Tent campsites near Sturbridge, Massachusetts range from remote woodland settings to established grounds with basic facilities. The region sits at elevations between 600-1,200 feet and experiences typical New England seasonal fluctuations with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during prime camping months. Many camping areas prohibit alcohol consumption and limit parking access, requiring campers to transport gear between 50 yards to a mile to reach their sites.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, canoe and kayak rentals are available for exploring the lake's numerous islands and hidden coves. "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," reports Ben P.
Hike to waterfalls: Located near several camping areas, Doane's Falls offers accessible hiking through woods with cascading water features. "The highlight was Doane's falls, a very quick walk from the campground area," notes Jean C. The falls consist of a series of five drops along an ascending wooded path.
Fish from shore: Multiple camping areas provide direct water access for fishing. Buck Hill Campground sits along Wakefield Pond, which supports various fish species. Greg R. mentions, "The area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities... This is the type of campground to just come and unwind, fish, cook."
Explore historical remnants: Near the Federated Women's Club State Forest, hikers can discover cellar holes throughout the area, remnants of towns submerged in the 1930s to create Quabbin Reservoir. "You'll find cellar holes throughout, remnants of the towns lost in the 30s to create the reservoir," notes one visitor.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Federated Women's Club State Forest offers secluded tent camping with significant separation between sites. "Some of the sites are definitely walk-in, with a narrow trail leading from the road," explains Jean C., highlighting the rustic, isolated experience.
No vehicle traffic: Many campers appreciate the car-free camping experience at several locations. "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," shares Megan G. from Tully Lake.
Water views: Waterfront tent sites are highly prized by campers throughout the region. "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset," says Jackie G.
Primitive experience: For those seeking a more rustic camping experience, Onion Mountain Park delivers. "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night. The spot is not very big so make sure to bring a smaller tent," advises Nora S.
What you should know
Cart logistics: When camping at walk-in sites, prepare for transport challenges. "Only real annoyance was dealing with set up and take down of the campsite- 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," explains Brie B. about Barton Cove.
Limited amenities: Most tent sites offer basic facilities only. "There's no water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them," notes Sa R. about Tully Lake.
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly 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," warns Kris M.
Cell service limitations: Expect disconnection from technology. Jean C. notes that at Federated Women's 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
Choose sites strategically: Families should consider distance from facilities when selecting tent sites. "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night," cautions Lauren A. about her Tully Lake experience.
Bathroom access: With limited facilities at most tent sites, plan accordingly for young children. Onion Mountain Park offers very primitive camping with no bathroom facilities, while other parks maintain vault toilets or composting units located centrally.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for encountering wildlife and insects. "There are a lot of bugs so be prepared, and we did put a bear bag about 100 feet away," advises Nora S. about camping at Onion Mountain Park.
Pack minimally: For walk-in sites, streamline your gear. "The sites near the water or on bluffs are further away, and though they provide carts the trails can make hauling them tough. Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea," suggests Miguel B. about Tully Lake.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Tent camping is the primary accommodation throughout the Sturbridge camping region. "Sodom Mountain Campground has improved with the new owners as of 2021," notes Brad N., mentioning dirt roads with repaired potholes that might challenge larger rigs.
Consider hybrid approaches: Some campers combine RV and tent camping in the region. Several campgrounds permit parking at designated lots while setting up tents at remote sites, allowing campers to store supplies in vehicles while enjoying the tent camping experience.
Plan for seasonal closures: Most primitive tent camping areas close during winter months. Several campgrounds in the region operate only from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with no winter maintenance of access roads.
