Top Tent Camping near Stow, MA

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Stow, look no further. Find the best information on tent camping near Stow, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Stow, MA (14)

    Camper-submitted photo from Greenfield State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenfield State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenfield State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenfield State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenfield State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenfield State Park

    1. Greenfield State Park

    19 Reviews
    41 Photos
    98 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

    2. Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

    8 Reviews
    67 Photos
    88 Saves

    COVID has changed some reservation availability. Please check before planning to camp Made up of 34 islands and peninsulas, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is an urban oasis just minutes from Boston’s city center. Hop aboard a park ferry and discover islands rich with opportunities for outdoor recreation, relaxation, and Boston Harbor Islands camping.

    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Yurts
    • Picnic Table

    $8 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Ann Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Ann Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Ann Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Ann Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Ann Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Ann Camp Site

    3. Cape Ann Camp Site

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    246 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $36 - $44 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    4. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    9 Reviews
    90 Photos
    2 Saves

    Overview

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to come relax at Tully Lake. There are a variety of outdoor recreation activities for you and you family. Although the dam was built primarily to reduce flood damages on the Millers and Connecticut Rivers, the 1,300-acre reservoir area provides a place for you to get away from it all and connect with nature.

    Recreation

    Tully Lake offers many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Activities in and around the lake include mountain biking, camping, disc golf, hiking, picnicking, boating, and fishing and hunting in the appropriate seasons.

    Facilities

    The Tully Lake Pavilion is located in the recreation area and offers picnic tables and grills. Maximum group size is 50 people with parking for 25 passenger vehicles at the upper gravel lot. The recreation area has a small playground for young children, volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. Bathrooms are provided, but there is no running water.

    Natural Features

    The 1,262-acre Tully Lake property is managed to sustain a healthy ecosystem for future generations. The thriving biodiversity of the Tully River Valley and the interconnections of our forests, wetlands, waters, and wildlife are valued and managed for the long term. Tully Lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from tiny insects and song birds, to large mammals such as deer and moose. Fifty-five percent of the reservoir area is wetlands, providing habitat for fish, waterfowl, song birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as beaver, mink and otter. The rest of the property provides habitat for upland species such as deer, coyote, fisher, owl, fox, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, rabbit, and squirrel. The forest within Tully Dam's reservoir area is composed primarily of white pine, providing habitat for owls and woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks, and white-tailed deer.

    Nearby Attractions

    When visiting Tully Lake there are several opportunities for visitors to explore in the surrounding area. At the north end of the lake there is a tent only campground run by the Trustees of the Reservations which provides a perfect launching point to enjoy the outdoor attractions nearby. Ten miles away is the Birch Hill Dam, another Army Corps project that provides miles of trails and river to explore. The Quabbin Reservoir is also within a short ten mile drive of Tully Lake and serves the city of Boston as its water supply. The Quabbin is a unique area; there were four towns flooded to create it, and it has some of the most interesting blends of human and natural history in the region.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Please review the cancellation and refund policy at the bottom of the webpage. In general, we will require at least two weeks prior to your reservation to consider a request.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp

    5. Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    49 Saves

    Camp Nihan is the perfect place for your next group camping experience. There's plenty of opportunities to learn about the local habitat. Explore a variety of nature and wildlife across 65 acres.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • No image available
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Hill Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Buck Hill Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities

        9. Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities

        1 Review
        1 Photo
        3 Saves

        Overview

        Edward MacDowell Lake is situated in a quiet corner of the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.

        This day-use area lies just off State Route 101 on the shores of the picturesque lake named after the famous composer and concert pianist, Edward Alexander MacDowell.

        Natural Features:

        The 165-acre lake is surrounded by densely forested rolling hills. Shady pine, birch, poplar, maple, oak, beech, hemlock and alder trees cover the area.

        Wildlife is abundant in and around the park. White-tailed deer, moose, beaver, fisher, muskrat, otter and many other mammals make their homes around the lake. Birders may observe many species including osprey, hawks, owls, great blue herons, woodpeckers, waterfowl and songbirds.

        Recreation:

        Visitors can spend days kayaking and canoeing on the scenic lake, and a boat ramp is provided for easy lake access.

        Fishing is also a popular activity. Largemouth bass, pickerel, perch and horned pout are all found in abundance.

        Several hiking trails link up around the lake as well, including the West Ridge Trail, which runs along the entire western edge of the lake and up through the surrounding wetlands.

