The best camping in Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, MA

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Discover the historic charm of Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park.  

The best camping in Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, MA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Magpie and Jaebird's Little A-frame

97%
(157)
14km from Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park · 2 sites · Lodging
Follow us on Instagram @shitefootfarms As always we are excited and can't wait to share our place with you! We are a small farmette with goats, chickens, ducks, fruits, veggies, and Irish Wolfhounds. The 1.3 acre parcel across the street from the house and farm has a forested peninsula that the A-frame is located on. Our street ends in a small stream that continues to separate the farmstead from the A-frame site. Come stay in our tiny rustic A frame cabin built of mostly reclaimed materials. Enjoy being across the stream and over the bridge from the main house on a private peninsula. Enjoy the privacy of a "single site" camp! Use the fire pit, grill, outdoor wood stove, single burner butane stove or umm the bathroom :) without having to leave your site! Please be aware we are in town and you may hear road noise, lawn mowers, dogs, ect. You may also see and hear wildlife ex; deer, beavers, ducks, muskrats, rabbits, geese, foxes, and coyotes. We encourage native plants and work to provide a sanctuary for many threatened bird species. The cabin is 100sq. feet with sloping interior walls the flip up side wall is permanently open and screened in. There is no running water or electricity so unplug and unwind. A place to plug in and the water spigot a short stroll from your cabin in the driveway The cabin has a a full size mattress with sheets, blankets, throws and pillows. Lanterns, cooking utensils, camp mugs and camp coffee pot are provided. Please request the cast iron skillet and butane burner, it will not be in the cabin if you do not ask for it. You are also welcome to set up your own tent. Please note cleared space is limited and the tent should be a 1-3 person smaller tent. Outside on the deck are tiki torches, woodstove and bistro table. There is a hammock, picnic table, and 2 sets of outdoor chairs at your site. We do not have a swimming hole but the town beach is 5 minutes away and requires a day pass. If you forget something you are a short walk to Cumbies, and several farms, bakeries and a large grocer are a very short drive away. Venture farther (10 minutes) to one of the nearby hiking trails. We are within 15 minutes of the Blackstone Gorge, Southern New England Trunkline Trail, Cornier Woods, Franklin State Forest, Wojcik Farm, Cook's Valley Farm, the New England Bonsai Museum, Diamond Hill Vineyards, Caroline's Cannabis, Shire Conservation Area, New England Country Club, and many stables. The Commuter Rail to Boston, Wrentham Premium Outlets, and a Drive-in Theater are within 30 minutes. Use us as a base to explore Blackstone Valley, Boston and Worcester!! Please let us know if you need something we may have it, we want you to enjoy your stay!! Follow us on Instagram for updates on our favorite local spots for hiking, eating, entertainment and shopping. We Support Black Lives Matter, the LBGTQ+, AAPI and BIPoC communities @shitefootfarms. Visit our Instagram profile, follow and dm for a 15% discount code
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$146
 / night

2. Turtle Path Camping Site

96%
(40)
14km from Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park · 1 site · RV
Our driveway is located about 3 miles from the start of the Boston Marathon, 8 minutes from 495, but, down a country road. We find our property to be quite peaceful. We do have crickets and frogs to lull you to sleep and early birds to greet you in the morning.  Keep an eye out for turtles! We are a few hundred yards from either Upton State Forest or Lake Whitehall. Lake Whitehall is popular with boaters (speed limit enforced) and is stocked with fish. No swimming. There is a public boat ramp on the other side of the lake. We often put in our kayaks at the entrance close to our house. We hike, mountain bike and picnic in these parks. It's really beautiful.  There is a 24-hour grocery store 2 miles down the road.  The gravel campsite is located at the barn end of our driveway in front of the red barn. There is a little privacy from the house, but, we may need to get into the barn from time to time. We have a 30amp and water hookup at the barn. If planning on using electric please add one "electric hookup" extra to each night of your stay BEFORE finishing the request to book, it's really difficult to add it after. Please plan to bring 50' of hose and/or 25ft of electrical cord if using hookups. There is wifi, BUT, it's pretty weak at the barn. Definitely not strong enough for streaming! Our Ibex camper may or may not be parked next to the barn depending on if we are out camping!  We do not accept car campers. Turtle Path also has a Guest Suite. Find us on that other website! Shortly after we moved in we discovered a large snapping turtle on his way from Lake Whitehall to the creek at the back of our property. Our neighbor told us that's the turtle's usual route. Turtle won our hearts that day.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$60
 / night

