The Shrewsbury area offers numerous seasonal camping options within a 30-mile radius. Most local campgrounds remain open from mid-April through October, with early fall providing more moderate temperatures around 65-75°F during the day. Yurt camping near Shrewsbury, Massachusetts provides weatherproof accommodations that bridge the gap between tent camping and cabin rentals, with several facilities maintaining year-round yurt options.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Wells State Park offers extensive hiking opportunities with well-marked trails of varying difficulty. According to a visitor, "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."
Water recreation: Sutton Falls Camping Area provides multiple water-based activities beyond basic swimming. "Stayed on an RV site for 1 week this past summer. Had a great time, kids had a blast with the boat rentals and fishing," notes a recent visitor.
Historical sites access: Located approximately 35 miles from Boston, Hanscom AFB FamCamp serves as an ideal base for exploring Revolutionary War history. One camper noted, "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston."
Disc golf courses: West Thompson Lake Campground features an on-site disc golf course that provides recreational options beyond hiking and water activities. A visitor mentioned, "We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property."
What campers like
Recently upgraded facilities: Many campers appreciate the renovated bathrooms at Wells State Park. One reviewer stated, "Wells State Park camp grounds recently got new bathrooms and they are so clean! The campsites are a nice size to drive your car up to and still have ample tent/picnic table/fire space."
Family-oriented atmosphere: Normandy Farms Campground receives consistent praise for its extensive recreation options. A camper remarked, "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities. They have an indoor and an outdoor pool."
Secluded waterfront sites: West Thompson Lake offers prime waterfront camping spots for those seeking more privacy. A visitor noted, "The sites that are near the small pond are generally larger and have better space for pitching a tent."
Year-round yurt options: Yurt camping near Shrewsbury offers comfortable accommodations regardless of weather conditions. Normandy Farms provides luxury yurts that one visitor described as "beautiful" while noting the campground is "so well run I felt like I was in Disneyland's Frontier Land."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Campsite quality varies considerably at most locations. At Otter River State Forest, "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."
Seasonal crowd levels: Most campgrounds experience peak crowds during summer weekends. A camper at Otter River noted, "There were a ton of kids and it was pretty noisy until about 11pm and then starting again around 7am."
Varying connectivity: Cell service can be inconsistent across campgrounds, impacting those needing to remain connected. At Sturbridge RV Resort, a visitor reported, "What could easily be a very nice and spacious pull-thru spot are 2 back to back back-ins. Unless you're lucky enough to get an end spot, those are pull-thru."
Reservation requirements: Early booking is essential for premium sites. At Otter River, sites 65, 67, and 68 are walk-in sites with tent areas positioned closer to water features, but these book quickly.
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate recreation areas: George Washington State Campground features dedicated swimming areas designed for younger children. A visitor noted, "There is a nice beach for children. The water was warm and clean."
Bathroom proximity planning: When camping with young children, select sites based on facility access. A Wells State Park camper advised, "Camp sites are clearly labeled and none are that far of a walk from the beach or bathrooms."
Multi-generational amenities: Consider campgrounds with diverse activity options for different age groups. At George Washington State Campground, a visitor pointed out that "There is swimming at the lake but it looked way too dirty" while noting excellent hiking opportunities instead.
Budget considerations: Non-resident fees can significantly impact family camping costs. At George Washington State Campground, a visitor noted, "No hook-ups yet it cost $36 for out of state residents plus the fees which put it up to $44."
Tips from RVers
Electrical system limitations: West Thompson Lake Campground offers electric sites but with some restrictions. The campground features "drive-in access with electric hookups but limited amp capacity at some sites."
Campground navigation: Many New England campgrounds feature narrow roads that challenge larger rigs. At Douglas Forest RV Resort, a visitor mentioned that while the campground is improving, "The road system requires maintenance- while some fresh gravel has been applied, many intersections remain challenging for larger trailers."
Full-hookup availability: For those requiring complete hookups, options are limited but available. Normandy Farms offers premium sites with a visitor noting, "Campsite are big and well spaced. Bathrooms are best of any campground."
Winter yurt accommodations: For cold-weather yurt camping near Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, Normandy Farms maintains heated yurt structures even during shoulder seasons when traditional camping becomes impractical.
