Tent camping near Uxbridge, Massachusetts provides access to diverse forested environments within the central New England region, with elevations ranging from 200-500 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with July and August temperatures averaging 80-85°F during the day and cooling to 60-65°F at night. Several campgrounds in the region don't accept credit cards, so campers should bring cash for fees and supplies.
What to do
Water activities: paddling and fishing: At Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston, campers can rent canoes and kayaks directly at the campground. As one camper noted, "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."
Hiking and mountain biking: The area surrounding Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers multiple trail options for all skill levels. "While you're out on the islands, take time to explore one of the others...look for sea glass on Spectacle Island and climb the hill for a view of the Boston skyline, explore the old forts and visitors centers," shares a visitor.
Historical exploration: Many campgrounds contain historical features waiting to be discovered. One camper at Federated Women's Club State Forest mentioned, "If you continue past site 15, you'll head through Gate 36 out toward Soapstone Hill which offers a great view of Quabbin Reservoir and sunsets." The area contains "cellar holes throughout, remnants of the towns lost in the 30s to create the reservoir."
What campers like
Waterfront camping access: Several campgrounds offer direct lake or pond access for swimming. A Buck Hill Campground visitor explained, "The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water (including the 'beach'). This is the type of campground to just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc."
Seclusion from vehicles: Campers appreciate sites that keep cars away. At Tully Lake, "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," reported one camper. Sites are described as "HUGE and extremely private."
Family-friendly camping: Camp Nihan Education Center provides an accessible introduction to camping for families. A visitor with young children stated, "The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods. A recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy."
What you should know
Variable amenities by location: Campsites offer different levels of services. At Buck Hill Campground, "All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents). Many of the sites are also along Wakefield Pond. The area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities."
Transportation logistics: Federated Women's Club State Forest requires careful planning for access. A visitor explained, "Some of the sites are definitely walk-in, with a narrow trail leading from the road. It's possible to park at other sites; I'm guessing the gate at the beginning of the road toward the campground is open when the campground is open. If so, high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds around Uxbridge have minimal connectivity. At Federated Women's Club State Forest, a camper noted, "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow swimming areas: Family-friendly swimming is available near many tent camping sites. At Camp Nihan, a parent noted it's "adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes."
Cart transportation options: At Boston Harbor Islands State Park, prepare for gear transport challenges. A visitor advised, "Pack as lightly as possible and plan to carry or wheel it to your site. If you have a folding wagon, you may appreciate having it to carry items on and off the ferry and to your site on the island."
Junior Ranger opportunities: Several campgrounds participate in educational programs. Boston Harbor Islands allows families to "earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service, fly a kite, or go for a swim or kayak. In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Uxbridge don't accommodate RVs. One camper at Tully Lake Recreation Area mentioned it's "rustic and you can't drive your vehicle to the site. They have carts to haul your stuff."
Ferry transportation challenges: For those bringing gear to island campsites, plan carefully. A Boston Harbor Islands visitor advised, "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells."