6. Peaceful Convenience

100%
(53)
37km from Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park · 2 sites · Lodging
Come experience New England, embrace the silence, enjoy this 2.5 Acres property Abutting over 100 acres of protected wetlands with access to a private Home; bathroom, screened in porch, use of kitchen for coffee etc. all to enjoy. A babbling brook, hammock trees, peaceful, and serene. The surrounding area is a right to farm community with local beautiful farms within five minutes in every direction property is on a known bike route (2 bikes available for use) The town host a wonderful winery local coffee shop and hiking trails (map book on site) multiple area conservation lands. Bolton is known for its apple farms in the fall for picking and spring time blossoms. August through September harvest (my favorite) plenty of pick your own everything! We have great historic towns surrounding us like concord, Harvard and Hudson voted best small town in America, so much history, dinning etc. cross country skiing. Convenient location to Boston. If looking for an stress free escape the home also offers 2 guest rooms available for rent within a meditative shared space. Fire pit outdoors, fireplace in doors.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$62
 / night

8. Ponderings at White Pond

98%
(53)
42km from Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park · 1 site · Lodging
Once written about by Henry David Thoreau in Walden. He called it one of the "emerald eyes of the world" . A magical place yet so close to Boston.Learn more about this land:This winter we are offering up our cottage with an additional winterized tent for studio or additional guests.  You need to walk about 100 yards down a gravel path to get to our secluded home. It is heated with two pellet stoves. One in the bedroom wing, the other in the livingroom/kitchen.  Skating, ice fishing, and crosscountry skiing right outside your door when the weather is right. Peace and calm when the weather is harsh. The house is fully stocked with cooking. linens, and a bathroom.  During the summer, glamping in our greenhouse-tent for peace and tranquility.  It is under a canopy of trees with a cool pond breeze prevailing. The bed and linens are first rate for a very comfortable stay. There are shelves, potable water and a desk within. It is heated in the cool temps and fan cooled in the warmer days.  There is a canoe and paddleboard available to borrow. The main house is attached by decks, the bathroom is shared with the main house and there is a kitchen for you to use. The 40 acre pond is 65 feet deep. It is a kettle pond which is spring fed with no river inlets to pollute it.  Access is a little tricky with 100 yard hike from the parking area down a steep slope.  The pond is stocked with bass and trout for great fishing. The birds are amazing.  Henry David Thoreau wrote about White Pond in his book, Walden as the "emerald eyes of the world."  This is a place that magic happens.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$250
 / night

9. Milk Thistle Farm

96%
(34)
44km from Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park · 4 sites · Tents
With the original home built in 1785, Milk Thistle farm is on the historic register and is comprised of the main house and 5 acres of land. It is run as a small non-profit animal sanctuary and is home to rescued chickens, goats, and pigs, as well as two humans and their dog and cat companions. The main property is fenced in, with a large back field great for tent camping, and an orchard to explore that can also double as hammock camping. There is parking for cars and bikes. We try to minimize our impact on the environment as much as possible, and encourage our guests to compost, recycle, and dispose of waste accordingly. Please note we have dogs, including a Livestock Guardian Dog that does bark to alert us of new people and warn off would be predators. We will happily introduce him to any guests to minimize disruptions. Check us out on instagram @milk_thistle_farm
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$47
 / night

10. Vintage camper, waterfront &firepit

94%
(110)
45km from Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park · 3 sites · Lodging
Get outside and bring the dog! Glamping tiny house style. Vintage RV with attached enclosed room. Your own waterfront beach with campfire pit.  Dogs welcome! Very close to neighbors in a quite secluded neighborhood, 10 miles from Boston. Experience the natural beauty of Massachusetts just a few miles outside of Boston, Blue Hills Reservation stretches over 7,000 acres with 125 miles of trails to explore through forests and wetlands, up hills and more.   Peace and serenity 19 miles from downtown Boston MA.   Bring the dog for swimming. Kayak and canoe in the back yard at the waters edge. Marshmallows and firewood included. Linens included. Space in backyard to pitch an extra tent for guests.  Parking on lot in front of camper. Hiking trails around the lake.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$175
 / night

