Camping options near Petersham, Massachusetts provide a mix of wooded tent sites, lakeside recreation, and rustic accommodations across central Massachusetts's hilly terrain. The region sits at approximately 800-1200 feet elevation with significant seasonal temperature variations, often 10-15 degrees cooler than Boston. Summer evening temperatures frequently drop into the 50s, requiring campers to pack additional layers even during July and August camping trips.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding at Lake Dennison: Visitors can rent equipment or bring their own to explore the calm waters. "We can drop our paddle boards in any time and explore the lake. There is a tiny swimming beach on the campground side and we try to stay as close as possible to it," notes a Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground visitor.
Disc golf near campgrounds: The activity draws campers to certain locations year-round. "This campground is located near two beautiful disc golf courses and the reason we stayed," mentions a camper who visited Pout and Trout.
Hiking to Soapstone Hill: Access the trail through Gate 36 near Federated Women's Club State Forest for views of Quabbin Reservoir. "If you continue past site 15, you'll head through Gate 36 out toward Soapstone Hill which offers a great view of Quabbin Reservoir and sunsets," explains a camper familiar with the area.
Exploring cellar holes: Discover remnants of towns submerged when Quabbin Reservoir was created in the 1930s. Historical foundations and stone walls dot the landscape around camping areas, providing an opportunity for amateur archaeology during day hikes from campsites.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many campers seek lakeside accommodations for direct water access. "The lake is clean and the beach is clean and soft(ish). Sites are wooded and shady and not RIGHT on top of each other, but pretty close together," reports a visitor at Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground.
Wooded seclusion at remote walk-in sites: Some campgrounds offer more isolated options for those willing to hike in gear. "Tent sites were very dispersed and way up on the top of the mountain. Camper sites seemed a little close but worth the sacrifice due to the incredible environment," explains a visitor to Pine Acres Family Camping Resort.
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: Campers frequently note the well-maintained bathrooms at several locations. "I stayed in site #57 at Lake Dennison August 30 2020 and had a wonderful time. The lake is clean and the beach is clean and soft(ish)," shares one visitor.
Free fire wood gathering: Some sites permit collecting fallen wood rather than purchasing bundles. "Another big plus was the abundance of wood to get from fallen trees (not having to pay for the expensive bundles at the store) and the size of the fire pits," notes a Pine Acres visitor.
What you should know
Cart-only access at some campgrounds: Several locations prohibit vehicles at campsites. "You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them," explains a visitor to Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically across the region. "Download your maps for offline use! Cell connection was horrible heading up here," advises a visitor to Erving State Forest Campground.
Composting toilets at rustic sites: Some campgrounds maintain more primitive facilities. "There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field," notes a camper at Federated Women's Club State Forest.
Limited RV accommodations: Many campgrounds primarily serve tent campers. "Only 7 sites are suitable for a trailer/RV, 4 of them with electric hookups (add $10 to the site site rate), but none with water," explains a reviewer from Monadnock State Park.
Bug pressure during summer months: Mosquitoes can be severe at certain locations. "The tenting area of the camp ground is over run with mosquitos, from morning to night they are all over you and I'm pretty sure they are immune to bug spray," warns a visitor to Pine Acres.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with playgrounds: Some campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas. "There is a large playground for kids <12 and a wide open day use area for picnicking. It would be a great place to run around and play games," notes a visitor to Otter River State Forest.
Check for swimming beaches: Not all waterfront campgrounds have designated swimming areas. "There is no formal swimming area and you can't swim at the boat launches, but you are able to swim from your campsites if you so desire," explains a Tully Lake camper.
Consider campground size: Smaller facilities may offer a more controlled environment. "This campground is pretty and offers many private site options... This is a gorgeous campground with clean facilities and responsive rangers," shares a Lake Dennison visitor.
Bring entertainment for rainy days: Weather in central Massachusetts can change quickly. "We went memorial day weekend few years ago, busy holiday of young teens partying. Park staff tried their best, but other campers definitely took away from our stay," reports a Tully Lake camper.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Many campgrounds have limited large-vehicle access. "Pretty tight to maneuver bigger rigs. Sites are small-ish, but they work," advises an RVer who stayed at Pine Acres Family Camping Resort.
Electrical hookup quality varies: Power can be unreliable at some locations. "Hooking to the electric box is just a power cord screwed onto a 2 x 4 for hookup! May be an OK spot for an overnight stay or tent," warns a Pout and Trout visitor.
Limited dump stations: Plan accordingly for longer stays. "Dump station and additional swimming/water activities are a little farther down the road at Lake Dennison," notes an Otter River visitor about nearby facilities.
Noise considerations for RV sections: Engine sounds may affect site selection. "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," shares a Lake Dennison camper.
