The Royalston area sits at elevations between 700-1,300 feet with humid continental climate featuring cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Campers experience distinctly different camping conditions between seasons, with fall bringing vibrant foliage but requiring warmer gear as temperatures can drop below 40°F at night. The region's glacial topography creates abundant small ponds and streams throughout campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking scenic trails: Multiple established paths connect to campgrounds in the area. Jamaica State Park Campground offers "plenty of trails in the area and you can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools," as one visitor noted. Another camper mentioned the "west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls which is a gravel closed road that follows the west river upstream 2 miles."
Water recreation opportunities: Fishing, boating, and swimming are available at several locations. At Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground, visitors appreciate that "it is so convenient to camp right on the lake. We can drop our paddle boards in any time and explore the lake." The recreation area features "a tiny swimming beach on the campground side" and a lake that's "perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing."
Mountain climbing adventures: Mount Monadnock, approximately 25 miles from Royalston, offers challenging hiking with panoramic rewards. A visitor described it as "a strenuous hike that is totally worth the huffing and puffing." Another noted that "once you get above the treeline, follow the rock cairns across the ridge. On a nice day, you will be able to see for miles in every direction."
What campers like
Natural water features: Many campgrounds include ponds, lakes, or rivers for recreation. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park offers "lake access with kayaks, some local hiking" according to reviewers. Another camper praised the Sandy Beach Campground's "sandy beach by the water has plenty of room to relax out in the sun as well as launch areas to set out in a paddle boat, canoe or row boat, all available on site."
Spacious, wooded sites: The camping areas near Royalston typically feature natural settings with good spacing between campsites. At Otter River State Forest, campers appreciate sites that are "large and level, suitable for an RV." One visitor to Lake Dennison noted, "Campsites had nice spacing in between" while another mentioned that "the sites are spacious, peaceful and pretty."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. A visitor to Gilson Pond Campground described it as having "immaculate" bathrooms, noting "the showers take coins but the facilities are some of the best I've seen while camping on State Park grounds." Another camper at Otter River mentioned "the bathrooms were clean and water was easy close to the camp ground."
What you should know
Seasonal operation limits: Most campgrounds in the Royalston region operate seasonally with limited winter access. Gilson Pond Area Campground operates from "May 19 to October 28," while Otter River State Forest is available from "mid May to mid October." Lake Dennison has an even shorter season, running from "late May to early September."
Variable cell service: Mobile connectivity fluctuates significantly across campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, a visitor reported, "cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls." Another camper at Otter River noted, "Verizon cell service was pretty good," providing a carrier-specific data point.
Site size considerations: Campsite dimensions vary widely between and within campgrounds. A camper at Otter River State Forest observed that "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Lake Dennison has "fun playground and nature area for kids," while Otter River State Forest received praise because "kids can play safely and bike throughout the grounds." A visitor to Gilson Pond mentioned, "There's a decent bathhouse with pay showers, a small playground, and a loop trail around Gilson Pond that leads right from the campground."
Swimming options for various ages: Different water access points accommodate different skill levels. A family staying at Thousand Trails Sturbridge mentioned, "Cool pond for paddle boats and canoeing! Family friendly" and another noted the "indoor pool with lifeguard." At Lake Dennison, a family appreciated that "we always have a blast" because "there is a tiny swimming beach on the campground side."
Pet policies vary: Check individual campground rules before bringing pets. While most campgrounds welcome pets, Gilson Pond has restrictions. A visitor warned, "dogs aren't allowed anywhere in Monadnock State Park." This contrasts with many other area campgrounds that are described as "pet-friendly" in their amenities listings.
Tips from RVers
Electrical supply limitations: RV parks near Royalston have various electrical configurations. At Douglas Forest RV Resort, visitors reported "multiple RVs share single pedestals" and experienced "power fluctuations during warm weather, causing frequent breaker trips." This information helps RVers plan their electrical usage accordingly.
Site leveling challenges: Terrain varies across campgrounds, requiring preparation. A camper at Field and Stream RV Park noted, "Sites are clean and well equipped," but at other locations, campers mentioned needing blocks for leveling on sloped sites. For RVers seeking flat terrain, Woodmore Family Campground has "sites in back are ok with trees and different levels."
Limited full-hookup availability: While several campgrounds advertise RV accommodation, hookup options differ. Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts provides "full hookup sites with 30-amp service," available "from April to October on spacious, partially shaded grounds." Knowing these specifics helps RVers select appropriate campgrounds for their equipment needs.
