North central Massachusetts offers camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,200 feet, with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F during peak camping season. Sites near Winchendon feature mixed hardwood and pine forests, creating varied terrain for hikers and campers seeking a campsite near Winchendon, Massachusetts. Many campgrounds in this region have varying cell reception quality, with some areas offering spotty service.
What to do
Paddle at Tully Lake: The lake offers excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities with rentals available onsite. "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake. Great trip! We will be returning," notes a visitor to Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Explore Doane's Falls: Located near Tully Lake, this series of cascading waterfalls provides scenic hiking and photography opportunities. "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."
SUP on Lake Dennison: Stand-up paddleboarding is popular at Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground. A camper shares, "We've been coming here for 3 years and we always have a blast. It is so convenient to camp right on the lake. We can drop our paddle boards in any time and explore the lake."
Hike Mount Monadnock: Located about 25 minutes from Winchendon, this 3,165-foot mountain offers challenging hiking with rewarding views. "The White Dot Trail starts off flat, but that's very short-lived. The trail begins to climb steeply pretty early on. The second half of the trail is very steep with lots of rock scrambles."
What campers like
Lake access from sites: Many campers appreciate waterfront camping at Monadnock State Park. "We camped on the north shore; sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake. However, there is limited privacy between sites so hope for good neighbors," notes one reviewer.
Peaceful wooded settings: Pearl Hill State Park provides shaded campsites under tall pines. A camper observed, "The towering pines and oaks provide wonderful shade. The park back up to Willard Brook State Forest and a trail joins the two of them, providing ample hiking and biking opportunities."
Riverside relaxation: Sites alongside flowing water create a soothing camping atmosphere. At The Pine Campground, "Most of the daily/weekly sites back up to a stream, which is nice. You can hear the water running, especially at night."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms at Otter River State Forest. "I loved this little campground, it was relaxing, beautiful, and had enough to keep us busy," writes one reviewer, while another adds, "So clean, quiet, friendly staff, great trails and lots of exploring and lounging by the fire."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. At Ashuelot River Campground, "Verizon cell service was pretty good," but many nearby areas have limited coverage.
Cart-based access: Some campgrounds require hauling gear from parking areas to campsites. At Tully Lake, "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."
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. 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)."
Site privacy variations: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. At Otter River State Forest, "With the exception of a handful of the sites at this campground (mainly, the ones on the pond that go exceptionally quickly), the sites are too small, too close together."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Greenfield State Park Campground offers play facilities for children. "There's a shower and nice lake with rentals," notes a camper, while another mentions, "There is a very nice playground—new!"
Beach swimming options: Lake Dennison provides dedicated swimming areas. "The lake is clean and the beach is clean and soft(ish)," writes one camper, while another notes there's "a tiny swimming beach on the campground side."
Kid-friendly trails: Several campgrounds feature easier hiking paths suitable for children. At Pearl Hill State Park, "I loved that there were trails to hike from right in the park; you could do a short one, or a slightly longer loop (2.5 hours depending on your pace)."
Biking opportunities: Many campgrounds allow children to ride bikes on interior roads. A visitor to Otter River State Forest shared, "Kids can play safely and bike throughout the grounds."
Tips for RVers
Site size considerations: Many campgrounds in the area have limited space for larger RVs. At Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park, a visitor noted, "Week-long stay in our Imagine," indicating accommodation for travel trailers.
Hookup availability: Utility connections vary between campgrounds. At Lake Dennison, sites have "electric hookups" and "water hookups" but reviews mention limited drinking water access.
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted access for larger vehicles. When traveling to Ashuelot River Campground, "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites have onsite dump stations. For Otter River campers, "Dump station and additional swimming/water activities are a little farther down the road at Lake Dennison."
