Best Campgrounds near Sterling, MA

The Sterling area contains several established campgrounds offering a range of accommodation options from tents to RVs and cabin rentals. Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground, located approximately 12 miles northwest of Sterling, features wooded sites with full hookups among mature pine trees. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort in Oakham provides 300 campsites with options for tent camping, RV sites with utilities, cabin rentals, and glamping accommodations. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with the majority open from May through October, though a few locations like The Pine Campground remain open year-round.

Seasonal considerations significantly affect camping availability in the Sterling area, with most state park campgrounds only open from late May to early October. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities frequently reach capacity. "For being in an urban area, you don't feel it once in the campground. You might hear a distant train, but not too much else. The location was perfect to see so much in the area," noted one visitor about Spacious Skies Minute Man. Several campgrounds maintain shower facilities, electric hookups, and water access, though amenities vary considerably between locations. State parks like Pearl Hill and Otter River offer more rustic experiences with fewer amenities compared to private campgrounds.

Campers consistently mention the heavily wooded settings as a highlight of camping near Sterling. The developed campgrounds feature mature trees providing ample shade and natural privacy between many sites. Reviews indicate mixed experiences regarding site spacing and noise levels. A camper wrote, "Nestled among tall pines is this hidden gem. Sites are moderately sized in good condition and we experienced no noise issues during our week here." However, others note that some campgrounds have tightly packed sites with limited privacy. Several camping areas provide recreational amenities such as swimming pools, game rooms, volleyball courts, and hiking access. Most developed campgrounds near Sterling remain within convenient driving distance to shopping, historical attractions, and urban amenities while maintaining a natural forest setting.

Best Camping Sites Near Sterling, Massachusetts (123)

    1. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $39 - $999 / night

    "The pool is huge and clean and there is a ton of seating around. The shop has everything you could need. There are horseshoes, can jam, basketball, and bocce. There’s a playground and a rec room."

    "Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."

    2. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

    15 Reviews
    Rutland, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 882-9509

    $70 - $115 / night

    "Miles and miles of country/forests surrounding pine acres, however pulling in you’ll soon realize how much goes on inside the campground."

    "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."

    3. Pearl Hill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    West Townsend, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-2850

    $17 - $35 / night

    "We really lucked out with getting one of a few sites left on Memorial Day weekend - after walking the campground, I think we would have chosen the same one again! "

    "It was like walking with fur on the bottom of our shoes. The dog also got needles stuck all over and we had to use our COVID alcohol gel to get the glue off. "

    4. Otter River State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Baldwinville, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    $17 - $55 / night

    "Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both). One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts."

    "I loved it here, it was a great little campground for massachusetts"

    5. Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    14 Reviews
    Foster Lake, MA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 297-1609

    $17 - $35 / night

    "The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet."

    "As a caveat, waterfront in this instance was more of a water view as the lake was on the other side of the campground road and a large open area with trees."

    6. The Pine Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 386-7702

    "Small river/ brook rind behind the campground.   Some shots have nice sound of river right behind the sites.  No pond or pool for swimming."

    7. Pout and Trout

    4 Reviews
    Hubbardston, MA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (774) 441-3248

    "This campground is located near two beautiful disc golf courses and the reason we stayed. The campground itself was fantastic, the owner at the front building was very helpful and so sweet."

    8. Willard Brook State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-8802

    $14 - $55 / night

    "This small state forest campground in north/central Massachusetts is just up the hill from Damon Pond. I suggest downloading maps before you head out because cell service is iffy in the area.  "

    "This campground is small - but its conveniently located near a larger city if you decide you want to venture back to civilization. The trails in the park are nice and well maintained."

    9. Wells State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Sturbridge, MA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 347-9257

    $17 - $55 / night

    "Beautiful campground in a nice central location nearby several nice towns in Central Massachusetts."

    "This is a great campground located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts on walker pond. Brand new bathroom/shower facility this year. Offers hiking, biking, swimming, fishing. Nice and quiet also."

    10. Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts

    4 Reviews
    Barre, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 355-2090

    $28 - $58 / night

    "The campground was large enough to tire out the dogs walking around, staff was friendly, helpful and welcoming!"

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Recent Reviews near Sterling, MA

635 Reviews of 123 Sterling Campgrounds


  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Wompatuck State Park Campground

    Very nice stopover

    Good place to spend the night.It was quiet comfortable and plenty of room between campsites

  • Kenneth P.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    Not So Bad

    We spent one night at site #20 and enjoyed our stay.  It was rather peaceful other than the hum of I-91. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were generally wooded, pretty level, and fairly spread apart from one another.  I saw no signs of the problems identified in the June 2025 review.  Yes, I must agree that the restrooms are old, but they were clean.  The other problems might happen anywhere and were obviously brought under control.  Clearly, the writer of the June 2025 post knew way more than any weekend camper would be aware of and this shows that is more to their story that should have been revealed in their post.

