Tent camping opportunities within a 30-mile radius of Paxton, Massachusetts range from rustic walk-in sites to lakeside locations with platform tents. The region's mixed hardwood forests typically experience warm summers (70-85°F) and cold winters, with most campgrounds operating between May and October. Terrain varies from the relatively flat areas around Tully Lake to more rugged sites requiring high-clearance vehicles at some locations.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, campers can explore multiple trails, including paths to waterfalls. "From some of the sites, this will be a long walk during the night. Near the dam is a larger boat launch with parking. I was there in July and wildflowers were blooming. A disc golf course is also near the dam and was seeing a fair amount of activity. We hiked the 4-mile loop around Tully Lake," notes Jean C.
Swimming access: Swimming options vary widely between campgrounds. "There's a small somewhat sandy area that perhaps used to be a beach of sorts, though no lifeguards or anything. The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water," reports Greg R. about Buck Hill Campground.
Paddling: Many tent sites offer direct water access for kayaks and canoes. "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," shares Ben P. about Tully Lake. Rental equipment is available at some locations, allowing campers to explore waterways without transporting their own gear.
What campers like
Site privacy: The most popular tent camping near Paxton, Massachusetts features well-spaced sites. "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," writes Megan G. about Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Cart-in camping: Many campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere created by vehicle-free camping areas. At Barton Cove Campground, "Rustic camping only- sites have tent platforms, grill, fire pit and picnic tables. Porta potties and latrines were very clean. There is 1 or 2 places to grab water so make sure to bring refillable containers," reports Brie B.
Environmental education: Some campgrounds offer educational opportunities. "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. 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," according to Michael V. at Camp Nihan Education Center.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Securing the best tent camping near Paxton requires planning ahead. "The sites here are great, if you aren't bringing too much with you. 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," advises Kris M. about Tully Lake.
Limited facilities: At Federated Womens Club State Forest, "When open, it's for walk-in only and you need to check in with Erving State Forest (about 15 miles away) first, but there is a phone number to contact them. Bring your own water. There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field," explains Jean C.
Campground rules: Rules vary significantly between locations. "It seemed like there were a lot of restrictive rules compared to other campgrounds that made camping more stressful," notes Jade B. about Barton Cove Campground. Check specific campground regulations regarding alcohol, fires, and pet policies before arriving.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites near facilities: When camping with children, consider proximity to bathrooms. "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 Lauren A. about her Tully Lake experience.
Look for vehicle-free sites: Some families prefer the safety of campgrounds without cars. "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," notes Megan G. about Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Private campgrounds: For families seeking more amenities, Maple Ridge Farm offers "a common room that has games and eggs for sale. Toilet and shower were very clean. Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites. They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot," according to Les R.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near Paxton offers few amenities for RVs. At Sodom Mountain Campground, "All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired. The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back. Great Wi-Fi now, store has been redone and grands are much nicer," reports Brad N., though facilities are still improving.
Parking considerations: RV campers should confirm parking availability before booking. "Only real annoyance was dealing with set up and take down of the campsite- you check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, unload your stuff, drive to gate, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, return key," explains Brie B. about the process at Barton Cove.
Cell service: Limited connectivity affects navigation and planning. "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here," advises Jean C. about Federated Womens Club State Forest, a consideration for RVers who rely on connectivity for trip planning.
