Best Tent Camping near Shrewsbury, MA
Within a 50-mile radius of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, tent campers can find several established campgrounds offering walk-in tent sites and primitive camping experiences. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston stands out as a highly-rated tent-only campground operated by the Trustees of Reservations, featuring waterfront sites accessible by foot or boat. Boston Harbor Islands State Park provides a unique island tent camping experience, with sites on Peddocks, Lovells, Grape, and Bumpkin islands. Closer to Shrewsbury, Federated Women's Club State Forest in Petersham offers rustic walk-in tent sites with basic amenities, while Barton Cove Campground in Gill provides tent platforms with scenic river views.
Most tent campgrounds near Shrewsbury require campers to park in designated areas and transport gear to their sites. At Tully Lake, wooden wheelbarrows are provided to help transport camping equipment from the parking area to walk-in tent sites. Campsites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with centralized bathroom facilities that may include flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and dishwashing stations. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many locations, particularly at Tully Lake and Federated Women's Club State Forest. Primitive tent camping areas often lack potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Reservations are essential, especially for summer weekends, with many sites opening for booking 6-7 months in advance.
The tent-only experience at these campgrounds offers unique advantages. According to reviews, Tully Lake's spacious sites provide exceptional privacy, particularly at Site 1, which one camper described as "HUGE and extremely private." The absence of vehicles at campsites creates a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere. A visitor to Barton Cove noted that "sites have tent platforms, grill, fire pit and picnic tables" with "very clean" facilities. Many tent campsites offer water access for swimming, fishing, and paddling, with Tully Lake featuring rental canoes and kayaks. Backcountry tent camping in these areas provides opportunities for hiking, with trails like the 4-mile loop around Tully Lake and paths to scenic spots such as Doane's Falls, a series of five waterfalls accessible from the campground.