Tent campsites near Petersham, Massachusetts range from primitive walk-in sites to developed campgrounds with waterfront access. Located in north-central Massachusetts, the area sits within hardwood forests at elevations between 500-1000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than coastal regions. Winter camping isn't available at most locations, with seasonal operations typically running from May through September or October.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, visitors can explore the lake by canoe or kayak. "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," notes Ben P. The campground offers equipment rentals including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Hiking trails: Soapstone Hill in Federated Womens Club State Forest offers 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," reports Jean C. The area contains historical cellar holes from towns flooded in the 1930s to create the reservoir.
Swimming spots: While formal swimming beaches are limited, campers create their own swimming areas. At Tully Lake Recreation Area, "There's 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," mentions Jean C. Sites near water provide easier access for cooling off during summer months.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness at Barton Cove Campground. One visitor noted, "There was only 1 other occupied campsite so it was very quiet and private." At Tully Lake Recreation Area, "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," according to Megan G.
No-vehicle campsites: The absence of vehicles at sites creates a quieter experience. "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," writes Megan G. about Tully Lake. At Barton Cove, despite the check-in process being complex, one camper stated it was "worth it" for the vehicle-free camping experience.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. In quieter campgrounds with limited development, campers report seeing deer, various bird species, and small mammals. The proximity to water bodies increases chances for wildlife sightings, especially during morning and evening hours.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Prepare for minimal connectivity at most camping locations. At Federated Womens Club State Forest, "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here." Similarly, at Tully Lake, "Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want before you arrive."
Water access logistics: Campgrounds with waterfront sites often have restrictions or challenges. At Zoar Outdoor, one visitor mentioned the campground is "connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river." At Barton Cove, "You can't swim (unless you rent a canoe/kayak and swim while you're out on the water) and sites are fenced in due to how steep it is to the water."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Petersham require advance bookings. For popular sites at Tully Lake, "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.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites closer to facilities: With young children, bathroom proximity matters. At Tully Lake Recreation Area, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night," reports Lauren A. Consider requesting sites nearer to bathrooms when making reservations.
Transport assistance: Since many sites require walking from parking areas, look for campgrounds that help with gear transport. At Maple Ridge Farm, "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot," which helps families with small children and lots of gear.
Pack minimally: Given the walk-in nature of most sites, efficient packing helps. For Tully Lake, one camper advises, "Though they provide carts the trails can make hauling them tough. Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea." Consider what's essential versus what's convenient when planning family camping trips to these locations.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Petersham focuses on tent camping with few RV facilities. The walk-in nature of popular campgrounds like Tully Lake and Federated Womens Club State Forest makes them unsuitable for RVs. For RV camping, look to campgrounds further from town that offer hookups.
Alternative accommodations: If traveling with non-tent campers, consider unique options like Chester Railway Station. "The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too. You hear the trains running at night," mentions Esther L. This provides a hybrid option for groups with different comfort needs.
Pre-arrival preparation: Since facilities are limited, arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks. Pack essential supplies as the small towns surrounding Petersham have limited services for large vehicle needs or after-hours emergencies.
