Tent camping near Stow, Massachusetts offers access to outdoor recreation within an hour's drive. Stow sits at approximately 200 feet above sea level in Middlesex County, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during prime camping months. The region features both lakeside and woodland camping environments, with most sites requiring advance reservations from May through October.
What to do
Hiking at Doane's Falls: Near Tully Lake Recreation Area, a series of five waterfalls offers an easy hike through wooded areas. "If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls. The views are beautiful, and it's not unusual to spot professional nature photographers at various points along the waterfalls," notes Nancy R.
Paddle exploration: Rent boats at camp or bring your own to explore regional waterways. "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake. Great trip!" reports Megan G. from Tully Lake. The multiple islands and coves provide opportunities for day-long water adventures.
Beach access: Several campgrounds provide swimming options during summer months. At Cape Ann Camp Site, "Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever," according to Ron C. Most beaches near campgrounds lack lifeguards, so swimming requires personal vigilance.
What campers like
Cart-based camping: At walk-in sites, the absence of vehicles creates a quieter experience. "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around. It also made for a super quiet stay," says Megan G. about Tully Lake Recreation Area. Most walk-in campgrounds provide wheeled carts for transporting gear from parking areas.
Island camping experiences: Some campgrounds offer unique island sites for increased seclusion. At Boston Harbor Islands State Park, "We found all kinds of bunkers and a brick house. We ended up making a fire pit on the beach and a flat rock 'grill' to make our burgers. Sitting on the beach watching the sun set over Boston was awesome and made everything entirely worth it," recalls Jess G.
Varied bathroom facilities: Campgrounds range from primitive to modern facilities. Martha H. notes about Boston Harbor Islands, "On Peddocks island there is plenty of drinking water available and a ranger station." In contrast, at Federated Womens Club State Forest, "Bring your own water. There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field," advises Jean C.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have spotty connectivity. Jean C. reports about 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." This limitation affects most camping areas within 40 miles of Stow.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. For Camp Nihan Education Center, Michael V. states it offers "The perfect blend of rugged and convenient for small kid camping." The group site features easy parking access while maintaining a woodland feel.
Ferry logistics: Harbor island camping requires transportation planning. "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells," explains Jess G. about Boston Harbor Islands.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access sites: Choose locations with minimal carrying distance for young children. Michael V. says about Camp Nihan, "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. A recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy."
Swimming options: Select campgrounds with shallow, protected swimming areas. "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," notes Michael V. regarding Camp Nihan Education Center.
Pack minimally: For walk-in sites, streamline gear requirements. At Lost Boys Hideout, camping accommodations come prepared with "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!" according to Steve K.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options near Stow: Most primitive tent campgrounds don't accommodate RVs. At Cape Ann Camp Site, Lajaun C. notes, "The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome. They have water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi." Most RV-friendly campgrounds require 30+ minute drives from Stow.
Pay shower availability: Coin operation remains common for showers at many campgrounds. Ben E. reports about Cape Ann, "The showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change. So I washed my hair in the sink." Bringing quarters for showers prevents inconvenience at most regional campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate May through October. Cape Ann Camp Site operates "May 15 - Oct 15" according to their listing, with similar seasonal restrictions at other campgrounds. Winter camping options are extremely limited within 30 miles of Stow.
