Camping near Tully Lake

State parks and forests surrounding Tully Lake in north-central Massachusetts provide a range of camping experiences within the wooded New England landscape. Tully Lake Recreation Area, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and operated by the Trustees of Reservations, offers a distinctive car-free camping environment where visitors use provided wooden wheelbarrows to transport gear to their sites. Nearby Lake Dennison Recreation Area and Otter River State Forest provide more traditional drive-up camping options with varying levels of amenities. The region includes both waterfront sites with direct lake access and more secluded forest settings, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from May through October. Massachusetts state parks in this area typically accommodate tent camping primarily, though some sites can handle small to medium-sized RVs.

Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the Tully Lake area, with waterfront sites booking quickly during peak summer months. Massachusetts state parks charge significantly higher fees for out-of-state visitors, sometimes triple the resident rate. Cell phone coverage is notably limited throughout the region, with many campers reporting "spotty to non-existent" service at Tully Lake and surrounding campgrounds. As one visitor noted, "Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want before you arrive." Weather can change rapidly, with campers reporting occasional heavy rainfall that can affect site conditions. The terrain is generally wooded with moderate elevation changes, making some sites challenging to access with larger equipment.

Waterfront sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at Tully Lake where some campsites offer direct water access. "Sites closer to the water were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out," reported one camper. The car-free environment at Tully Lake creates a notably quiet atmosphere appreciated by families with young children. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to natural features, with Doane's Falls near Tully Lake being a frequently mentioned highlight. Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds, with most offering basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Bathroom facilities are typically centralized, sometimes requiring long walks from distant campsites. Wildlife sightings are common, with birds, beavers, and other small mammals frequently observed by campers exploring the lakes and surrounding forests.

Best Camping Sites Near Tully Lake (150)

    1. Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    14 Reviews
    Foster Lake, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 297-1609

    $17 - $35 / night

    "As a caveat, waterfront in this instance was more of a water view as the lake was on the other side of the campground road and a large open area with trees."

    "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."

    2. Otter River State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Baldwinville, MA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    $17 - $55 / night

    "Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both). One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts."

    "I loved it here, it was a great little campground for massachusetts"

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

    9 Reviews
    Royalston, MA
    0 miles
    +1 (978) 249-9150

    $40 / night

    "Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border."

    "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."

    4. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park

    19 Reviews
    Jaffrey, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 532-2416

    $29 - $35 / night

    "Campsites are well shaded but if you have an RV take the time to rent an RV site otherwise backing in will put you in and awkward position as the mixed use “standard” sites are oriented towards tent camping"

    "The campsite is big and away from another site. You can easilly access to hiking trails. The staff there are friendly and helpful. It's definitely a plus."

    5. Ashuelot River Campground

    18 Reviews
    West Swanzey, NH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 357-5777

    $47 - $70 / night

    "We had easy access to trails that went along the river behind some of the sites with a few paths down to the river. Everyone we encountered was friendly and respectful."

    "Large, open campground surrounded by the Ashuelot River. Friendly owners who go around delivering wood and ice to guests given the pandemic right now."

    6. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Rindge, NH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 899-3362

    $42 - $65 / night

    "Lake access with kayaks , some local hiking. Major grocery store nearby along with Walmart."

    "the rules but everybody does and it's a good experience, everyone is very friendly the owners are wonderful people and super friendly very helpful it's clean they offer a lot of stuff to do right on a lake"

    7. Erving State Forest Campground

    3 Reviews
    Erving, MA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 544-7745

    $17 / night

    "Situated by a beautiful lake and access to several hiking trails. "

    "Friends told me about this little gem in north central Massachusetts, not far from Rt 2. The big draw here is the pond, with the public beach on one side and lined with private cabins on the other. "

    8. Shir-Roy Camping Area

    1 Review
    Warwick, MA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 239-4768

    $34 - $47 / night

    "Good bathroom ,nice people, great lake."

    9. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

    15 Reviews
    Rutland, MA
    23 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."

    10. Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Brattleboro, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 254-2610

    "There are 3 nice and short trails, 2 with a great view and the other that is quite steep down to a swimming hole."

    "We had site 30, which looked to be one of the best sites available (and the lean-tos next to site 30 also looked great). Most sites on this side of the loop were private, forested, and spacious."

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Recent Reviews near Tully Lake

627 Reviews of 150 Tully Lake Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Helpful staff

    The staff was friendly. Don't forget the flashlight. There is very little lighting to find your way around the winding roads of the campground which adds to the charm.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Zoar Outdoor

    Nice and would like to visit again but not within 12 hours-BOO

    I’m writing this mid-October from western MA. In between homes and looked forward to staying another night, but can not because of a 12 hour advance policy. There were plenty of tent sites available last night. Not a happy camper.

