Tent camping near West Groton, Massachusetts provides access to the protected Quabbin Reservoir watershed area, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level throughout the region. The area experiences typical New England seasonal variations with average summer highs around 80°F and lows near 60°F, while spring and fall camping often requires additional layers for overnight temperature drops. Primitive backcountry options complement the more developed tent sites within driving distance.
What to do
Kayaking at Tully Lake: The 200-acre lake provides paddling opportunities with rentals available onsite at Tully Lake Recreation Area. A camper mentioned, "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake. Great trip! We will be returning."
Waterfall hikes: Doane's Falls near Tully Lake features a series of five cascading waterfalls along an accessible trail. "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," notes one visitor.
Wild berry picking: During late summer months, blackberries grow wild throughout the camping areas. "In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks," shares a camper who visited Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground.
Geocaching opportunities: The Federated Women's Club State Forest area contains several geocaches along entrance roads and trails. A visitor observed, "If you're into geocaching, download those, too. There are several along the entrance road and in the area."
What campers like
Privacy between tent sites: Many West Groton area campgrounds offer significant space between camping areas. At Cape Ann Camp Site, campers appreciate that "the sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome." Another review states, "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area."
Cart-accessible rustic camping: Most tent sites require a short walk from parking areas, providing a more secluded experience. A Tully Lake visitor explained, "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."
Historical exploration: The camping areas around Quabbin Reservoir contain historical remnants from flooded towns. At Federated Women's Club State Forest, "You'll find cellar holes throughout, remnants of the towns lost in the 30s to create the reservoir."
Waterfront sites: Select tent sites provide direct access to swimming and paddling areas. A camper at Tully Lake noted, "We stayed at site 1, which was HUGE and extremely private. Sites closer to the water that we saw were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have minimal connectivity. A visitor to Lost Boys Hideout recommended, "Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want (driving, trail, geocaching) before you arrive."
Reservation timing: Popular tent sites fill quickly during peak seasons. For Tully Lake, "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."
Bathroom distance: Central bathhouse facilities often require significant walks from tent sites. A camper shared, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night."
Water availability: Some primitive camping areas require bringing all water. At Federated Women's Club State Forest, visitors must "bring your own water," as there are only composting toilets located near group sites.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for kids: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas with shallow water entry points. One family camping at Camp Nihan Education Center shared, "The camp is also 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."
Junior Ranger programs: Boston Harbor Islands State Park offers educational activities for children. A visitor mentioned, "While you're out on the islands, take time to explore one of the others... earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service."
Wheelbarrow assistance: Many tent-only campgrounds provide carts to transport gear from parking areas. "This is a 'Carry In' campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site."
Site selection for bathroom proximity: For young families, request tent sites closer to facilities. A camper noted, "From some of the sites, this will be a long walk during the night. The mural inside is beautiful."
Tips from RVers
No tent-only restrictions: While many West Groton area sites cater specifically to tent campers, RVers find options at mixed-use campgrounds. A visitor at Military Park New Boston Air Force Station New Boston Recreation Area rated it highly, saying "Great Outdoor Place! Nice scenery with fresh air and freedom sunshine!"
Tent camping alongside RVs: Some campgrounds accommodate both RVs and tent sites with varying levels of privacy. "The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites. Clean Bathrooms and pay showers (5 cents). The owners are very helpful."
Dump station locations: For tent campers converting vans or small RVs, note facilities with dump stations. Cape Ann Camp Site has "water, sewer, and electric hookups" with a "dump station" near the street entrance.
Site selection for tent campers: Even at mixed-use campgrounds, request wooded or peripheral sites for better tent camping experiences. One camper advised, "It doesn't look like much but it is absolutely lovely when you actually pull in!"