  • S
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Cold Springs Camp Resort

    All Around Exceptional

    This place is just great! They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless. There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest! Our kids were never scolded for being loud and neither were the adults. We have booked our return trip already and can't wait to go back!

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    Really pretty and chill

    This campground is pretty and offers many private site options. We didn't use the bathrooms so can't speak on that. But overall it's a clean campground.

    There are two loops. The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet. The sites by the lake are really pretty, but there's not much privacy. All of the sites are good size and the fire pits are placed well.

    The other loop farther away from the entrance has a lot more lakeside sites. But there's very little privacy. The sites with higher numbers by the lake are all on top of each other with little to no trees or shrubs between sites, and you can't really decipher where one site ends and the next begins. We would not stay on that loop if we visited again. Unless it was site 101 which seemed more private for that loop.

    Sites 1 through 5 on the first loop are pretty quiet and peaceful. We stayed at site 4 and we think that it was one of the best sites in the campground. We didn't have neighbors on either side of us. We only had neighbors across from us. The site was spacious , peaceful and pretty. There was a little trail from our site that went down to a marsh. That was absolutely beautiful.

    We will definitely stay here again.

  • gabe N.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    What a gem

    We camped here one night on a pit stop and it exceeded our expectations! We camped on the north shore; sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake. However, there is limited privacy between sites so hope for good neighbors :) also cell service was fine with AT&T.

  • Eric LeBoeuf
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Pearl Hill State Park Campground

    Nice place

    Don't expect to go swimming in the so called pond its all weeds and muck dear flies are killer but a little smokey fire takes care of them showers and bathrooms were always super clean id go back

  • Eric LeBoeuf
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Wompatuck State Park Campground

    Meh its ok

    Bathrooms are out dated showers have tiles falling off very small showers also quiet hrs are enforced on Friday nights only it seems


Guide to Sterling

Camping near Sterling, Massachusetts, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "So many lovely waterfront sites, clean facilities, camp store and beach are great."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Bear Brook State Park Campground. A camper noted, "The campground has a beach, a playground, a ball field, and a store."
  • Wildlife Watching: Visit Wompatuck State Park Campground for a chance to see local wildlife. One reviewer said, "You can take a trail from the campsite with good sights while hiking."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, private sites at Greenfield State Park Campground. A long-time visitor shared, "If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Normandy Farms Campground. One happy camper remarked, "The bathrooms/showers are spotless with piped in music and hairdryers."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the activities available at Boston/Cape Cod KOA. A reviewer noted, "This is a nice campground with multiple site type options and activities for youth and young families."

What you should know:

  • Pet Policies: Some campgrounds, like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, have restrictions on pets. One camper mentioned, "Leashed pets are welcome on hiking trails only."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier conditions on weekends at places like Greenfield State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The weekend was packed! Our neighbors were playing karaoke till 11pm."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Wompatuck State Park Campground may not have extensive amenities. One reviewer said, "There isn’t much to the RV sites but an electric plug."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Normandy Farms Campground that offer activities for kids. A parent shared, "Absolutely love this campground. It has so many things for the kids to do."
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially near water. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground warned, "Watch for ticks."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games or outdoor activities to keep kids engaged. One family at Boston/Cape Cod KOA enjoyed the "games and movies for campers to enjoy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Normandy Farms Campground mentioned, "We have a 25” B+ and basically had to park sideways."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level. A camper advised, "Just be prepared and bring plenty of leveling blocks!"
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations, like at Greenfield State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The dump station is clean."

Camping in Sterling, MA, and the surrounding areas offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Sterling campgrounds located?

Sterling area campgrounds are primarily located in north-central Massachusetts. Otter River State Forest is situated in Winchendon, near the New Hampshire border in north-central Massachusetts, offering a clean and well-kept camping environment. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake is located in Royalston, MA, also in the northern part of Central Massachusetts close to the New Hampshire border. These campgrounds provide access to various lakes, ponds, and hiking trails while still being accessible from Boston and surrounding areas.

What amenities are available at Sterling camping areas?

Sterling area campgrounds offer diverse amenities to enhance your camping experience. Willard Brook State Forest Campground provides level sites around a small loop with towering pines, though cell service can be iffy. Wells State Park Campground features brand new bathroom and shower facilities, plus access to Walker Pond for swimming and fishing. Many campgrounds in the area include hiking trails, water access for paddling and swimming, clean restrooms, and shower facilities. Some sites offer waterfront access, while others are nestled among wooded areas providing shade and privacy.

Do I need reservations for Sterling campsites?

Yes, reservations are generally recommended for Sterling area campgrounds, especially during peak season. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest, located less than 25 miles north of Boston, requires advance booking to secure a spot. For Ponkapoag Camp, which is conveniently located in the Boston area, reservations are essential due to its popularity and limited sites. Tully Lake Campground must be booked through the Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations. Securing reservations well in advance is particularly important for weekend stays during summer months and holiday periods when these campgrounds fill quickly.