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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