        Younger visitors enjoy the parks Junior Ranger Program, which focuses on the surrounding forest, its wildlife and waterways and protecting the environment. Kids ages six through 12 become honorary park rangers upon completion and receive a patch and certificate.

        Facilities:

        This year-round park is open from sunrise to sunset. It offers two day-use picnic shelters, perfect for large parties or family functions. Flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and grills are provided.

        A swim beach, playground, horseshoe pits and volleyball court offer additional recreation opportunities.

        Nearby Attractions:

        Educational programs are offered by park rangers, and the nearby ranger station contains interpretive exhibits.

        • Pets
        • Reservable
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Group
        • No image available
        Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews In Stow

        645 Reviews of 14 Stow Campgrounds


        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from Boston / Cape Cod KOA (Middleboro)
          Oct. 7, 2024

          Boston / Cape Cod KOA (Middleboro)

          Smelly, filthy Cabin with no hot water...Customer Service Is BADDD

          I booked Deluxe Cabin 1 at the Boston KOA based on my past experiences in VA and NC. BOSTON was the WORST KOA I've stayed at. The cabin SMELLED of mildew and cigarettes(pic of ashes in the tub), and there was NO HOT WATER, which is against MA law. It was FILTHY, the pots needed to be replaced, and you have to request blankets. I informed the after hours staff about the water, blankets, and smell. The next morning, I went to the office at 9 am and talked to LORI. She was COMBATIVE and confrontational which is weird because she just started her day. As a person of color, I had to walk away because I was frightened. When I returned, BOB Brammer(He wanted to write his name down, so I got it right(his words)) lacked empathy and had a facial expression of annoyance. He was also CONFRONTATIONAL as I explained there was no hot water and the cabin smelled. I informed the national KOA feedback team(Kaitlyn& Tiana) and they said it's handled internally, whatever that means. If you read the reviews about bad customer service, believe it. You can see CUSTOMER SERVICE IS BADDDD! The KOA will probably respond to this review, but NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. I'll be reaching out to TOBY O'ROURKE and OSCAR TANG so they are aware the BOSTON KOA is tarnishing the KOA brand.

        • Judy W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Bear Brook State Park
          Oct. 4, 2024

          Bear Brook State Park

          Bearbrook Pros and Cons

          Con: Signage is awful! Hard to find park, office and cabins! Once there, Looong drive to both campground and Cabins.

          Pro: cabins are on a remote lake. Perfect for star gazing! Rustic but comfy (beds) cabins. Bring all your own stuff. No electricity, so no lights. Our cabin had a steep path. Others did not.

        • f
          Camper-submitted photo from Sunset View Farms
          Sep. 21, 2024

          Sunset View Farms

          Lovely spot in the woods

          We booked last minute (2 hours before we arrived) and were met with the friendliest staff ready to help us at 7:30PM and get us checked in. Perfect spot if you don’t mind a 40 minute ride over to The Big E fair which is what brought us out to this part of MA. The restaurant was so nice, and to my surprise more than accommodating as I have celiac, they really went above and beyond. We will definitely be back next summer for a longer stay.

        • G
          Camper-submitted photo from Ponkapoag Camp
          Aug. 30, 2024

          Ponkapoag Camp

          Beautiful

          Had an amazing stay, cabin was perfect and comfortable. Water was nice and fish were biting. Can’t wait to come back.

        • L
          Camper-submitted photo from Winding River Campground
          Aug. 18, 2024

          Winding River Campground

          Great time with kids

          We had a great time here camping with our kids and grandkids. River is not much to look at but the pool was great and there were great events like foam parties, DJ at the pool, pancake breakfast and live music to name a few. Staff were friendly and helpful.

        • Jonathan J.
          Camper-submitted photo from Wompatuck State Park
          Aug. 17, 2024

          Wompatuck State Park

          Everything you NEED

          This spot does have everything you need. It is very remote and a lot of distance between campsites. Lots of trees. The bathroom amenities work but not the cleanest. There isn’t much to the RV sites but an electric plug. Like I said what you need, but not want you might want.

        • Jean V.
          Camper-submitted photo from Wompatuck State Park
          Aug. 11, 2024

          Wompatuck State Park

          Good (not excellent)

          PROS

          - 45 min from Boston

          - You have everything you need there: firewood, bathrooms (with shower, soap and toilet paper), a camp pit...

