Best Campgrounds near Winchendon, MA

The forested areas surrounding Winchendon, Massachusetts feature several established campgrounds, including Lake Dennison Recreation Area and Otter River State Forest. These two neighboring state-managed properties provide designated camping areas for both tent and RV campers within north central Massachusetts. Additional campgrounds within a 30-minute drive include Tully Lake Recreation Area, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Trustees of Reservations, and the Monadnock State Park campground just across the New Hampshire border. Most properties operate seasonally, with availability typically running from May through September or October.

Camping facilities in the region generally feature basic amenities with some variation between properties. Lake Dennison offers waterfront sites with views across the lake, while Otter River State Forest includes more secluded wooded sites. Both properties maintain bathroom facilities, though reviews indicate maintenance quality can vary. The Tully Lake campground provides a more primitive experience with boat-in or walk-in sites and centralized facilities. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. A visitor noted, "Cell phone coverage was nearly nonexistent. We could get maybe 1 bar on Verizon, sometimes 3G, sometimes not even that. Texts took their time going through."

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Winchendon area. Several campgrounds offer direct lake or pond access for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Lake Dennison includes designated swimming beaches in both the camping area and a separate day-use section. Tully Lake features opportunities for canoeing and kayaking with rentals available on-site. Hiking trails connect many of the camping areas, with the Doane's Falls trail near Tully Lake being particularly popular. Campers frequently mention the family-friendly atmosphere found at these properties. According to a review, "This campground is clean and well kept. Lots of families here. Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake. One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts."

Best Camping Sites Near Winchendon, Massachusetts (128)

    1. Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    14 Reviews
    Foster Lake, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 297-1609

    $17 - $35 / night

    "The North loop also has a small beach; for the East loop, you’ll either need to walk to the day use are, which features a larger beach, or drive around to it."

    "The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet."

    2. Otter River State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Baldwinville, MA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    $17 - $55 / night

    "Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both). One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts."

    "I loved it here, it was a great little campground for massachusetts"

    3. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park

    19 Reviews
    Jaffrey, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 532-2416

    $29 - $35 / night

    "Campsites are well shaded but if you have an RV take the time to rent an RV site otherwise backing in will put you in and awkward position as the mixed use “standard” sites are oriented towards tent camping"

    "The campsite is big and away from another site. You can easilly access to hiking trails. The staff there are friendly and helpful. It's definitely a plus."

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

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

    $40 / night

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

    "Volleyball and horseshoes are near the entrance. You may purchase firewood. The bathrooms offer flush toilets and a single shower on each site, plus a dishwashing sink outside."

    5. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Rindge, NH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 899-3362

    $42 - $65 / night

    "Lake access with kayaks , some local hiking. Major grocery store nearby along with Walmart."

    "the rules but everybody does and it's a good experience, everyone is very friendly the owners are wonderful people and super friendly very helpful it's clean they offer a lot of stuff to do right on a lake"

    6. Greenfield State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Bennington, NH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 547-3497

    $29 - $87 / night

    "Easy access to a bathroom (which was very clean). Quiet neighbors, everyone around us observed the quiet hours (10p-7a) and even during the day no one was super loud."

    "Nice views of the lake, swimming, wide open sites, not too over crowded! I'd definitely go back!"

    7. Ashuelot River Campground

    18 Reviews
    West Swanzey, NH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 357-5777

    $47 - $70 / night

    "We had easy access to trails that went along the river behind some of the sites with a few paths down to the river. Everyone we encountered was friendly and respectful."

    "Large, open campground surrounded by the Ashuelot River. Friendly owners who go around delivering wood and ice to guests given the pandemic right now."

    8. The Pine Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 386-7702

    "Small river/ brook rind behind the campground.   Some shots have nice sound of river right behind the sites.  No pond or pool for swimming."

