Cabin accommodations at Tully Lake sit within forested areas of north central Massachusetts at around 800 feet elevation. The region experiences cold, snowy winters and mild summers with average July temperatures around 80°F. Most cabin facilities remain open from May through October, with limited winter availability depending on weather conditions and road access.
What to do
Swimming at local ponds: Otter River State Forest offers a small pond for swimming, and Lake Dennison provides additional water activities a short drive away. "The swimming area closed for bacteria levels, but lots of other nearby activities for the recreation seeker," notes a visitor to Pearl Hill State Park Campground.
Hiking and biking trails: Access woodland trails directly from cabin areas at most campgrounds. "The hiking trails in and around the camp trail were nice, but not overly remarkable. Don't recall there being a ton to do in and around the neighboring towns," reports a camper at Otter River State Forest.
Fishing opportunities: Many cabin sites provide access to stocked ponds or rivers. "We could talk to all people around us at our site which thankfully everyone was super nice, but I'm sure if it were the opposite our experience would have been worse off. The lake is very pretty and we had a nice time out on the water in our raft," mentions a visitor at Swanzey Lake Camping Area.
River activities: Floating or paddling on local waterways remains popular during summer months. "Awesome campground with two of the greatest host/owners Chuck and Laura. We have been coming here for years and always enjoy the time spent here. Beautiful river to float down or paddle up. Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," shares a camper at Ashuelot River Campground.
What campers like
Cabin privacy levels: Woodland cabins typically offer more seclusion than field sites. "This is a smaller campground with a few loops of campsites. The sites that are near the small pond are generally larger and have better space for pitching a tent," explains a visitor at Otter River State Forest.
Clean facilities: Most cabins near Tully Lake have access to regularly maintained bathhouses. "The bathhouses were clean and well stocked. Lots of families here. Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both)," notes a camper at Otter River State Forest.
Proximity to attractions: Cabins serve as convenient bases for regional exploration. "This campground provides some great wooded camp sites. Some are larger than others and some are more private than others. There are two bathrooms centrally located - nice and clean. Trails offer some great scenic vistas," shares a visitor at Pearl Hill State Park.
Quiet atmosphere: Many cabin areas maintain peaceful environments with enforced quiet hours. "Very easy to get into Boston by train. Level sites, quiet, and very clean restrooms make this a perfect spot for touring historic Boston, Concord, & Lexington," mentions a guest at Spacious Skies Minute Man.
What you should know
Cabin size limitations: Most cabins accommodate 4-6 people maximum. "The sites on the first two loops/spur roads are smaller and most of them are designated for tents only or tents/popups. Site 33 is large and level, suitable for an RV, but Group B site is right behind it, which may not be an issue," explains a visitor to Willard Brook State Forest.
Bug protection needed: Wooded cabin sites often have mosquito issues, particularly in early summer. "Don't expect to go swimming in the so called pond its all weeds and muck dear flies are killer but a little smokey fire takes care of them," advises a camper at Pearl Hill State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Most cabins close during winter months. "Otter River State Park is located in Winchendon, in north central MA proximate to the NH border. The park was certainly lovely, facilities clean and my stay pleasant. Sites were a bit small," notes a visitor.
Cell service variations: Connectivity ranges from none to limited across the region. "I lost cell coverage (Verizon) as I approached the campground, so you may want to ensure you have maps downloaded for offline use if you'll be out exploring. Once I got up the hill to the campground, however, I had decent coverage," shares a camper at Willard Brook State Forest Campground.
Tips for camping with families
On-site recreation: Look for cabins with integrated playgrounds or recreation areas. "Great family oriented campground with fishing pond and great fishing spots nearby. Lots of great kids events around the holidays, basketball court, swimming, etc.," advises a visitor at Spacious Skies Seven Maples.
Larger cabin options: Yurts provide expanded sleeping capacity for families. "There is a large yurt suitable for 10 people. The yurt does offer electricity, but there are no hookups nor a dump station at the campground," notes a camper at Willard Brook State Forest.
Site selection strategy: Corner sites often provide more space for family activities. "We have a 25 foot trailer and stayed in the Grove area. Our site 19 was spacious and wooded. There was a lot of poison ivy on both sides of us but the kids kept away so we weren't worried about it. We loved being next to the large field and basketball court where we watched the kids play without having to worry where they disappeared to," explains a visitor at Seven Maples.
Kid-friendly water features: Several locations offer shallow water play areas. "The pool is amazing for kids of all ages with water slides and a splash area. There's no life guard or staff monitoring the pool area so it did get a little too crazy at times for my little ones," shares a family at Seven Maples.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many cabin areas have uneven terrain requiring adjustment. "Site seems level for the most part, made of gravel. Heated pool, laundry, Wi-Fi that works, cable, 50 amp FHU. Roads are a little interesting to navigate, and definitely aren't the straight lines on their map," advises an RVer at Minute Man Campground.
Access route considerations: Some cabin areas have restrictions for large vehicles. "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits," warns a visitor to Ashuelot River Campground.
Hook-up variability: Electrical service can fluctuate at some campgrounds. "Had issues with 30 amp service at site was not providing enough power, could not run all my campers amenities While my 20 amp designated outlet at home runs my entire camper with no issue," notes an RVer at Seven Maples.