          - You get a map in the entrance - very helpful for hiking.

          - You can take a trail from the campsite.

          - Good sights while hiking, with good spots to have lunch or pause for water.

          CONS

          - Only one really: You don't have the feeling of being really in the woods. There is NOT a decent amount of land between each campsite. So if you have neighbors all around, you'll feel like in a village!

        • Tracy W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Autumn Hills Campground
          Jul. 31, 2024

          Autumn Hills Campground

          Enjoyable and memorable experience

          Autumn Hills Campground is AWESOME! It’s remotely located and the amenities and activities are amazing, something for everyone! The staff is so friendly and helpful and I can’t say enough how clean the bathrooms, laundry room and store are! The super nice owners, Adam& Jennifer are constantly making upgrades and changes and have really created a beautiful, family oriented campground! I recommend you take the virtual tour online so you can pick a sight that works for you and book it soon.

        • L
          Camper-submitted photo from Peppertree Camping
          Jul. 23, 2024

          Peppertree Camping

          Amazing stay

          We had our very first camping experience with our new camper at this campground and it was everything we could have imagined and more. It’s a beautiful campground, the gentleman and his family who own it are sooooo nice and they helped us a lot when it came to learning how to properly use our camper. All the fellow campers that we met were extremely nice. It’s a quiet campground, located right on a river. My children spent hours in it playing and fishing. Looking forward to returning.

        • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Bear Brook State Park
          Jul. 22, 2024

          Bear Brook State Park

          Nice, Clean but crowded, and most sites are close together

          This was my first time staying at Bear Brook, it's an easy campground to get to, once you get to the west gate it's about a 4-mile drive to the campground, if you're coming from the east it's about 1.5 miles.

          The first impression was impressed by the size and how organized everything was. Check-in was easy, then driving to my site (#7) took a minute.

          That's when I realized the sites were 4' apart in the section I was staying in. Other sites on each end are further apart.

          The campground has a beach, a playground, a Ball field, and a store. The roads are all easy to drive on but narrow.

        • Megan F.
          Camper-submitted photo from Wompatuck State Park
          Jul. 17, 2024

          Wompatuck State Park

          Small Issues

          I would probably nitpick stay at this park again. The site we had paid for was not given to us. The shower in the bathroom did not provide hot/warm water until the end of my shower, and then the water would not turn off. Also, the lady camping beside us was tent camping, and she literally smoked weed the whole time she was there. We have children, and while she was there, you couldn’t do anything outside without smelling it. Overall, not the best campground.

        • aThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Normandy Farms Campground
          Jul. 8, 2024

          Normandy Farms Campground

          Very Enjoyable 1 night stay

          We enjoyed our tent site with a wooden lean-to. Overall very private and peaceful, however the only drawback is that people took frequent casual walks pass the area all day long. There's really no way around that.

          We did not get a chance to enjoy the amenities, but they all looked nice and well thought out.

          We will return.

        • aThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Canoe River Campground
          Jul. 8, 2024

          Canoe River Campground

          Good But Not Ideal for us

          The campground was very busy with families events activities, etc. If you prefer a noisy fun experience and a more social experience with your very close neighbors, this is the pot for you. Our preferred style of camping requires more space and less noise. The pool bathrooms were gross, but the other facilities area near the tent sites was very nice and clean.

          The food was great and the staff is friendly. Overall we had a great time, but its unlikely we’ll return mostly due to the noise level.

        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from Spacious Skies Seven Maples
          Jul. 7, 2024

          Spacious Skies Seven Maples

          Fiddleheads and Moose

          The seven maple trees that greeted guests may be gone, but not the spirit of the campground. Staff were helpful and cheerful along with the chain saw carved bears that greeted me. A very nice shady campground with clean bathhouses - one with a moose guarding the entry - and common areas.

        • M
          Camper-submitted photo from Charlie Brown Campground
          Jul. 1, 2024

          Charlie Brown Campground

          Riverside Delight!

          This was our first time visiting and my entire family enjoyed themselves so  much, that we've already reserved a site for a few weeks from now. Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids! The grounds were clean, the playground was nice, and the people were all friendly.  We did a late checkout for $5 extra, but the noon checkout and two dump stations would make leaving on time a non-issue as well. 