  • Carroll K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    It was quite and peaceful

    We enjoyed our stay with Gus very much. With the email to confirm our stay, there were excellent directions to get there. It is behind his home by a lake with creek nearby. There is also a hiking trail. We had no problems. If we are in the area again, we would camp here again.  Thanks

  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice ‘n Easy campground

    We stayed for 3 days off season so not busy. Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night. Sites have fire rings with excellent airflow for good burning with low smoke. Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area. Office staff was very helpful and they’re open later into the day til 7 PM. Good firewood and large bundle delivered for $15 to your site. We passed over this site on our first trip to the area but are glad we came here and we’re planning to return. Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    NF 83 - riverside

    NF83

    Great camping site. The road into the site was pretty rough.

  • Rae-Ann W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Another great trip to Ashuelot River Campground

    We spent another great weekend at the Ashuelot River Campground. We recently purchased a new-to-us camper and wanted to get in a trip or two before putting it away for the winter. This was our 2nd visit to Ashuelot.

    We were in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park. We were in a fully wooded area on the left side of the campground, which we prefer. They have sites located in fully open areas, as well as some that are partially wooded and have river access. There is a nice mix.

    Having good weather, we took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit. We were able to enjoy a nice, slow drift around the campground.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time again and will definitely be back.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Amazing Numerous Free Dispersed Camping!

    Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear. I didn’t see any bathrooms.


Guide to Tully Lake

Camping near Tully Lake, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Greenfield State Park Campground. One visitor said, "There are hiking trails throughout the campground, but our dog got covered in ticks so watch for that."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at Wells State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "The beach area is close to the lower sites," making it easy to access the water.
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Lake Dennison Recreation Area. One reviewer noted, "There are numerous spots along the lakefront where you can fish, catching panfish close to shore."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Ashuelot River Campground. A visitor shared, "Super clean bathrooms. The sites are not very private, but spacing is decent."
  • Friendly staff: Many enjoy the welcoming atmosphere at Monadnock State Park Campground. One camper said, "The staff there are friendly and helpful. It's definitely a plus."
  • Spacious sites: Campers at Spacious Skies Minute Man appreciate the ample space. A family shared, "The sites were ample size and space for our rig and needs."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: At Otter River State Forest, some campers found the lack of amenities challenging. One reviewer mentioned, "There is no swimming apart from the two beach areas."
  • Cell service can be spotty: If you need to stay connected, be aware that cell service is limited at Monadnock State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Limited cell service from some carriers."
  • Privacy varies by site: Campers at Lake Dennison Recreation Area found that some sites are closer together. One camper said, "Sites are wooded and shady and not RIGHT on top of each other, but pretty close together."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Check for kid-friendly activities: Friendly Beaver Campground offers a petting zoo and pool area. A parent mentioned, "Very nice pool area and petting zoo."
  • Plan for quiet hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours, so be mindful of noise. A camper at Pine Acres Family Camping Resort noted, "Quiet hours at 10 p.m.? We are just getting into the fun at 10!"
  • Bring outdoor games: Campers at Greenfield State Park Campground enjoyed playing games. One family shared, "There was bocce, horseshoes, and volleyball courts that were well maintained."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site accessibility: RVers at Wells State Park Campground found some sites tricky. One reviewer said, "The driveway to site 38 was a mess. Tree limbs and brush invaded the drive."
  • Look for full hookups: If you need full hookups, Ashuelot River Campground offers riverside electric and water. A visitor mentioned, "Easy access site, riverside electric 30A and water."
  • Plan for limited space: Some RV sites can be tight, as noted by a camper at Otter River State Forest. They said, "Some sites are pretty out in the open, close to the campsite road so they feel less like the woods."

Camping near Tully Lake, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to check out the specific campgrounds for their unique offerings and amenities!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Tully Lake Campground?

Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake offers primitive, car-free camping with sites accessible by walking or paddling in. Amenities include clean restrooms, drinking water, and a canoe/kayak launch area near the campground. The sites are spacious and well-maintained, with many offering waterfront views. This state-managed campground requires reservations through Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations, and Trustees membership provides a small discount. There are no electrical hookups or shower facilities, making it ideal for tent campers seeking a more natural experience.

What recreational activities are available at Tully Lake Recreation Area?

Tully Lake Recreation Area offers abundant water-based activities including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing from the convenient boat launch near the campground. Waterfront sites provide easy water access for paddlers. Hiking is popular with trail networks in the surrounding area. For families seeking alternatives, nearby Otter River State Forest offers swimming in a pond, and Willard Brook State Forest Campground provides access to Damon Pond. Both locations are in the scenic north-central Massachusetts region, making them great options for day trips while staying at Tully Lake.

How do Tully Lake Campground reviews compare to other Massachusetts lake camping options?

Tully Lake Campground consistently receives high marks for its privacy, spacious sites, and peaceful atmosphere. Compared to other options, Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground offers waterfront views at affordable rates ($17/night) but with less privacy. Wells State Park Campground is praised for its excellent hiking trails and central location near Sturbridge on Walker Pond with updated bathroom facilities. What sets Tully Lake apart is its car-free policy creating an exceptionally quiet experience, extremely private sites (especially site #1), and paddling opportunities directly from waterfront sites.