Central Massachusetts woodland areas around Still River offer tent campers secluded sites with typical New England forest settings. Most camping locations sit at elevations between 400-600 feet, creating moderate terrain with good drainage during summer rainstorms. Seasonal temperatures range from 50-85°F in peak camping months, with cooler nights common even in July.
What to do
Paddling exploration: Tully Lake Recreation Area provides direct water access for kayaking and canoeing. "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 camper Ben P. The lake features multiple small islands worth exploring during day trips.
Hiking trail networks: Federated Womens Club State Forest connects to extensive trail systems surrounding Quabbin Reservoir. "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," reports Jean C. The area contains historical remnants of towns flooded in the 1930s to create the reservoir.
Waterfall viewing: Short walks from camping areas lead to scenic cascades. One camper at Tully Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area." These falls remain accessible year-round but flow strongest in spring.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, campers appreciate the spacious layout. "The campsites are spacious and though there is not a bad site, some are better suited for certain purposes like group camping," notes Miguel B. Site selection matters significantly for privacy levels.
Peaceful water access: Direct shoreline access allows for swimming from some campsites. "We really enjoyed our stay and look forward to booking again soon! This was the trifecta for us, where we could fish, kayak, and swim!" reports Stacey W. Water activities remain accessible without competing with motorized boats.
Foraging opportunities: Summer visitors find wild edibles throughout the region. During mid-August visits to Federated Womens Club State Forest, campers collected "handfuls of blackberries" while exploring trails. Blueberry picking at Tully Lake becomes possible in July through early August.
What you should know
Booking timeline requirements: Reservations fill quickly for the best tent camping near Still River, Massachusetts. "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," warns Kris M.
Cart logistics: Transport systems for walk-in sites require planning. "Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea," suggests one camper at Camp Nihan Education Center. "You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them," notes Sa R. about Tully Lake.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies dramatically by location and carrier. Jean C. notes that at Federated Womens Club State Forest, "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on bathroom proximity with children. "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 and neighboring campers," shares Lauren A. about Lost Boys Hideout.
Gear transportation planning: Kids can help with properly sized loads. At Camp Nihan, Michael V. found it "super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods," making it ideal for young children ages 4-8 who want an authentic camping experience without excessive hiking.
Weather readiness: Summer temperature swings require layering options. "Buggy in June so bring your repellent," advises a Tully Lake camper. Evening temperatures can drop 20+ degrees from daytime highs, requiring warmer sleeping gear than many first-time campers expect.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: True RV camping remains scarce near Still River. At Cape Ann Camp Site, about 35 miles east, "The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites," notes Della S. Most local state forests prohibit RV access entirely.
Hybrid camping approach: RV campers sometimes use vehicles as base camps while tent camping. "Cape Anne is beautiful. Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views," notes Ron C. This allows access to both forest camping and coastal attractions.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds offering RV access operate May through October only. "We paid $60 a night for a 30 amp spot with water," reports a recent Cape Ann camper, with similar rates throughout the region during peak summer months.
