Tent camping in Sterling, Massachusetts offers access to wooded camping areas within Massachusetts' central uplands region, where elevations range between 500-1000 feet above sea level. The area experiences typical New England seasonal patterns with summer high temperatures averaging 75-85°F and overnight lows around 55-65°F. Most tent sites in this region are situated on hilly terrain requiring some site preparation when setting up camp.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, visitors can explore the lake by canoe or kayak, with rentals available on-site. "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," shares Ben P.
Hike nearby trails: Several campgrounds connect to local trail networks with varying difficulty levels. The area surrounding Federated Womens Club State Forest features numerous hiking opportunities. "If you continue past site 15, you'll head through Gate 36 out toward Soapstone Hill which offers a great view of Quabbin Reservoir and sunsets," notes Jean C.
Explore historical sites: The region contains remnants of abandoned towns and structures. "You'll find cellar holes throughout, remnants of the towns lost in the 30s to create the reservoir," mentions one camper about the Quabbin Reservoir area near Federated Womens Club State Forest.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between tent sites. At Barton Cove Campground, "There was only 1 other occupied campsite so it was very quiet and private," according to Brie B.
Rustic experience: The tent-only focus at several campgrounds creates a more traditional camping atmosphere. "This is a 'Carry In' campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites)," explains a camper about Tully Lake.
Water access: Many sites provide opportunities for water recreation. "The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water (including the 'beach')," notes Greg R. about Buck Hill Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year...Booking for Memorial Day meant I booked in April), so you have to be on your game," advises Kris M. about Tully Lake.
Limited facilities: Many tent sites offer minimal amenities. "Bring your own water. There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field," notes Jean C. about Federated Womens Club State Forest.
Cell coverage: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here," warns a reviewer about camping near the Quabbin Reservoir area.
Gate procedures: Some campgrounds have specific entry protocols. At Barton Cove Campground, "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," explains Brie B.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with kid-friendly terrain: Some campgrounds are better suited for families with young children. At Camp Nihan Education Center, "The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods," notes Michael V.
Consider walk distance: When tent camping in Sterling, Massachusetts with children, evaluate how far you'll need to carry gear. "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site," reports Lauren A. about their experience at Tully Lake.
Look for nearby swimming: During summer months, water access becomes important for families. "The camp is also adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes," mentions a Camp Nihan visitor.
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: Most tent camping areas near Sterling have restricted vehicle access. At Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, "If you have a folding wagon, you may appreciate having it to carry items on and off the ferry and to your site on the island. There may or may not be carts available on the island," advises Jean C.
Plan for no hookups: Even at campgrounds accepting both tents and RVs, services are limited. "Campsites are very basic, with only a picnic table and fire ring," notes Jean C. about the Boston Harbor Islands facilities.
Evaluate site access carefully: Most tent campgrounds near Sterling have challenging RV access. "It's a long curvy road that ends with a small parking lot at a T junction," describes one visitor about the road to Federated Womens Club State Forest, noting "high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred."
