Searching for a tent camping spot near Rutland? Finding a place to camp in Massachusetts with your tent has never been easier. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Rutland, Massachusetts's most popular destinations.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to come relax at Tully Lake. There are a variety of outdoor recreation activities for you and you family. Although the dam was built primarily to reduce flood damages on the Millers and Connecticut Rivers, the 1,300-acre reservoir area provides a place for you to get away from it all and connect with nature.
Tully Lake offers many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Activities in and around the lake include mountain biking, camping, disc golf, hiking, picnicking, boating, and fishing and hunting in the appropriate seasons.
The Tully Lake Pavilion is located in the recreation area and offers picnic tables and grills. Maximum group size is 50 people with parking for 25 passenger vehicles at the upper gravel lot. The recreation area has a small playground for young children, volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. Bathrooms are provided, but there is no running water.
The 1,262-acre Tully Lake property is managed to sustain a healthy ecosystem for future generations. The thriving biodiversity of the Tully River Valley and the interconnections of our forests, wetlands, waters, and wildlife are valued and managed for the long term. Tully Lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from tiny insects and song birds, to large mammals such as deer and moose. Fifty-five percent of the reservoir area is wetlands, providing habitat for fish, waterfowl, song birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as beaver, mink and otter. The rest of the property provides habitat for upland species such as deer, coyote, fisher, owl, fox, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, rabbit, and squirrel. The forest within Tully Dam's reservoir area is composed primarily of white pine, providing habitat for owls and woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks, and white-tailed deer.
When visiting Tully Lake there are several opportunities for visitors to explore in the surrounding area. At the north end of the lake there is a tent only campground run by the Trustees of the Reservations which provides a perfect launching point to enjoy the outdoor attractions nearby. Ten miles away is the Birch Hill Dam, another Army Corps project that provides miles of trails and river to explore. The Quabbin Reservoir is also within a short ten mile drive of Tully Lake and serves the city of Boston as its water supply. The Quabbin is a unique area; there were four towns flooded to create it, and it has some of the most interesting blends of human and natural history in the region.
Please review the cancellation and refund policy at the bottom of the webpage. In general, we will require at least two weeks prior to your reservation to consider a request.
$40 / night
The campground, also known as Lorraine Campground, has 91 campsites that are spread out sufficiently to provide a real "forest" camping experience. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and a pedestal grill. A water spigot is located on each campsite and a dumping station is available. We are pleased to inform you that we now have eleven campsites with 20/30/50 AMP hookups! The comfort stations have showers and flush toilets. Comfort station 3 and 4 are accessible.
$17 - $54 / night
$14 - $23 / night
Barton Cove specializes in rustic tent-only camping. The campground is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Each campsite has a picnic table, grills and campfire ring. Vehicle use in the campground is restricted to unloading during arrival and loading during departure. Showers are available near the ranger station, and there are two group sites available for larger parties interested in camping together. Two sites suitable for pop-up trailers or class C camper vans are also available. The sites have no utility hookups. Scout groups can camp by special arrangement through November.
$22 - $30 / night
Traveler
we have tent camped here 4 Times. its so clean and beautiful
Guide
We'll run and very clean. Nice wooded tent sites with activities and fishing.
Guide
This is my second time here with my Airstream. Clean and well kept campground. I’d easily tent camping here. A lake and great trails to hike.
Scout
We grew up going to Laurel Lake and camping out there. It’s a great place to tent camp and a very relax quiet place to spend a long weekend.
Traveler
We had a wonderful time tent camping. The grounds were beautiful and the sites were a good size. Very happy with the facility and will be returning for sure.
Scout
beautiful place to take the family tent camping. Public beach area is small but you can find your own quiet spot away from the crowd. sites book up quick so reserve early!
