Templeton, Massachusetts sits at the gateway to Quabbin Reservoir in central Massachusetts, with an elevation around 1,100 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons, with summer camping typically running from May through October when temperatures average 75-85°F during peak season. Winter camping options near Templeton are extremely limited, with only selective RV parks remaining open during the colder months.
What to do
Swimming at sandy beaches: Pine Acres Family Camping Resort features a sandy beach area on their lake, though campers note some maintenance could improve the experience. "The lake beach could use a dredge so there is more sand (weedy)," one visitor mentioned, though they still rated the campground highly overall.
Golfing opportunities: Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park offers a 1,300-acre property with 9 or 18-hole options. "The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc," explains one camper who appreciated the recreational focus.
Forest hiking: Miles of wooded trails await at multiple campgrounds. "There is a huge area of woods with a walking trail starting at the edge of the campground. I enjoyed stretching my legs," noted a visitor at Thousand Trails Sturbridge, appreciating the natural setting despite limited cell reception.
What campers like
Fishing access: Sandy Beach Campground offers catch-and-release fishing opportunities in their lake. "Sandy beach by the water has plenty of room to relax out in the sun as well as launch areas to set out in a paddle boat, canoe or row boat, all available on site," according to one reviewer who enjoyed the water recreation options.
Clean facilities: Spacious Skies Minute Man receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "Womens bathroom is clean and large. My husband said the mens got a bit full of trash during weekend," noted one camper, highlighting generally good but occasionally inconsistent maintenance.
Water recreation options: Many campgrounds feature pools or swimming areas to cool off during summer months. "We enjoyed the ping pong table!! Also have arcade, volleyball, and pet walk area," reported a visitor who spent a week at Spacious Skies Minute Man, suggesting the variety of activities beyond just water features.
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connectivity can be problematic at several campgrounds in the region. "Cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls," one camper at Thousand Trails Sturbridge reported, indicating potential challenges for remote workers.
Navigation challenges: Douglas Forest RV Resort and other parks have infrastructure issues to be aware of. "The road system requires maintenance- while some fresh gravel has been applied, many intersections remain challenging for larger trailers due to poor grading and poorly placed boulders," one visitor cautioned.
Seasonal differences: Campground experiences vary dramatically by season, with shoulder seasons offering more peaceful stays. "It wasn't too loud here in October. Had site B1, which was water and electric. Close to the pond," reported a camper who enjoyed the quieter fall atmosphere at Thousand Trails Sturbridge.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Many campgrounds schedule regular family events, especially on weekends. "We had a wonderful time tent camping. The grounds were beautiful and the sites were a good size. Very happy with the facility and will be returning for sure," shared a visitor at Woodmore Family Campground who enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere.
Kid-friendly amenities: Field and Stream RV Park operates year-round with accessible features. "They offer all year round camping. Great site right next to the water. Sites are clean and well equipped," according to a winter camper who found the facilities suitable even in colder months.
Swimming options: Choose campgrounds with pool facilities for guaranteed swimming regardless of natural water conditions. "Heated pool was great!" shared a camper at Spacious Skies Minute Man, highlighting this feature that families particularly appreciate.
Tips from RVers
Electrical concerns: Be prepared for potential power issues at some parks in the region. "The electrical system has claimed countless rv components and 2 total losses. Instead of fixing it, they simply run generators for years," warned a visitor to Camp Coldbrook, suggesting bringing surge protectors and taking precautions.
Site selection: Request detailed site information when booking, as many campgrounds have variable site quality. "Sites are a bit on the smaller side and not very private," noted a camper at Spacious Skies Minute Man, despite giving the park a positive overall review.
Arrival timing: Some campgrounds enforce strict check-in times with additional fees. "Only down side is office is inflexible on $25 fee if you arrive before 2 pm," cautioned a visitor to Spacious Skies Minute Man, highlighting the importance of planning arrival times accordingly.
