Petersham, Massachusetts sits at around 1,000 feet elevation in central Massachusetts, creating cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The area features a mix of hardwood forests, wetlands, and small lakes that support diverse wildlife. Campgrounds near Petersham operate primarily from May through mid-October, with peak season bringing temperatures in the 70s-80s°F during summer days and cooler 50-60°F evenings.
What to do
Hiking trails at Doane's Falls: Located near Tully Lake Recreation Area, this series of cascades offers a relatively easy hike. "There's an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area. The views are beautiful, and it's not unusual to spot professional nature photographers at various points along the waterfalls," shares Nancy R. from Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Disc golf courses: Multiple courses exist within short driving distance from campgrounds. "This campground is located near two beautiful disc golf courses and the reason we stayed," notes Megan B. about her stay at Pout and Trout.
Mountain climbing: Mount Monadnock provides a challenging day hike with rewarding views. "This is a strenuous hike that is totally worth the huffing and puffing," says Tara S. about hiking from Gilson Pond Area Campground. "The White Dot Trail starts off flat, but that's very short-lived. The trail begins to climb steeply pretty early on."
Paddling on lakes: Many campgrounds offer direct water access for canoes and kayaks. "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," writes Ben P. about Tully Lake Recreation Area.
What campers like
Privacy and separation: Many campsites offer good buffer zones between neighbors. "Sites are wooded and shady and not RIGHT on top of each other, but pretty close together," reports Alan about Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground. The north side sites are particularly noted for privacy: "The sites on the North side are spacious & quiet," confirms Bonnie B.
Swimming beaches: Most campgrounds feature designated swimming areas. "The lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing," notes Bonnie B. about Lake Dennison Recreation Area. Wells State Park campers appreciate the waterfront access though one reviewer notes: "It's red clay instead of sand. I knocked a star because I think the swimming area could be bigger and raked."
Vehicle-free camping: Tully Lake uses a cart system for transporting gear. "You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. 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)," explains Nancy R. Megan G. adds, "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."
Clean facilities: Most state-managed properties maintain good bathroom standards. "Bathrooms are kept pretty clean. Campsites are large and are spaced well apart," notes Melissa L. about Lake Dennison.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. "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. from Otter River State Forest.
Site selection considerations: Review site layouts before booking. "The sites that are near the small pond are generally larger and have better space for pitching a tent. The sites on the first two loops/spur roads are smaller and most of them are designated for tents only or tents/popups," advises Jean C. about Otter River State Forest.
Mosquito preparedness: Insects can be intense, particularly in wooded areas. "The mosquitoes are ferocious, but I can't give a campground a bad review because of the mosquitoes. Just a warning to be prepared," cautions Tara S. about camping at Gilson Pond Campground.
Weather variability: New England weather can change rapidly. "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," notes Lauren A. about a Tully Lake visit, highlighting how holiday weekends can change the camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. "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 Miguel B. about Tully Lake Recreation Area. Wells State Park also receives high marks: "There were lots of families camping when I last visited, and also a handful of dogs joining campers," reports Lauren C.
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds have bike-friendly layouts. "There are ample trails for hiking and kids can ride their bikes," mentions Bonnie B. about Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground.
Safety features: Car-free camping areas provide added security for families with young children. Megan G. specifically appreciated Tully Lake's setup: "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around."
Pet-friendly options: Most campgrounds allow leashed dogs, making them suitable for pet-friendly camping near Petersham. "Dogs allowed...that's all I got for now :)" notes Sa R. about Tully Lake Recreation Area, confirming its status as a pet-friendly camping destination.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most state parks offer basic services only. "There are no hook-ups here, but the sites are large, well spaced, and shaded," notes Cliff M. about Wells State Park.
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared to level your rig at some campgrounds. "We unexpectedly arrived at the campground around 10pm, after a long and grueling day on the road. The site (or what we could see of it) seemed nice, but was very un-level, with a steep, narrow driveway," shares Jen V. about her initial site at Wells State Park.
Size limitations: State park campgrounds typically accommodate smaller RVs better. "Don't bring a large RV- the sites are not meant for big rigs," warns Tara S. about Gilson Pond Campground.
Dump station availability: Check before arrival as not all campgrounds offer this service. "Dump station and additional swimming/water activities are a little farther down the road at Lake Dennison," advises Jean C. about Otter River State Forest's facilities.
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