Scout
Beautiful campground in a nice central location nearby several nice towns in Central Massachusetts. The hiking is some of the best I have seen from a campground in the area, with a huge system of trails which are all very well marked. These trails vary greatly in terms of difficulty, a few of the trails are doable in less than 15 minutes if you maintain a quick pace. The harder trails, including the one going up to Carpenter's Rocks are more strenuous and feature a good amount of elevation gain, rocky terrain, and very worthwhile views for the trouble.
Not usually too busy on the trails, though expect hordes of people at the parking lot especially during the warmer months. Firewood is easily available, if a bit pricey, and the tent sites are generously sized with plenty of room for multiple shelters. Have spotted beavers deep into some of the water-adjacent trails, as well as many species of birds.
Definitely give this one a try if you're in the area. Rental fees for the tent sites are very reasonable, and it's worthwhile to come for the trails and views alone.
Traveler
Man I love his place. Quiet rv and tent site park. Portopotties scattered about and showers and such near the entrance. Tent sites are nice and isolated, but not scary far apart. Lots of wildlife so keep your food sealed... Nice walking trails and free kayaks as available. I always get site 1, it's in its own area with pretty flat terrain. To reserve, fill out the form on the website and you'll get a confirmation. You can pay at the office when you check in. they'll also bring firewood to your site.the kid that works there is really nice but I always forget his name!
ScoutWe tent camped here with 2 other families in the summer of 2019. Everything was clean, staff was friendly and attentive. Pool was clean, they have a great wiffleball park. We just bought a new RV and will be back.
Traveler
Although the tent sites are a distance from anything, the main areas of the campground are fantastic. With a full calendar of events (some free, some cost $) you will never be bored. Quiet time is quiet time which is great for families.
Traveler
Fairly large campground. Tent sites available but mostly RV/Campers. WiFi in common areas isn’t great so if you’re planning on working during some down time, this isn’t the place. Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families.
Scout
Greenfield state park is my favorite place is the world. For tent camping and ‘roughing it’ it is awesome. Nice beach, beach front store and there is a small town market down the road for anything you may need. The lack of camper hook ups is definitely a down fall of this park but if you enjoy renting this is a great spot!
Scout
Mostly seasonal with a back row for short term campers. Used by a lot of offroad bikes on weekends. Great swimming pool! Spent a week plus there and had no problems with the dirt bikes and loved the pool. All sites are full hookups with several primitive tent sites.
GuideNeed to make reservations before 2pm!! This campground is nice and calm with a lot of space and bathrooms. There are water hookups at tent sites. Didn’t have any issues, just it is a little expensive for someone from out of state. We paid $54 because we are from Ohio
ScoutYou want an easy family camping trip? Go here. They took us last minute, and for 40$ it was everything we needed. Showers, bathrooms, on site water connections, and there’s plenty of seclusion on their tent sites for some easy camping. There’s ATV trails, activities, and for what you get it’s absolutely worth it.
Scout$60 cash. Maybe tent sites less but not given the option. Not good value. (State parks in CT and MA requiring 24 hr advance rez.)Water/elec. Some porta potties in tents area. A little swampy lake. Mostly permanent summer residents parked with big rigs and plastic decor. But, almost nobody around mid week August. As prev reviews, woodsy, moderately secluded up in tent area. Visited in the time of COVID. WEAR A MASK!
TravelerConnecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country. That being said, it's more rewarding when you find a little gem like Wilderness Lake Campground.
While this is about 60% RVs, the tent sites are great. The host gave us a secluded spot in the back to the point I didn't feel like I was at a campground other than the fire ring. We didn't need bathrooms, water or electricity, but there was a bathroom within walking distance. It also looked like they were building a little outbuilding for Women and Men's bathrooms near the tent sites.
The lake was quiet and we saw kids swimming in it in the morning. There was a hiking trail on the property and the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property. Whether you have an RV, want to Car Glamp or looking to feel deep in the woods, this place checks all the boxes. It's also conveniently located off I-84(exit 70).
ScoutLovely quiet campground on cove of Manchaug Lake. Great Tent sites in Hollow as well as seasonal RV and visiting RV’s,Canoe-Boat (row or troll) , beach and picnic area for day visits.
