1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campsites near Tully Lake Recreation Area in north-central Massachusetts offer a more rustic camping experience with a focus on walk-in and boat-in accessibility. Tully Lake Campground, managed by the Trustees of Reservations, provides tent-only sites with varying levels of privacy and lake access. The nearby Federated Women's Club State Forest in Petersham also maintains primitive tent camping areas approximately 10 miles south of Tully Lake.
Most tent sites at Tully Lake require campers to park in a central lot and use provided wooden wheelbarrows to transport gear to their campsite. Each tent camping area includes a fire ring and picnic table, though amenities vary by location. The central bathhouse at Tully Lake offers flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers, and dishwashing sinks. In contrast, Federated Women's Club State Forest provides more primitive conditions with vault toilets and no potable water on-site. Campers should note that alcohol is prohibited at Tully Lake Campground, and reservations are essential, especially for waterfront tent sites which can fill quickly during peak season.
Tent campers at Tully Lake enjoy direct water access for swimming and paddling, with canoe and kayak rentals available on-site. Many sites offer excellent privacy, particularly those further from the central facilities. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Sites closer to the water that we saw were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out. No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind." The absence of vehicles at the tent sites creates a quieter camping experience with less disruption. The campground provides easy access to hiking trails, including a scenic route along Doane's Falls, featuring a series of five waterfalls through wooded terrain that makes an excellent day activity for tent campers.
"Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border."
"Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them."
from $40 / night
"The office was super helpful when I called to make reservations, making sure to ask questions about how big my tent was, what kind of view/privacy we wanted etc so they could help me find the perfect campsite"
from $22 - $30 / night
"Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites. They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."
from $25 - $30 / night
from $35 - $140 / night
Available this weekend
from $49 - $149 / night
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
ScoutThe recreation hall was a nice surprise. We had some rainy weather one afternoon and the kids were able to play games while we relaxed for a bit. Saved the day honestly😂
ScoutWe came up looking for a campground where we could actually spend a few days without constantly driving somewhere. Ended up fishing, swimming, walking along the river and exploring the area. The campground gave us plenty to do, but it was also nice having the option to just sit at the campsite and do nothing. Would definitley come back.
ScoutWe have a big RV and had no trouble getting settled in. Having the full hookups made things super easy, especially for a longer stay.
TravelerGorgeous pond filled with lily pads!
ScoutNothing beats sitting by the river after a long day of exploring. We visited a few places around the Lake Sunapee area and this was a really convenient home base.
GuideLet me just preface this review by saying when I go camping, I like to be immersed in nature– ideally with a toilet and shower nearby. These are my only desires. This is not that kind of campsite. But just because it isn’t for me, that doesn’t mean it won’t be for you.
Pros:
- Easy to book and accommodating staff.
- Restrooms/showers were clean(though the air fresheners are not migraine sufferer-friendly).
- Nice, tall trees.
Cons:
- My only real con is the general vibe. Again, it’s just not for me. It has lots of activities for kids (an arcade, park, pool, etc.), so if that’s what you’re looking for, great! It just wasn’t what I personally was looking for. But with limited camping options in the area, it was our only real choice.
ScoutWe brought the kids and they found plenty to do. Between the pool, river and recreation area, they were pretty much entertained the entire trip.
ScoutWe rented a cabin and honestly it was perfect for what we needed. Spent the days exploring around Lake Sunapee and came back here to relax at night.
Tent camping options at Tully Lake and surrounding areas operate from May through September in north-central Massachusetts, though some sites remain open longer depending on weather conditions. The region sits at approximately 800-900 feet elevation with average summer temperatures between 70-80°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. Most camping areas require advance planning as the limited number of tent sites fill quickly, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods.
Paddling exploration: Tully Lake features numerous small islands and coves to discover by canoe or kayak. At Tully Lake Recreation Area, rentals are available for those without their own equipment. "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," notes camper Ben P.
Waterfall hiking: Beyond the main lake activities, the surrounding area offers multiple waterfall trails. "If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area. The views are beautiful, and it's not unusual to spot professional nature photographers at various points along the waterfalls," shares Nancy R.
Disc golf: Near the Tully Lake dam sits an 18-hole disc golf course popular with locals and visitors. "A disc golf course is also near the dam and was seeing a fair amount of activity," reports Jean C., who visited during both summer and winter months.
Private waterfront access: Many sites at Federated Womens Club State Forest offer secluded camping with minimal facilities. "It's a long curvy road that ends with a small parking lot at a T junction. Some of the sites are definitely walk-in, with a narrow trail leading from the road," explains Jean C. The primitive style appeals to those seeking quieter camping experiences.
Car-free environment: The walk-in nature of tent sites creates a peaceful atmosphere free from vehicle noise. "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," mentions Megan G. from her experience at Tully Lake.
Variety of site options: Barton Cove Campground provides campsites with different features based on your preferences. "The office was super helpful when I called to make reservations, making sure to ask questions about how big my tent was, what kind of view/privacy we wanted etc so they could help me find the perfect campsite," reports Brie B.
Reservation requirements: Most tent sites require advance booking, often months ahead for peak periods. "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," advises Kris M.
Limited cell service: Coverage is spotty throughout the region. "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here," warns Jean C. about Federated Womens Club State Forest.
Gear transport logistics: Prepare to move equipment from parking areas to campsites. "You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site," explains Nancy R. For distant sites, this can require multiple trips.
Choose sites strategically: Site selection impacts your camping experience with children. "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site and neighboring campers," shares Lauren A. about her Memorial Day weekend experience.
Pack minimal gear: Due to the wheelbarrow transportation system, consider what's truly necessary. "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," advises Miguel B.
Check amenities beforehand: Zoar Outdoor offers more amenities than some other area campgrounds. "The campground is connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river. It's close to where locals jump off outcrops into the lazy river and hang out on the river side," notes Seth K.
Limited RV options: The Tully Lake area primarily caters to tent campers with few dedicated RV sites. Most campgrounds specifically mention "tent-only" accommodations with no hookups or RV facilities.
Alternative nearby options: For those with RVs, consider Lost Boys Hideout which offers some vehicle access along with tent sites. "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!" mentions Steve K. about recent upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tully Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tully Lake is Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Tully Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Tully Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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