Tully Lake campsites attract many outdoor enthusiasts from spring through fall. The terrain features rolling hills with elevations between 800-1,100 feet throughout the campgrounds surrounding this north-central Massachusetts destination. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with cooler nights in spring and fall that often dip into the 40s, requiring campers to pack accordingly.
What to do
Paddling adventures: Tully Lake offers excellent flat-water kayaking and canoeing opportunities. At Ashuelot River Campground, "We spent another great weekend at the Ashuelot River Campground... We took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other" while another visitor notes seeing "a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground."
Disc golf course: Located near the Tully Lake dam, this recreational option provides an alternative activity when you need a break from water sports. "A disc golf course is also near the dam and was seeing a fair amount of activity," reports one Tully Lake camper who explored the area.
Hiking trails: Several trail networks connect camping areas to natural features. Gilson Pond Area Campground offers more challenging terrain with "a healthy 3,600 foot peak, or gentle, shorter pond walks—everyone happy!" Mount Monadnock provides "365-degree views of the surrounding valley and distant mountains" for those willing to make the climb.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer well-separated sites. At Lake Dennison Recreation Area, "The sites on the North side are spacious & quiet. The other side of the campground (east) has a lot of noise pollution from the nearby road." Another camper reports, "We stayed at site 4 and we think that it was one of the best sites in the campground. We didn't have neighbors on either side of us."
Car-free camping experience: Tully Lake Recreation Area provides a unique no-vehicle camping environment. "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," explains one visitor. The campground supplies wooden wheelbarrows to transport gear to campsites.
Waterfront access: Sites with direct water access rank highly with campers. "Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night," notes a visitor to Ashuelot River Campground. At Lake Dennison, "The sites by the lake are really pretty, but there's not much privacy."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. At Otter River State Forest, "Verizon cell service was pretty good," but most other campgrounds report limited service. One visitor to Tully Lake warns, "Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want before you arrive."
Seasonal weather considerations: The region experiences significant weather variations. Spring camping often means dealing with mud and higher water levels. "We went memorial day weekend few years ago... Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night," reports one Tully Lake camper.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Sites at Gilson Pond "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."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Multiple lakes and ponds offer swimming opportunities. Erving State Forest Campground features a "beautiful lake and access to several hiking trails" with "swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both)."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds maintain stricter quiet hours than others. "Quiet time is quiet time which is great for families," notes a camper at Pine Acres Family Camping Resort, while others report variable enforcement depending on the campground.
Playground amenities: Several locations provide dedicated play areas. At Gilson Pond, "There's a decent bathhouse with pay showers, a small playground, and a loop trail around Gilson Pond that leads right from the campground." Fort Dummer State Park has "a large playground for kids <12 and a wide open day use area for picnicking."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs comfortably. At Woodmore Family Campground, "Sites in back are ok with trees and different levels. Sites are a little closer than I usually find." This contrasts with Lake Dennison where "sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake."
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary by campground. At Ashuelot River, campers reported staying "in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park." Many state parks offer more limited hookups, if any.
Bridge restrictions: Some RVers note important cautions about local bridges. At Ashuelot River Campground, visitors are "highly suggest reading the directions on the campgrounds website about the covered bridge you're not allowed to cross—we discovered this the hard way."