Adjacent to an outer lake Family Activity Campground/Sutton Falls
Previous Manager/Owner/Operators had a parent decease a while ago and saddened to see it up for sale
Traveler
We enjoyed our tent site with a wooden lean-to. Overall very private and peaceful, however the only drawback is that people took frequent casual walks pass the area all day long. There's really no way around that.
We did not get a chance to enjoy the amenities, but they all looked nice and well thought out.
We will return.
Traveler
Check-in was super smooth and easy. The gentleman that took care of us was very thorough and informative about the different hiking trails in the area. We had a 2 platform tent site and we fit 5 tents and 2 trucks and there was plenty of room. It didn’t feel cluttered or too tight. We had a very relaxing weekend hanging around the site and staying around the campsite. I will definitely be going back to take part in some hiking
Traveler
I was probably the only person tent camping in the entire resort. The manager was able to give me a great campsite away from all of the RVs and cabins. It was right at the entrance however you did have to hike up a short 50ft hill to get to the site. It had a great new fire ring and the campsite was very clean/cleared. Running showers and flushable bathroom was very close. I dinged a star from this review because I have seen campgrounds with cleaner bathrooms
TravelerMostly geared toward families, especially with kids. Most of the campground is RV sites. There a a handful of tent sites in the back (no hookups). Bathrooms and showers are very clean, general store and pools are nice and convenient. It’s a perfect distance away from Gillette (a couple miles) if you’re looking for an alternative to staying in a pricey hotel. Definitely not a place I would go to “get away from it all.” You can hear the highway from the sites.
Ranger
This place is pretty awesome. They have an ice cream shop attached to their office/store, mini golf just outside of it too. There is an amphitheater for concerts and shows throughout the summer. RV Spots, tent camping spots, a dog park, badminton, basketball, horseshoe, shuffleboard, the works. The bathrooms are beautifully redone and clean. The laundry room is pretty good too. Its close to Brattleboro and Putney and just across the border to New Hampshire. I'd most definitely stay again when I'm in the area. The other guest were very nice and we could also have packages delivered.
Traveler
The campground was very busy with families events activities, etc. If you prefer a noisy fun experience and a more social experience with your very close neighbors, this is the pot for you. Our preferred style of camping requires more space and less noise. The pool bathrooms were gross, but the other facilities area near the tent sites was very nice and clean.
The food was great and the staff is friendly. Overall we had a great time, but its unlikely we’ll return mostly due to the noise level.
ScoutThe sites are well spaced with very few amenities. All sites have non-potable water spigots. The sites are wooded and relatively level. There are multiple restrooms with showers, although we didn't use them. There are some RV sites with hookups but not many.
We stayed for 4 days in a large site that had about 5 hours worth of good solar access using portable panels so we could park in the shade. Not many sites have an open canopy for solar. There are plenty of good tent sites!
LegendI tent camped here for a night in early July and enjoyed the stay. The camp sites were well kept though kind of light on privacy and space between campsites.
I was staying over on the way to some fishing so I didn’t full explore the park but there looked to be plenty to do.
There is a campers only beach on upper highland lake that was easy walking distance from the campsite and fishing opportunities there as well.
The main beach had a swimming area, facilities, and a trail around that looked promising for some fishing.
I’d stay here again when I have more time to explore.
Scout
Found this campground and decided to try it because prices are very reasonable. Unfortunately, we discovered why. Sites are very small, and extremely close together. My 28 foot travel trailer barely fit into the site, and our friends in the tent sites were basically on top of each other. The store was clean, and staff was helpful. They really enforce the fires out at midnight rule, as it was 12:10 and we were asked to put our fire out even as we were sitting around it. Campground had a few activities and the pool hours were very reasonable.
Nestled near Rutland, Massachusetts, tent camping offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rutland, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rutland, MA is Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Rutland, MA?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Rutland, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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