    9. Pearl Hill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    West Townsend, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-2850

    $17 - $35 / night

    "We really lucked out with getting one of a few sites left on Memorial Day weekend - after walking the campground, I think we would have chosen the same one again! "

    "It was like walking with fur on the bottom of our shoes. The dog also got needles stuck all over and we had to use our COVID alcohol gel to get the glue off. "

    10. Willard Brook State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-8802

    $14 - $55 / night

    "This small state forest campground in north/central Massachusetts is just up the hill from Damon Pond. I suggest downloading maps before you head out because cell service is iffy in the area.  "

    "This campground is small - but its conveniently located near a larger city if you decide you want to venture back to civilization. The trails in the park are nice and well maintained."

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Recent Reviews near Winchendon, MA

575 Reviews of 128 Winchendon Campgrounds


  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice ‘n Easy campground

    We stayed for 3 days off season so not busy. Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night. Sites have fire rings with excellent airflow for good burning with low smoke. Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area. Office staff was very helpful and they’re open later into the day til 7 PM. Good firewood and large bundle delivered for $15 to your site. We passed over this site on our first trip to the area but are glad we came here and we’re planning to return. Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits.

  • Rae-Ann W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Another great trip to Ashuelot River Campground

    We spent another great weekend at the Ashuelot River Campground. We recently purchased a new-to-us camper and wanted to get in a trip or two before putting it away for the winter. This was our 2nd visit to Ashuelot.

    We were in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park. We were in a fully wooded area on the left side of the campground, which we prefer. They have sites located in fully open areas, as well as some that are partially wooded and have river access. There is a nice mix.

    Having good weather, we took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit. We were able to enjoy a nice, slow drift around the campground.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time again and will definitely be back.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    Nice weekend getaway

    This place was really nice. Easy to pull our 20ft camper in. Two minutes drive to the very cute town of Wilmington. Good places to eat there. The campsite was really private. Had a picnic table and fire pit. The pond was sweet and the Deerfield Valley Trail is right off the campsite. We would definitely like to stay there again.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    Great stop

    Lovely campground. Clean, good WiFi. Kind campers. Will be back

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park

    Good Campground

    Stayed for over a week off season , mid September. Very quiet during the week , weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night. Very loud until after 10:00 on Friday / Saturday. 50 percent or more is seasonal camp sites. Sites in back are ok with trees and different levels. Sites are a little closer than I usually find. Neighbors are very considerate on site privacy. Owners are exceptionally helpful and work hard to keep the site functioning and clean. Coin operated showers with hot water, mostly nice and clean except after a crowd gets packed and checks out Sunday AM. Laundry room takes quarters for machines. Small store at office which was open every day. Game room with wi fi. Pool , playground , volleyball area. Good size wood bundle for $10 , delivered directly to your site. Lake access with kayaks , some local hiking. Major grocery store nearby along with Walmart.

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.


Guide to Winchendon

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find tent camping options in Winchendon?

Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground offers excellent tent camping with waterfront sites available for $17 per night. The campground provides scenic views and access to the lake for recreation. For a more secluded tent camping experience, Willard Brook State Forest Campground is another great option not far from Winchendon. This small campground features level sites surrounded by towering pines arranged around a bisected loop, creating a peaceful atmosphere for tent campers.

What are the best campgrounds near Winchendon, Massachusetts?

The best campgrounds near Winchendon include Otter River State Forest, a clean, well-maintained campground with hiking trails and swimming in a pond. It's considered a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts. Another excellent option is Tully Lake Recreation Area in nearby Royalston, which offers prime waterfront sites with direct water access and paddling opportunities. Both campgrounds are within easy driving distance of Winchendon and provide access to outdoor recreation in the beautiful north central Massachusetts region.

Are there any free or low-cost camping areas around Winchendon?

While there are no free camping areas immediately around Winchendon, there are several affordable options. Mohawk Park Campground & Restaurant offers reasonably priced camping with the added benefit of excellent fishing opportunities. For state-run budget options, Wells State Park Campground in Sturbridge provides camping on Walker Pond with hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing at competitive rates. Massachusetts state parks typically maintain lower fee structures than private campgrounds, making them good choices for cost-conscious campers.