured everyday and they only had one craft and then an arcade to entertain them."

    3. Partridge Hollow Campground

    5 Reviews
    Monson Center, MA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 267-5122

    $45 - $65 / night

    4. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

    15 Reviews
    Rutland, MA
    18 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. Wilderness Lake Park

    14 Reviews
    Willington, CT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 684-6352

    $70 / night

    "Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country."

    "It’s a dog friendly park which was good for us, our dog could swim in the lake with us. Cute patio overlooking the lake as well with seating."

    6. Quinebaug Cove Campground

    4 Reviews
    Fiskdale, MA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 245-9525

    $70 - $78 / night

    "Small campground on lake. lot of seasonal sites. Sites on beach are nice size."

    7. Thousand Trails Sturbridge

    6 Reviews
    Westville Lake, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The manager was able to give me a great campsite away from all of the RVs and cabins. It was right at the entrance however you did have to hike up a short 50ft hill to get to the site."

    "We had a great time relaxing around the campfire with another family. The playground was a hit for our kids!"

    8. Village Green Family Campground

    2 Reviews
    Brimfield, MA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 245-3504

    $40 - $50 / night

    9. Brialee Family Campground

    14 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 303-2267

    $25 - $150 / night

    "Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families."

    "Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers. Great place with kids.....lots of seasonal, but plenty short term."

    10. Westover ARB Military FamCamp

    4 Reviews
    Chicopee, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 557-2192

    "Base is sleepy and nearly all of it closes around 3pm unless it’s a Friday. It’s not the best, but it’s not the worst. I’d stay there again if it worked out logistically for us."

    "Located on Westover RAFB. for active duty, retired and DAV. Sites are water/electric but some are 30 amp, others are 50 amp. Dump station available."

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Recent Camping Photos near Palmer Town, MA

333 Photos of 158 Palmer Town Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Palmer Town, MA

630 Reviews of 158 Palmer Town Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    Really pretty and chill

    This campground is pretty and offers many private site options. We didn't use the bathrooms so can't speak on that. But overall it's a clean campground.

    There are two loops. 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. The sites by the lake are really pretty, but there's not much privacy. All of the sites are good size and the fire pits are placed well.

    The other loop farther away from the entrance has a lot more lakeside sites. But there's very little privacy. The sites with higher numbers by the lake are all on top of each other with little to no trees or shrubs between sites, and you can't really decipher where one site ends and the next begins. We would not stay on that loop if we visited again. Unless it was site 101 which seemed more private for that loop.

    Sites 1 through 5 on the first loop are pretty quiet and peaceful. We stayed at site 4 and we think that it was one of the best sites in the campground. We didn't have neighbors on either side of us. We only had neighbors across from us. The site was spacious , peaceful and pretty. There was a little trail from our site that went down to a marsh. That was absolutely beautiful.

    We will definitely stay here again.

  • gabe N.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    What a gem

    We camped here one night on a pit stop and it exceeded our expectations! We camped on the north shore; sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake. However, there is limited privacy between sites so hope for good neighbors :) also cell service was fine with AT&T.

  • Eric LeBoeuf
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Pearl Hill State Park Campground

    Nice place

    Don't expect to go swimming in the so called pond its all weeds and muck dear flies are killer but a little smokey fire takes care of them showers and bathrooms were always super clean id go back

  • Jim R.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Indian Ranch Campground

    Live Music, Lake Views, and Laid-Back Vibes—One of Our Favorite Campgrounds

    We ended up at Indian Ranch Campground after leaving another local campground under less-than-ideal circumstances… and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best accidental discoveries we’ve ever made.

    From the moment we arrived, the energy here was completely different—welcoming, relaxed, and full of life. The campground is beautifully laid out with well-kept sites, plenty of trees, and easy access to Webster Lake(aka Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg—yes, really).

    🎶 The concerts? Incredible. Being able to walk from our campsite to watch national music acts perform live at the Indian Ranch Amphitheater is a game-changer. It’s like a music festival that doesn’t require you to sleep in a muddy field. Huge bonus for music lovers!

    🛺 Golf cart rentals make exploring the campground easy and fun, especially if you're hauling chairs, coolers, or just want to cruise around and enjoy the views.

    🏊‍♂️ The pool is clean and inviting—perfect for relaxing after a show or just enjoying a sunny afternoon.

