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Best Campgrounds near Paxton, MA

590 Reviews

Camping near Paxton, Massachusetts encompasses a mix of state parks, family resorts, and RV-friendly facilities throughout central Massachusetts. The area is situated within easy reach of several established campgrounds, including Wells State Park in Sturbridge and Pine Acres Family Camping Resort in Oakham. Pout and Trout in nearby Rutland provides additional camping options, while Cold Brook Campground in Barre offers tent and RV sites with various amenities. Most campgrounds in the region feature wooded settings with access to ponds or lakes, providing opportunities for water recreation alongside hiking trails through the forested New England landscape.

Most campgrounds in the Paxton area operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, with peak season running from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Reservations are typically required and should be made well in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with many campgrounds reporting limited or spotty coverage. Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol consumption, even at campsites. Summer brings warm days and cool nights, while spring and fall camping offers comfortable temperatures but occasional rain. Mosquitoes can be particularly aggressive at some locations, especially near water features.

The camping experience varies significantly between private resorts and state parks in the region. Private campgrounds like Pine Acres and Camp Coldbrook offer more amenities including full hookups, camp stores, and organized activities, making them suitable for families seeking convenience. State parks such as Wells State Park provide a more natural setting with well-marked hiking trails and quieter surroundings. According to reviews, Wells State Park offers "some of the best hiking from a campground in the area, with a huge system of trails which are all very well marked." Many campgrounds feature waterfront sites, with ponds suitable for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Firewood is generally available for purchase on-site, as bringing outside wood is often prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive species.

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Best Camping Sites Near Paxton, Massachusetts (129)

    1. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

    15 Reviews
    Rutland, MA
    5 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."

    2. Wells State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Sturbridge, MA
    13 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."

    3. Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts

    4 Reviews
    Barre, MA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 355-2090

    $28 - $58 / night

    "The campground was large enough to tire out the dogs walking around, staff was friendly, helpful and welcoming!"

    4. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $39 - $999 / night

    "The pool is huge and clean and there is a ton of seating around. The shop has everything you could need. There are horseshoes, can jam, basketball, and bocce. There’s a playground and a rec room."

    "Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."

    5. Pout and Trout

    4 Reviews
    Hubbardston, MA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (774) 441-3248

    "This campground is located near two beautiful disc golf courses and the reason we stayed. The campground itself was fantastic, the owner at the front building was very helpful and so sweet."

    6. Sutton Falls Camping Area

    6 Reviews
    Manchaug, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 865-3898

    $40 - $65 / night

    "Cute quiet place with a lake. Family run very friendly. They only thing I didnt love is they remodeled one set of bathrooms in the back and the front was the old set."

    "Cabins and RV sites across the lake, along with beaches for swimming. Bathrooms located on P1 peninsula. Canoe rentals on-site. Lovely picnic dining area alongside covered bridge and waterfall."

    7. Cold brook Campground and Resort

    1 Review
    Barre, MA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 355-2090

    $77 / night

    8. Otter River State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Baldwinville, MA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    $17 - $55 / night

    "Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both). One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts."

    "I loved it here, it was a great little campground for massachusetts"

    9. George Washington State Campground

    25 Reviews
    Pascoag, RI
    28 miles
    +1 (401) 568-6700

    $18 - $75 / night

    "So if you are confused about things like location, let’s knock that out first:

    This campground is located near 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814."

    "The campground was safe, nicely laid out so we could have a series of sites next to one another. Biking was a blast for the kids along with trail hike around pond, beach, and fishing."

    10. Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    14 Reviews
    Foster Lake, MA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 297-1609

    $17 - $35 / night

    "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."

    "As a caveat, waterfront in this instance was more of a water view as the lake was on the other side of the campground road and a large open area with trees."

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Recent Camping Photos near Paxton, MA

302 Photos of 129 Paxton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Paxton, MA

590 Reviews of 129 Paxton 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.

  • 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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    Lots of Amenities

    The Quarry has something for everyone. Swimming, fishing, hiking, seasonal, daily, full hookups or tenting. Lots of pull throughs!

Guide to Paxton

Camping near Paxton, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails around Wompatuck State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "You can take a trail from the campsite," making it easy to enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Swimming and Water Activities: At Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest, visitors can enjoy a lovely pond for swimming. One camper noted, "The water in the pond is not streaming, so be prepared for mosquitoes when camping close to the water."
  • Exploring Historic Sites: Stay at Spacious Skies Minute Man and take a short drive to Concord, where you can visit historic sites. A reviewer said, "Concord is only a 30-minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Normandy Farms Campground. One happy camper shared, "The bathrooms/showers are spotless with piped-in music and hairdryers."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Massasoit State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Our site was spacious with a tent site, perfect for camping in a small group."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Mystic KOA is known for its family-oriented events. One reviewer said, "The staff are amazing and the entire place is completely geared to families."

What you should know

  • Reservation Recommendations: Many campgrounds, like Boston/Cape Cod KOA, get busy during peak season. A camper advised, "I recommend having reservations if you want to stay at this campground, between Memorial Day and Labor Day."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Wompatuck State Park Campground, have basic amenities. One reviewer noted, "The bathroom amenities work but not the cleanest."
  • Wildlife Awareness: Campers at George Washington State Campground should be cautious of local wildlife. A visitor mentioned, "Everyone complains about the local small wildlife getting into your food."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. Lorraine Park Campground has a well-maintained playground and planned activities for kids.
  • Pack Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially near water. A camper at Massasoit State Park Campground advised, "Bring bug spray and thermacell (it works good)."
  • Choose Private Sites: For a quieter experience, select sites that offer more privacy. A reviewer at Greenfield State Park Campground said, "All sites are very private."

Tips from RVers

  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Campers at Normandy Farms Campground recommend bringing leveling blocks for uneven sites. One camper noted, "We recommend this campground but just be prepared and bring plenty of leveling blocks!"
  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at Minute Man Campground mentioned, "Some of the FHU sites are pretty tight."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Many campgrounds, like Massasoit State Park Campground, have dump stations available. A camper shared, "The dump station is clean, and the facilities were well kept."

Camping near Paxton, Massachusetts, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're with family or exploring solo, there's something for every type of camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Paxton?

While there aren't campgrounds directly in Paxton, several excellent options exist within a short drive in central Massachusetts. Wells State Park Campground in nearby Sturbridge offers beautiful sites on Walker Pond with hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing, plus updated shower facilities. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort near Oakham provides full-service camping with water and toilet facilities. Both are within reasonable driving distance from Paxton and offer reservable sites.

Are there any primitive campsites near Paxton?

For primitive camping experiences near Paxton, Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake in Royalston offers paddle-in or walk-in sites with a more rustic experience. Managed by the Trustees of Reservations, some prime sites feature direct water access. Another option is Otter River State Forest in Winchendon, which provides a more secluded camping experience with basic amenities in a beautiful forest setting. Both locations are within driving distance from Paxton and offer a more back-to-nature camping experience.

What camping is available near Paxton, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Paxton, MA offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near Paxton, MA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Paxton, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Paxton, MA is Pine Acres Family Camping Resort with a 4-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Paxton, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Paxton, MA.

What parks are near Paxton, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Paxton, MA that allow camping, notably Buffumville Lake and Westville Lake.

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