Tent and cabin camping options near Pelham, Massachusetts feature a range of campgrounds within 30-45 minutes of town. This central Massachusetts region sits in the Connecticut River Valley with elevations ranging from 300-700 feet. Most sites experience summer daytime temperatures between 75-85°F with overnight lows in the 50-60°F range, creating comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Paddling and water activities: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, visitors can rent canoes directly at the campground. "You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax. It's a beautiful area right in your own back yard," notes one camper. The lake offers multiple islands to explore during day trips.
Hiking trails and viewpoints: The trails at Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest provide both accessible paths and more challenging routes. "Hiking is beautiful and there is a fire tower you could climb to get a great view," reports a visitor. The hike from site 44 to the fire tower is only 0.6 miles, with the option to return via the longer 1.6-mile Long Trail.
Disc golf and fishing: Near the dam at Tully Lake, visitors can access a disc golf course that remains active throughout the summer season. For fishing opportunities, multiple campgrounds offer lake access. "We love taking the dog to the dog beach for a swim. Camp store is great, fun fishing on the lake and tons of activities for the kids," reports a Pine Acres camper.
What campers like
Spacious, secluded sites: Campers consistently praise the site layout at Lake Dennison Recreation Area, where "campsites had nice spacing in between. Perfect sized lake to swim and kayak." The North side sites are particularly noted for their privacy: "The sites on the North side are spacious & quiet."
Lake access for paddling: Water access ranks high among visitor priorities. "We can drop our paddle boards in any time and explore the lake," mentions a Lake Dennison visitor. Similarly, at Otter River State Forest, campers appreciate the easy access to water: "The camp ground is clean nice with lots of trails for hiking and biking."
Clean facilities: State-managed properties maintain consistent cleanliness standards. At Wells State Park, a visitor noted "Wells State Park camp grounds recently got new bathrooms and they are so clean!" Similarly, a DAR State Forest camper reported "Campground facilities are very clean. Staff is great. Something for everyone to enjoy."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Prepare for limited connectivity at most campgrounds. At Erving State Forest, visitors report "zero cell service" with one adding "there is an operational pay phone at the showers." Download maps and information before arrival.
Pricing differentials: Massachusetts state parks charge significantly different rates for residents versus out-of-state visitors. At DAR State Forest, a visitor noted "paying $54 a night for not even any hookups when MA residents pay $17 is insane."
Reservation requirements: Popular waterfront sites book quickly, especially for summer weekends. For Tully Lake, one camper advised: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Pine Acres Family Camping Resort offers extensive activities for children. "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," reports one visitor. The resort features planned events throughout the season.
Quieter state forest alternatives: For families seeking less crowded options, state forests provide a more tranquil experience. At Lake Dennison, a visitor noted the campground is a "gem for families" with "gorgeous campground with clean facilities and responsive rangers." The lake is described as "perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing."
Budget considerations: While private resorts offer more amenities, they come at a premium price. "Pine Acres is on the more expensive side but worth the money if you have kids," reports one camper. State parks provide more affordable alternatives, especially for Massachusetts residents.
Tips from RVers
Site selection and access: At Northampton/Springfield KOA, RVers should carefully consider site placement. "We had requested a specific site on the KOA website, the gentleman in the front office had arranged for us to park in an easily accessible pull-through site, right at the entrance," reports one RVer who ultimately preferred their original back-in selection.
Hookup availability: Most state parks offer limited or no hookups, while private campgrounds provide more options. One KOA visitor noted, "There is 30/50 amps, water and electric and WiFi!" State parks like Wells offer no hookups but "the sites are large, well spaced, and shaded."
Maneuverability challenges: Several campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. A KOA visitor mentioned, "A lot of sites are tight to get in," while another noted "very little privacy between campsites even in wooded areas." Plan arrival during daylight hours when navigating smaller campgrounds.