    🌅 The lake itself is stunning, with spots to sit and watch the boats, fish, or just take in the view. The vibe is very“lake life meets concert culture,” and it works perfectly.

    🍔 There’s also an on-site restaurant inside the gates with great food, cold drinks, and a laid-back patio atmosphere that completes the experience.

    🤝 The people here? Fantastic. Campers were friendly, staff was helpful, and there was an overall sense of community that you just don’t get at every park. In Summary: Awesome mix of camping+ concerts Clean facilities, full hookups, and spacious sites Golf cart rentals= a must! Pool, lake, and great food on-site Walkable access to live shows= chef’s kiss🎶 We stumbled in… and didn’t want to leave If you're looking for more than just a campsite—if you want an experience—this is it. We'll be back. Probably more than once.

  • Jim R.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Douglas Forest RV Resort

    Please—Do Your Homework Before You Stay Here

    I wish I wasn’t writing this.

    Truly. But if sharing our experience helps even one person avoid the same mistake, then it’s worth it.

    We booked two full weeks at Douglas Forest RV Resort, drawn in by its wooded setting and supposed family-friendly charm. The photos looked peaceful. The location sounded perfect. But within hours of arrival, we realized we had walked into something completely different.

    Almost immediately, we witnessed aggressive, disturbing behavior—adults yelling and chasing children through the park. At one point, a child was literally being pursued by a vehicle. In a campground. On the roads where people walk, dogs are walked, and kids ride bikes. We were shocked. We kept expecting someone from staff to step in—but no one did. When we brought it up to another guest, they just nodded and said,“Yeah… it’s always like this.” Turns out, management is known to overlook certain behavior from“regulars.”

    As we walked the grounds, we also noticed**several people clearly living out of tents—**not camping, not weekend warriors, but living there long-term. It gave the entire campground an uneasy, off-kilter feel. The line between traveler and transient is not well-maintained here, and it adds to the overall lack of safety and structure.

    We were ready to leave that night, but with tight, poorly lit roads, towing out after dark just wasn’t safe. So we locked up, barely slept, and pulled out at first light. We had paid for 14 nights. We stayed one. And we didn’t ask for a refund—because honestly, we just wanted out.

    And yes, we later discovered that many of the glowing reviews online were written by someone who works at the campground. That’s not just misleading—it’s reckless. Campers rely on those reviews to make informed choices.

    Douglas Forest RV Resort could be something special, but it’s not. Not right now. Not while safety is ignored, accountability is non-existent, and some guests are clearly treated as untouchable. Please, do your homework before booking here.

    We wish we had—just one day earlier.

  • Glenn M.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Douglas Forest RV Resort

    Reviews seem to be disappearing for this property.

    Mixed Experience- Potential Hindered by Operational Issues

    The new ownership appears committed to improvements, though the focus seems more on revenue generation than guest experience at this time. 

    Infrastructure Concerns: The electrical system needs significant attention. Multiple RVs share single pedestals, and we observed exposed wire connections and pest issues at electrical boxes. Power fluctuations are common during warm weather, causing frequent breaker trips. The road system requires maintenance- while some fresh gravel has been applied, many intersections remain challenging for larger trailers due to poor grading and poorly placed boulders. 

    Accommodations& Atmosphere: This is primarily a seasonal/long-term resident park rather than a traditional camping resort. The site composition includes many permanent residents, which creates more of a residential community feel. For those seeking a transient camping experience, this may not align with expectations.

    Facilities: The pool is well-maintained and enjoyable. However, other amenities need attention- the playground equipment shows its age, and laundry facilities, while clean, have mechanical reliability issues. Currently, only one restroom facility is fully operational, with others being gradually brought online.

    Accessibility: Most sites feature loose gravel surfaces that may present challenges for guests with mobility equipment. The playground uses mulch surfacing, which may also limit accessibility.

    Management: Communication with management regarding concerns can be challenging, and families should be prepared for a more relaxed supervision environment.

    Bottom Line: While the location has natural beauty and potential, current operational challenges and pricing don't align well with the amenity level provided. Those seeking a quiet, well-maintained camping experience might find better value elsewhere until improvements are completed. Positive reviews seem to be coming from investors of the campground or people with personal interest.

Guide to Palmer Town

Camping near Palmer Town offers several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Most sites operate seasonally from spring through fall, though some locations like Wilderness Lake Park remain open until December. Tent sites range from primitive woodland spots to developed areas with water access. Campgrounds vary in size, with facilities ranging from basic pit toilets to full-service bathhouses with laundry options.

