Tent campsites near South Uxbridge, Massachusetts cluster primarily in the Blackstone River Valley region, an area characterized by rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests at elevations between 300-500 feet. The camping season typically runs from late April through October, with July daytime temperatures averaging 82°F and overnight lows around 60°F. Most primitive camping locations receive moderate cell phone coverage, though signal strength varies significantly by provider.
What to do
Paddle at multiple locations: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, campers can rent canoes and kayaks directly at the campground. "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 lake has numerous small islands to explore.
Hike to scenic overlooks: The trails at Onion Mountain Park lead to elevated viewpoints approximately 45 minutes from the parking area. "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night," shares Nora S., who recommends smaller tents for the limited space available at summit camping spots.
Visit historic sites: Within 30 minutes of many camping areas are historic mills and preserved colonial structures. Gillette Castle State Park Campground offers both camping and cultural attractions. "Castle has tours at certain times," mentions Todd J., while the campground provides access to both historical sightseeing and riverside recreation.
What campers like
Quiet, car-free camping: Many tent campsites near South Uxbridge feature vehicle-free camping areas. At Tully Lake Recreation Area, "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," reports Megan G., who stayed at site 1 which she described as "HUGE and extremely private."
Waterfront access: Several camping locations offer direct water access. Jackie G. says of camping at Gillette Castle State Park Campground: "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset."
Group camping options: For larger parties, Buck Hill Campground provides spacious group sites. "I'm pretty sure this is a scouting campground (Cub Scout). All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents)," explains Greg R., who adds that many sites are situated along Wakefield Pond, which is suitable for canoeing and kayaking.
What you should know
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Many tent camping options have minimal amenities. At Federated Womens Club State Forest, "Bring your own water. There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field," advises Jean C., who also notes that cell phone coverage is "faint to nonexistent on Verizon" and recommends downloading offline maps before arrival.
Advance planning required: Popular sites fill quickly, especially in summer months. Tully Lake campsites often book immediately when reservations open, which is date-dependent each year.
Parking logistics: Several campgrounds require equipment hauling from parking areas. At Barton Cove, one camper describes: "You check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, unload your stuff, drive to gate, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, return key, drive back to campground, walk to your site."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, select campsites closer to facilities. At Tully Lake, some campers note challenges with distance: "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night," shares Lauren A., suggesting more centrally located spots for families with children.
Consider the swim access: Not all waterfront campsites permit swimming. At Barton Cove Campground, "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," explains Brie B.
Pack for bugs: Insect repellent is essential, particularly in early summer. Sa R. notes Tully Lake is "Buggy in June so bring your repellent," while maintaining that dogs are permitted at this location.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Most tent camping areas near South Uxbridge cannot accommodate RVs due to narrow access roads and walk-in requirements. Sodom Mountain Campground is one exception, with Brad N. noting: "All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired," making it more accessible for larger vehicles.
Alternative camping styles: For those seeking more comfort without full RV hookups, some campgrounds offer platform tents or shelters. Gillette Castle State Park has both primitive and more developed options within the same area.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited seasons. Barton Cove operates only from Memorial Day through Labor Day, while others may close during winter months due to road conditions.