          Of note: We camped with friends, who were given a spot next to a large group of people (weekend prior to 4th of July is to be expected). The group were very polite and abided by quiet hours, but they were having fun and a bit loud for my buddy's 2 month of baby. They requested to move sites, and the management was super accommodating and apologetic. Helped him move his site and threw in some firewood for the troubles.

        • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from West Thompson Lake Campground
          Jun. 27, 2024

          West Thompson Lake Campground

          Pleasantly surprised

          We had an excellent experience at this camp ground. The Staff and Rangers were polite and welcoming. We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property. Once the boat races finished each day the camp was very quiet and peaceful. Had a great weekend

        • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hanscom AFB FamCamp
          Jun. 19, 2024

          Hanscom AFB FamCamp

          Recreation camping close to Lexingtin and Concord

          The HanscomField Fam Camp is a wooded recreational camp for military families and retirees, as well as for RV camping for active duty military on temporary orders. 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. Proximity to the base provides access to the base exchange and other facilities, but the quiet location is a recreational retreat centered around several indoor and outdoor gathering spaces such as basketball and outdoor sports, and an indoor game and recreation room complete with crafts supplies for the kiddos and tourism info for the lical area. In the immediate vicinity are the villages of Lexington and Concord as well as the Minute Man National Park and Walden Pond, so the campground makes a great basecamp for exploration of the area’s rich culture and history. You are also not too far from Cambridge, and can easily access Boston from there if you like.

          There are several clean modern bath houses, with hot showers and flush toilets. The office staff is very helpful and friendly!

          Dogs are welcome too.

        • A
          Camper-submitted photo from Spacious Skies Minute Man
          Jun. 3, 2024

          Spacious Skies Minute Man

          A little bit of heaven

          Spacious Skies Minute Man is a forested haven so close to Boston that you think you are in the country. There are so many cool things to do just a short drive away. The nearby town of Ayer is right out of a Norman Rockwell painting.  Concord is only 30 minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites, and famous people home tours such as Louisa May Alcott. Lots of good coffee spots and restaurants in historic downtown Concord so spend a morning in this special city.

        • Jake H.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Black Bear Campground
          May. 21, 2024

          Black Bear Campground

          Quick off highway camp site

          They charge 50 dollars for a tent site with no electric, the spots are right next to eachother and touch the bath house. There’s more rules than a state park.its easy to get in and out of.

        • Ryan A.
          Camper-submitted photo from George Washington State Campground
          May. 15, 2024

          George Washington State Campground

          An OK Campground but not Great

          Camped out here for two nights after reading about this place in the"Best Tent Camping: New England" book. It's better than the other campgrounds in Rhode Island that I looked at (Burlingame, Fort Getty) but isn't my favorite campground. If you're not a Rhode Island resident the fee for most sites is$36/night. Is it worth it? Eh, probably not unless you're really jonesing to camp for a weekend in the Ocean State. 

          It does have some great things going for it, namely the hiking trails and views of the lake. There are some tent-only sites which are numbered T1-T5. I stayed in T5 and it was the best of the bunch because it had the most privacy and space, including a grassy area. The other tent-only sites were fairly small and if you go to any mixed use sites you run the risk of having an RV next to you. The A1-A7 sites are remote and hike in, but you're going to have to hike either 0.4 or 0.6 miles through some uneven terrain. The next best group of sites would be 19-24 which are on their own small loop near the lake. 

          The things I didn't like were the streetlights over the port-a-potties that shine all night. There is a manned gate where you check in and you have to get let into the campground during the day, but at night the gates are wide open and it seems like some people know this because there are a few oddballs around in the early morning. There is swimming at the lake but it looked way too dirty. 

          Overall the place was managed very well, the sites were cleanish and the grounds were taken care of. The employees drove by at least once an hour, I thought they were collecting trash from dumpsters but the only place with a dumpster is near the entrance. I couldn't figure out why they kept driving by so often. I had a good time, it was relaxing and scratched the camping itch.

        • S
          Camper-submitted photo from Pawtuckaway State Park
          May. 6, 2024

          Pawtuckaway State Park

          Great spot

          Great location with lake views, trails etc. Some sites are spaced out, some are closer together. Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from.

          Can't beat it for only an hour from Boston



        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

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Stow, MA?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Stow, MA is Greenfield State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Stow, MA?

          TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Stow, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.