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Best Campgrounds near Stow, MA

763 Reviews

Campgrounds near Stow, Massachusetts range from state forests to private resorts, with many facilities within a 25-mile radius. Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground and Hanscom AFB FamCamp provide a mix of tent and RV sites, while Pearl Hill State Park and Willard Brook State Forest offer cabin camping options. The region includes several state parks that accommodate both tent camping and RVs, with some sites featuring full hookups, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere with limited amenities.

Massachusetts state park campgrounds typically operate from late May through early October, with most closing for winter. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months. "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," noted one camper about Wells State Park. Many campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption, and firewood restrictions apply to prevent the spread of invasive species. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with several reviews mentioning spotty coverage, particularly at campgrounds farther from urban centers.

The campgrounds around Stow feature diverse terrain and amenities that appeal to different camping preferences. Harold Parker State Forest provides surprisingly large, wooded sites despite being less than 25 miles from Boston, making it popular for quick weekend getaways. Campers frequently mention the hiking and biking trails available throughout the area as highlights of their stays. Water features are common, with many campgrounds situated near ponds or lakes that offer swimming and fishing opportunities. Several reviews note the family-friendly nature of most campgrounds in the region, with playgrounds and organized activities available at many locations. Bathroom facilities generally receive positive reviews, though the quality varies by location, with some offering free showers while others have coin-operated facilities.

Map showing campgrounds near Stow, MassachusettsExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Stow, Massachusetts (121)

    1. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    8 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. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    9 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 225-3953

    "The campground offers RV sites, some with hookups, as well as more walk-in secluded tent sites as well as one yurt tent. The campground is peaceful and quiet, although adjacent to a very busy AFB."

    "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston."

    3. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    32 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 475-7972

    $17 - $35 / night

    "north of Boston and <5 miles from the interstate, Lorraine Park campground at Harold Parker State Forest provides ample on-site activities and also serves as a jumping off point for exploring the Massachusetts"

    "You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus."

    4. Normandy Farms Campground

    39 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 673-2767

    $50 - $200 / night

    "The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping."

    "Driving around this place is definitely not a typical campground but more of a luxury camp because of all of the amenities.

    That being said it was very nice and felt safe."

    5. Pearl Hill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    West Townsend, MA
    20 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. "

    6. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

    15 Reviews
    Rutland, MA
    27 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."

    7. The Pine Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    23 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."

    8. Wompatuck State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Hingham, MA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 895-8245

    $17 - $23 / night

    "Ours (R002) was large, beautiful, and mostly surrounded by forest."

    "I chose a spot away from others and was glad I did. Behind me was nothing but quiet woods and a deer meandered through a couple times."

    9. Circle Campground Farm Campground

    7 Reviews
    Franklin Town, MA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 966-1136

    $45 - $75 / night

    "Im guessing these sites will be considered "close" to "moderately close" by other site standards but it housed my 24ft trailer, truck, and my family just fine.

    - Roads are a little narrow which made"

    "Everything you need 100% Everything clean 100% EASY Access to all attractions 100% We did Boston (caught the train), Salem, mystic seaport, Sturbridge village, plymouth rock, the Mayflower ship, and plymouth"

    10. Willard Brook State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    21 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Stow, MA

388 Photos of 121 Stow Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Stow, MA

763 Reviews of 121 Stow 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

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Beach Rose RV Park

    Nice park

    Owners were helpful on arrival, level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet.

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

  • 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!

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Cape Ann Camp Site

    25 cents for a shower

    The aerial photos of this place are very deceiving. This camp ground is the foreground of the main house which, is situated on the top of the hill. The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads. There is no WIFI. There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a "dump station."  The camp ground is run down and unmaintained. Our site had a fire ring which, was filled with ash. Our first night we woke up to a trailer filled with smoke because, someone near by had a fire in 92 degree heat. Most campers are full time residents. There is no sight of them during the day light hours but, at night they are up and about on bikes and mingling with each other. 

    25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom. Some shady people immediate started to hover near the public restroom once we drove up the hill to use the public restrooms. For $70/nite for a view it's not worth it. I was glad to leave- very creepy.

  • 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.

Guide to Stow

Camping near Stow, Massachusetts, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. For example, at Bear Brook State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There are hiking trails throughout the campground," making it a great spot for nature walks.
  • Water Activities: Many campgrounds, like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, offer easy access to lakes for kayaking and swimming. A visitor noted, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Wompatuck State Park Campground enjoy spotting local wildlife. One reviewer shared, "You can take a trail from the campsite," which is perfect for observing nature.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, private sites at places like Greenfield State Park Campground. A long-time visitor said, "If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Normandy Farms Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper remarked, "The bathrooms/showers are spotless with piped in music and hairdryers."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Boston/Cape Cod KOA offer various activities for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "This is a nice campground with multiple site type options," highlighting the family-oriented atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Pet Policies: Some campgrounds have strict pet rules. For instance, at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are only allowed on hiking trails and not in the campground during summer. A visitor noted, "Pets are NOT permitted in the campground or beach area during the summer season."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier conditions on weekends. A camper at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, "The weekend was packed! Our neighbors were playing karaoke till 11pm."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wompatuck State Park Campground, may not have extensive amenities. A 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, which has plenty of activities for kids. One parent said, "Absolutely love this campground. It has so many things for the kids to do."
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared with bug spray, especially at campgrounds near water. A visitor at Bear Brook State Park Campground warned, "Our dog got covered in ticks, so watch for that."
  • Pack Entertainment: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep kids engaged. A camper at Boston/Cape Cod KOA mentioned, "The rec hall had no games in it like the website showed."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify site dimensions before booking. A reviewer at Normandy Farms Campground noted, "We have a 25” B+ and basically had to park sideways."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Normandy Farms Campground advised, "Bring plenty of leveling blocks!"
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A visitor at Bear Brook State Park Campground mentioned, "Dump Station: Yes," which is helpful for RVers.

Camping near Stow, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or a fun-filled family trip, the campgrounds in this area have got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best campsites near Stow?

The central Massachusetts area around Stow offers several excellent camping options. Otter River State Forest in north central Massachusetts is considered a hidden gem with clean, well-maintained facilities and family-friendly atmosphere. It features swimming in a pond and is just a short drive to a larger lake. For those willing to travel a bit further, Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake in Royalston offers prime waterfront sites with paddle or walk-in access, making it ideal for canoe and kayak enthusiasts.

What amenities do campgrounds in Stow offer?

Campgrounds in the Stow area offer various amenities to enhance your camping experience. Willard Brook State Forest Campground features level sites around a small loop with towering pines, located just up the hill from Damon Pond. Wells State Park Campground in Sturbridge provides brand new bathroom and shower facilities, along with opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing on Walker Pond. Many Massachusetts state parks offer clean facilities and recreational activities, though it's worth noting that alcohol is typically prohibited even at your campsite.

When is the best season for camping in Stow?

Late spring through early fall (May-October) provides the best camping weather around Stow, with summer being peak season. Beach Rose RV Park in nearby Salisbury is particularly popular during summer months, especially holiday weekends, when travelers enjoy the swimming pool and nearby beach access. For a quieter experience with spectacular scenery, consider Salisbury Beach State Reservation in the shoulder seasons of late spring or early fall when crowds thin but weather remains pleasant. Always check individual campground seasonal operating schedules, as many Massachusetts state facilities close during winter months.

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