Tent camping near Westville Lake in Massachusetts provides access to multiple river systems in central New England. The region sits at approximately 500-600 feet elevation with moderately humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from late May through September, with some primitive sites accessible year-round depending on snow conditions.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the lake's many islands and secluded coves. A 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" at Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Hiking trails: Several trail networks connect campgrounds to waterfalls and viewpoints. From Federated Women's Club State Forest, "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" according to one visitor at Federated Women's Club State Forest.
Swimming spots: While formal beaches are limited, numerous swimming opportunities exist. At River Highlands State Park River Campground, "the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river," though campers should note that "the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders."
What campers like
Rustic camping experience: Many campers appreciate the lack of vehicle traffic at walk-in sites. At Onion Mountain Park, "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night. The spot is not very big so make sure to bring a smaller tent but has a firepit already set up."
Group camping options: For larger gatherings, Buck Hill Campground provides spacious group sites. One visitor mentioned, "All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents). Many of the sites are also along Wakefield Pond (big enough lake for canoe/kayak/etc." at Buck Hill Campground.
Waterfront views: Several campgrounds offer sites with direct water access. At Barton Cove Campground, "Rustic camping only- sites have tent platforms, grill, fire pit and picnic tables. Porta potties and latrines were very clean. There is 1 or 2 places to grab water so make sure to bring refillable containers."
What you should know
Cart access systems: Several campgrounds require transporting gear from parking areas. At Barton Cove Campground, "Only real annoyance was dealing with set up and take down of the campsite- you check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, unload your stuff, drive to gate, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, return key, drive back to campground, walk to your site."
Limited cell coverage: Most tent camping areas have poor connectivity. At Federated Women's Club State Forest, "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here."
Reservation requirements: Booking systems vary significantly between campgrounds. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection considerations: Choose carefully based on bathroom proximity when camping with children. One camper at Tully Lake Recreation Area shared, "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."
Quiet campgrounds: Gillette Castle State Park Campground offers boat-in sites that families appreciate: "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset."
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for typical New England wildlife encounters. A visitor to Onion Mountain Park advised, "There are a lot of bugs so be prepared, and we did put a bear bag about 100 feet away."
Tips from RVers
Campground improvements: Some locations have seen recent upgrades. At Sodom Mountain Campground, "This campground has improved with the new owners as of 2021. All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired. The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back. Great Wi-Fi now, store has been redone and grands are much nicer."
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. At Federated Women's Club State Forest, "It's a long curvy road that ends with a small parking lot at a T junction. If so, high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred."
Seasonal availability: Check campground opening dates carefully. Barton Cove Campground operates "Memorial Day to Labor Day" while others like Tully Lake have slightly longer seasons but still close during winter months.
