Best Tent Camping near Wilbraham, MA

State forests and public lands surrounding Wilbraham, Massachusetts offer several tent-only camping options within a short drive. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston, about 50 miles north, provides walk-in tent campsites managed by the Trustees of Reservations and Army Corps of Engineers. Closer to Wilbraham, Sodom Mountain Campground in Southwick offers tent camping with basic amenities. For more primitive tent camping experiences, Federated Women's Club State Forest in Petersham features walk-in sites with composting toilets and picnic tables, while Onion Mountain Park in Connecticut provides free backcountry tent sites accessible via hiking trails.

Most tent campgrounds in the region require campers to pack in their own supplies. At Tully Lake, tent sites are accessible only by foot or boat, with wooden carts provided to transport gear from the parking area to campsites. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, but water access varies significantly between locations. Barton Cove Campground offers tent platforms with limited water sources, requiring campers to bring refillable containers. Cell service is spotty or nonexistent at most primitive tent sites, particularly at Federated Women's Club State Forest and Onion Mountain Park. Summer weekends fill quickly at established campgrounds, with Tully Lake often booking completely on the first day reservations open.

Tent campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere created by car-free camping areas. According to reviews, Tully Lake's island site provides exceptional privacy and views, though campers should "keep gear to a minimum" due to the distance from parking areas. At Onion Mountain Park, visitors recommend "bringing a smaller tent" as the primitive spots along the blue trail are limited in size but offer true backcountry tent camping experiences. The walk-in nature of these tent sites contributes to their quietness, with one Tully Lake camper noting that "no cars at the campsites made for a super quiet stay" and created a safer environment for families with children to explore. Most tent-only sites in the region remain peaceful even during peak summer months.

Best Tent Sites Near Wilbraham, Massachusetts (20)

    1. Sodom Mountain Campground

    1 Review
    Southwick, MA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 569-3930

    "I wasn't going to come back again but it is very close to my grandkids. All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired.  The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back. "

    2. Onion Mountain Park

    3 Reviews
    West Simsbury, CT
    29 miles
    Website

    "We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike."

    "Very peaceful overnight camping, no permit required. Small campsite, first come first served basis. Other posts claim you can park right the site, but you can not."

    3. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    9 Reviews
    Royalston, MA
    37 miles
    +1 (978) 249-9150

    $40 / night

    "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."

    "Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border."

    4. Federated Womens Club State Forest

    1 Review
    Petersham, MA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    5. Chester Railway Station

    1 Review
    Chester, MA
    29 miles
    Website

    $50 - $100 / night

    "The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too.  You hear the trains running at night. Very clean and comfortable."

    6. Barton Cove Campground

    2 Reviews
    Greenfield, MA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 863-9300

    $22 - $30 / 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"

    8. Buck Hill Campground

    1 Review
    Thompson, RI
    35 miles

    "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."

    9. Zoar Outdoor

    3 Reviews
    Charlemont, MA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 339-4010

    10. River Highlands State Park River Campground

    1 Review
    Cromwell, CT
    37 miles
    +1 (203) 287-5658

    $5 / night

    "We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Wilbraham, MA

574 Reviews of 20 Wilbraham Campgrounds



Guide to Wilbraham

Tent camping near Wilbraham, Massachusetts offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Unique Local Attractions

  • Experience the charm of the Chester Railway Station, where you can camp in a converted caboose and enjoy the sounds of trains passing by.
  • Visit Tully Lake Recreation Area, which features beautiful lake views and opportunities for fishing and kayaking.
  • Explore the historic remnants of towns submerged by the Quabbin Reservoir at Federated Womens Club State Forest, perfect for hiking and discovering local history.

Exciting Local Activities

  • Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at Onion Mountain Park, where hiking trails lead you to serene camping spots.
  • Engage in fishing, kayaking, and swimming at Tully Lake Recreation Area, which is well-equipped for a fun-filled outdoor experience.
  • Take part in rustic camping at Barton Cove Campground, where you can enjoy nature while being close to the water.

Tent Camping Prices

  • Tent camping at Sodom Mountain Campground is budget-friendly, with prices typically around $30 per night.
  • Expect to pay approximately $25 for a night at Onion Mountain Park, which offers a first-come, first-served basis for camping.
  • Rates at Chester Railway Station can vary, but you can find unique accommodations starting around $40 per night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wilbraham, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wilbraham, MA is Sodom Mountain Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Wilbraham, MA?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Wilbraham, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.