Best Tent Camping near Paxton, MA
Tent campsites are distributed within a 30-mile radius of Paxton, Massachusetts, with several established options for tent-focused camping. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston offers tent-only camping in a forested setting along the lake shoreline, while Federated Womens Club State Forest in Petersham provides more primitive walk-in tent sites. Both areas accommodate traditional tent setups with varying levels of amenities and access requirements, making them suitable for campers seeking a more immersive outdoor experience than developed RV parks.
Walk-in tent locations are common across several campgrounds near Paxton, requiring campers to transport gear from parking areas to designated sites. At Tully Lake, wooden wheelbarrows are provided for carrying equipment to walk-in tent sites, which range from locations close to the parking area to sites nearly a mile away. Campsites typically include a fire ring and picnic table, with central bathroom facilities featuring flush toilets and coin-operated showers. One review noted, "This is a carry-in campground. You park at the entrance and large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites."
The tent camping experience varies significantly by location, with waterfront sites available at Tully Lake offering swimming and paddling opportunities directly from camp. Tent platforms are provided at some locations like Barton Cove Campground, ensuring a level surface for tent setup. More rustic backcountry camping can be found at Federated Womens Club State Forest, where high-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing certain areas. Sites farther from facilities tend to offer greater privacy and a more secluded outdoor experience. According to a review of Federated Womens Club State Forest, "Some of the sites are definitely walk-in, with a narrow trail leading from the road. It's possible to park at other sites; bring your own water. There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field."