Pitch a Tent (or a Yurt!)

by John Burk

From full-service cabin resorts to secluded backcountry tent sites and waterside shelters, North Central Massachusetts offers adventure for every kind of camper.

With direct access to trails, beaches, and prime paddling and fishing spots, public campgrounds offer a great way to explore the region’s nature preserves.

Tully Lake Campground in Royalston is an outstanding recreation destination offering thirty-five tent sites as well as canoe and kayak rentals from boat launch that affords access to Tully Lake and Long Pond. Other attractions include a 4.5-mile hiking trail that loops around Tully Lake and Doane’s Falls, a 7.5-mile mountain bike route at Long Pond, and a disc golf course and playground near Tully Dam.

Part of an expanse of conservation land in Templeton and Winchendon, Otter River State Forest has seventy-six tent and RV sites, four yurts, and three group sites. Amenities include a swimming beach at Beaman Pond, basketball and volleyball courts, and a nature trail to Lake Dennison.

Lake Dennison Recreation Area is the region’s largest public campground featuring 150 tent and RV sites, a beach, picnic areas, and a ramp for cartop boats. An extensive network of trails provides many options for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding

For a wilderness experience, Bearsden Conservation Area in Athol offers camping at Paige Cabin near the main entrance and two Adirondack shelters on Millers River at Duck Pond and Buckman Brook. There is no fee, and campers must make reservations online.

Situated at the intersection of the New England National Scenic Trail and Tully Trail in Royalston Falls Reservation, the Falls Brook Shelter has two bunk beds for hikers. Picturesque Royalston Falls lies a short distance downstream.

In Ashby and Townsend, Willard Brook State Forest’s campground includes twenty-one tent and RV sites and a yurt near Damon Pond. Adjacent Pearl Hill State Park provides fifty tent, RV, and cabin sites, a swimming beach at Pearl Hill Brook Pond, and a universally accessible bathhouse.

For a greater variety of accommodations, amenities, and events, campers may check out one of the region’s private campgrounds.

1. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort sits beside picturesque Lake Dean in Oakham and offers a range of options from rustic tent sites to luxurious cabins and spaces for big rigs. The site provides boating, fishing, swimming, sports courts, a gem mine, and other attractions. Numerous events such as live music, crafts, and Independence Day fireworks take place throughout the camping season. Visit www.pineacresresort.comfor more details.
2. Encompassing seventy acres in Phillipston, Lamb City Campground features more than 280 tent, cabin, and RV sites. Activities include fishing and hiking at Lamb City Pond, music, karaoke, and wagon rides to nearby Red Apple Farm. Two recreation halls, three pools, an arcade, sports facilities, and a disc golf course provide a multitude of additional entertainment options. Visitwww.lambcity.com for more details.
3. The Pines Campground in Ashby offers spacious tent and RV sites near a peaceful forest stream, a recreation hall, pool, playground, and an arcade. Annual events include potluck dinners, summer Halloween and Christmas celebrations, and a bonfire on Independence Day. Visitwww.thepinescampground.com for more details.
4. Set on two hundred acres of wooded land in Hubbardston, Peaceful Acres has tent sites, cabins, hiking trails, a pond stocked with trout, an indoor pool, and recreation hall. Visit www.peacefulacres.wixsite.com/peaceful-acres for more details.

North Central Massachusetts has plenty to offer in terms of camping and hiking locations for the whole family! Happy camping!