What to do

Hiking nearby trails: Wells State Park Campground features multiple hiking options around Walker Pond. One camper notes, "Great little swimming lake as well as a popular hiking trail. If you're looking for a little escape to the woods, this place is it..."

Free water activities: Wilderness Lake Park offers complimentary watercraft for campers. A visitor mentioned, "They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake," making it an economical option for water recreation without bringing your own equipment.

Visit local attractions: The region offers convenient access to popular destinations. A camper at Sunset View Farms shared, "Perfect spot if you don't mind a 40 minute ride over to The Big E fair which is what brought us out to this part of MA."

What campers like

Large, level sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious areas for setup. A camper at Pine Acres Family Camping Resort appreciated that "Tent sites were very dispersed and way up on the top of the mountain," providing more privacy than RV areas.

Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews. One camper at Wells State Park noted, "Wells State Park camp grounds recently got new bathrooms and they are so clean! The campsites are a nice size to drive your car up to and still have ample tent/picnic table/fire space."

Late checkout options: Some campgrounds offer extended morning hours. A visitor to Sunset View Farms appreciated, "Quiet, friendly staff, 1pm check out," giving campers extra time to pack up without rushing.

What you should know

Seasonal restrictions: Water access varies by season. At Westover ARB Military FamCamp, "Water is turned off October 15-April 15. Water available from rest room spigot. You will need at least 25' hose."

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Partridge Hollow Campground has strict policies, as one reviewer learned when attempting to cancel: "We were told they wouldn't refund us our money. We asked if we could just push out our reservation for another time & was told no."

Site selection considerations: Not all sites are created equal. A camper at Wells State Park advised, "Yes you will hear the road so plan accordingly and not all sites are level," highlighting the importance of researching specific site numbers before booking.

Tips for camping with families

Activity-rich campgrounds: The best places to camp near Palmer Town for families often feature structured programming. Brialee Family Campground "offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs."

Water recreation options: Multiple swimming areas appeal to families with children of different ages. A visitor to Pine Acres noted, "AWESOME pools (very kid friendly), parks, dog park, hiking trails and even sections off of the trails to find your own private beach on the water."

Evening entertainment: Scheduled events provide after-dinner activities. Sunset View Farms features "Saturday night entertainment, pond, pool, clean," making it easier to keep children engaged throughout the day.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. A camper at Partridge Hollow Campground reported, "The way in is very twisty and hilly. Was a challenge for our 33' towing a car but we made it!"

Utility hookup variations: Power and water connections differ between campgrounds. Wilderness Lake Park has sites where "Water/elec. Some porta potties in tents area," which may not meet the needs of larger RVs requiring full hookups.

Extended season options: For campers seeking later-season availability near Palmer Town, Massachusetts, Westover ARB Military FamCamp offers "Winter rate is $14/day $84/week, Summer rare is $23/day $140/week" with year-round accessibility for eligible military personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping in Palmer Town?

Palmer Town offers convenient access to several excellent camping options in central Massachusetts. October Mountain State Forest Campground is a popular choice with sites nestled on a hillside featuring separate areas for tents and RVs, plus a few yurts on the upper tier. Each level has its own bath house facilities. For families looking for a more resort-style experience, Pine Acres Family Camping Resort near Oakham provides drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly accommodations.

What campgrounds are available in Palmer Town?

The Palmer Town area is surrounded by diverse campground options. Otter River State Forest is a clean, well-maintained campground popular with families, offering swimming in a pond and access to a larger lake nearby (camping pass covers both). Another excellent option is Wells State Park Campground in Sturbridge on Walker Pond, featuring newly renovated bathroom/shower facilities, hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing opportunities in a peaceful setting. The campground has an extensive trail system varying in difficulty levels, all well-marked for visitors.

Are there any primitive campsites in Palmer Town?

For those seeking a more primitive camping experience near Palmer Town, Tully Lake Recreation Area offers paddle-in and walk-in sites with a more rustic feel. This Army Corps of Engineers owned/Trustees of the Reservation operated campground features waterfront sites accessible by canoe or kayak. Another excellent primitive option is Willard Brook State Forest Campground, a small state forest campground with largely level sites arranged around a small, bisected loop surrounded by towering pines. Cell service can be spotty, so downloading maps beforehand is recommended.

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