Tent campsites near Woronoco, Massachusetts range from primitive backcountry sites to established walk-in campgrounds. The region sits within the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains at elevations between 400-1,500 feet, creating variable camping conditions with temperature differences of 10-15°F between valley and ridge sites. Summer nights can drop into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the lake. "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake. Great trip!" reports Megan G. The lake features multiple islands and hidden coves to discover.
Hiking to waterfalls: Located near Tully Lake, Doane's Falls consists of five cascading waterfalls along an ascending woodland path. "If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls...the views are beautiful, and it's not unusual to spot professional nature photographers at various points," notes Nancy R.
Disc golf course: The recreation area near Tully Lake dam includes an 18-hole disc golf course. "A disc golf course is also near the dam and was seeing a fair amount of activity," mentions Jean C. The course winds through wooded and open areas with varying difficulty levels.
Train enthusiast experience: Chester Railway Station offers a unique overnight option. "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," explains Esther L.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Camping areas offer varying degrees of seclusion. At Tully Lake, "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," reports Megan G.
Car-free camping: Barton Cove Campground features a vehicle-restricted camping area. "Rustic camping only- sites have tent platforms, grill, fire pit and picnic tables... There was only 1 other occupied campsite so it was very quiet and private," shares Brie B. Similarly, Tully Lake campsites are all walk-in, creating a quieter experience.
Wilderness immersion: Alander Trail Campground provides true backcountry camping. "Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you're looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience. You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back," says Kay D.
Trail connections: Several campgrounds connect to the Appalachian Trail network. "Once you hit the AT go to the right and it goes to the summit. From the summit it was a left and another mile or so. You will run into the Brassie Brook shelter lean-to," explains Tina D.
What you should know
Site access considerations: Most tent sites require some effort to reach. "You can't drive your vehicle to the site. They have carts to haul your stuff," notes Stacey W. about Tully Lake. Barton Cove has a specific access protocol: "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..." explains Brie B.
Bear safety measures: Onion Mountain Park and other backcountry sites require wildlife precautions. "We did put a bear bag about 100 feet away," mentions Nora S. At Alander Trail, "They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby," reports Kay D.
Fire regulations: Rules vary significantly between sites. At Zoar Outdoor, Seth K. notes "They don't allow fired at the campsites though which is annoying." Onion Mountain Park has established fire pits where camping is permitted.
Bathroom access: Facilities range from outhouses to central bathhouses. Jean C. describes Tully Lake's setup: "The bathrooms offer flush toilets and a single shower on each site, plus a dishwashing sink outside. From some of the sites, this will be a long walk during the night."
Tips for camping with families
Cart logistics: For walk-in sites, plan your packing strategy. At Tully Lake, "Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites.)" explains Nancy R.
Campsite selection: Zoar Outdoor offers various accommodation options. "Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting," shares Dominick V. Their connection to water activities makes it suitable for families seeking structured recreation.
Weather preparation: Given the elevation changes, pack for temperature variations. Sites at higher elevations like Laurel Ridge can be 10-15 degrees cooler than valley locations, especially at night.
Activity planning: For families with young children, consider camping near Tully Lake where swimming, paddling and gentle hiking are available. "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around," reports Megan G.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping areas near Woronoco cater primarily to tent campers. Sodom Mountain Campground is one exception that has undergone recent improvements. "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," reports Brad N.
Amenities check: When RV camping is available, services are often basic. "Looking forward to coming back next year to stay for a month like I did this year. Since it is a work in progress, I can't give 5 stars this summer," adds Brad N. about Sodom Mountain Campground's ongoing improvements.
Alternative accommodations: Consider cabin or yurt options if RVs aren't permitted. Chester Railway Station offers a unique caboose accommodation, and several campgrounds have basic cabins as alternatives to traditional RV sites.