14. Wildcat

99%
(48)
48km from Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park · 1 site · Tent
Campsites are situated in the wooded area on our property land that integrates into hundreds of acres of conservation land with hiking trails that are also great for XC skiing, kettle ponds, and wetlands. The property is surrounded on 3 sides by conservation land with trails, 45 minutes from Boston and 10 minute drive to groceries, stores and restaurants. The house is right off a country road with our property and conservation land both across the street and behind our house. The area is in the heart of New England and is beautiful at all times of year. Minutes from Rte 495 and 2, we are along a popular bike route, 10 minutes from Carlson Orchards and the bistro/cafe Harvard General Store. We have goats, chickens, and lambs that guests can say hi to. Please note: Guests may camp only on the terrace unless otherwise approved. There is a woodpile next to the parking - we regret thqt we cannot share this with guests but it’s our winter heat source!
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$42
 / night

16. Fernwood on Alan F.’s Land

99%
(124)
50km from Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
There are several options for setting up your tent. You will be the only ones at Fernwood, or Fernwood 2 unless we happen to be up working on the land.  No matter where you set up you'll have your own private fire pit, and level ground for your tent(s).  Come and enjoy a quiet retreat, or use Fernwood as a base for many outdoor activities-biking, fishing, hiking-all nearby.  Natchaug Forest offers great trout fishing.  Goodwin State Forest is less than 3 miles away by car where you can put in a canoe on Pine Lake, amble through the wildflower and pollinator gardens, or enjoy the Education Center and Museum. From Goodwin, you can access the Air Line State Park Bike/Hiking Path.  Hampton also has a general store that has simple food, frozen dinners that Kara will heat up for you, gifts, and awesome Ice Cream Sodas! ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085946253543&mibextid=LQQJ4d )  If you want a change from all that nature, there is Sharpe Hill Vineyard less than 10 miles away, as well as We-Li-Kit IceCream less than 6 miles.  The route to either place will take you through beautiful scenic farmland.  We hope you enjoy our forest and the surrounding area as much as we do.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$70
 / night

18. Heaven Sent Barn!

98%
(21)
51km from Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park · 1 site · Lodging
Probably the most stunning properties ever ! The sounds of nature abound as do the views. It is LUSH and a feast for the eyes any time of the day or night. Come and camp and experience The Barn! You will have life long memories! Forested hiking trails, bountiful rivers and watering holes, fishing, birdwatching, peace…stars and nature! Learn more about this land: AMAZING STUNNING PROPERTY! PRIVATE! PEACEFUL! Absolutely heaven sent! A place that will stay in your hearts forever. The property's backdrop is the lush James Goodwin forest where you can walk directly from to hiking trails. Fall asleep under the magnificent brilliance of the millions of stars, hear nothing but the sound of crickets, croaking frogs, hooting owls; see fireflies light up the night and fall asleep to the sound of the streams running right alongside the property. Watch the ariel acrobatics of the swallows swoop into the barn to feed their chicks! The two streams feed into the huge Natchaug River right across the street which is great for fishing, or spending the day at Diana's pool basking on the rocks with a picnic lunch. The area and property is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, small retreats, family gatherings all the while enjoying nature at its purest. We offer a Weber grill and large fire pit and outdoor picnic table with umbrella. You can either sleep in the barn, down in the clean stalls, or up in the barn loft. Bring supplies as if you are camping ie bedding, hammock, tent, sleeping pad or inflatable mattress. There is a long wooden table up in the barn loft that seats 14. There are games up there too, (dominos, cards, trivial pursuit etc). You may also camp outside under the starry skies. No loud music. Noise off by 10.30pm please We provide a VERY clean porta potty and the barn has electricity and running (cold) water. Bring a solar portable shower should you need.
Toilets
Campfires
Wifi
from 
$250
 / night

19. Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground

94%
(86)
51km from Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park · 100 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Escape the bustle without sacrificing convenience at Spacious Skies Minute Man. Nestled in historic Littleton’s pine forests, our campground offers a peaceful retreat steps away from iconic National Historic Parks and Walden Pond. Choose wooded or open sites for your RV or tent, enjoy modern amenities like our heated pool and rec hall, and let the kids and pups run free in the playground and dog runs. Need a break from cooking? Our camp store has you covered, plus local restaurants deliver! Cozy cabins are also available. Don’t miss out on this unique blend of nature and city access – book your stay today! Relax in the heart of history at Spacious Skies Minute Man. Our campground’s tranquil, wooded setting near legendary Walden Pond and National Historic Parks offers the perfect escape from everyday life. Whether you’re in an RV, tent, or one of our cozy cabins, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable adventure: picnic tables, fire rings, full hookups, plus a heated pool, playground, rec hall, and even dog runs for your furry companions. Need a break from camp cooking? Our well-stocked camp store has essentials, and nearby restaurants offer takeout and delivery options for those lazy campground evenings. Explore the rich history of the region, immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility, or take a quick trip into Boston – the choice is yours! Spacious Skies Minute Man provides a unique blend of outdoor adventure and urban access. Don’t miss your chance to experience the best of both worlds! Our prime location and fantastic amenities mean sites fill up quickly. Book your getaway today and create memories that will last a lifetime at Spacious Skies Minute Man.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$108
 / night

20. Rosy Goat Farm

99%
(231)
53km from Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Rosy Goat Farm!! We are the quintessential family farm/homestead, our farmhouse was built in the 1840’s Bill and I bought this 13-acre property in 2012, It was overgrown with wild roses. We have worked with a limited budget, and used animals to clear the land. The goats love the wild roses. The pigs dig the roses up. Chickens rake it clean. Win win! Very interesting place here- lots to tell you, there’s quite a list of things to do and see around here! Did you know that Gilbertville has a covered bridge? It is one of the last covered bridges still in use in Massachusetts! First- a touch of Hardwick History: Rev. Timothy Ruggles bought this land from the Native Americans for his family to live on, and to work the land. His son, Brigadeer General Timothy Ruggles became unpopular after he introduced the Stamp Act, and was banished to Nova Scotia. His daughter Bathsheba became the last woman executed in the United States for the murder of her husband Joshua Spooner. (There’s a book about it called Murdered by his wife, by Deborah Navas.) Want to know local eateries? For breakfasts and lunch there is The Whistle Stop diner, it was a former Boston & Albany Railroad station. Speaking of railroads, did you know that The Mass Central Rail Trail runs through Gilbertville! Rose 32, is a well known bakery that serves tea, coffee and sandwiches. There’s Hardwick house of Pizza- for tasty pizza and subs, which also serves beer. Feeling fancy? Try Hardwick Crossing Country Club (features a 9 hole golf course), it has a restaurant with a full-service bar, gorgeous scenery! Its a 3 minute drive from here Mimi’s for your morning coffee and lunch, yum! And it overlooks our beautiful Common! Also check out Stone Cow Brewery in Barre -has a kids play area while you wait for your meal! Ware has Mexicali Grill, Theresa’s Restaurant for Italian foods, Bellies Barnyard for traditional American cuisine, and, Pig Park BBQ for comfort food! Farmer Mat in North Brookfield has take out meals- there are picnic tables available, beautiful views. Things to do: You can kayak, and fish, at Swift River in Belchertown. Hardwick is the home of the oldest agricultural fair in the US, held every year in August, and, every Sunday there’s a small farmers market on the common. Hardwick also has a winery- Hardwick Vineyard and Winery, they have all kinds of events, (find them on facebook) and, check out Lost Towns brewery- the name is a throwback to the 4 towns that were submerged to create the Quabbin Reservoir! Medicine River Pow Wow is in August here in Gilbertville, on River Run Rd. The East Quabbin Land Trust has birdwatching and fabulous views, and the Mass Central Rail Trail entrance is located here. Bike it or hike it! Quabbin Reservoir is close by for boating and fishing. There are free concerts in Grenville Park in Ware, (check for dates). Ware also has Janine’s Frostee ice cream and fast foods- and live music on weekend nights! Also check out these on line: Ragged Hill orchard and Rock House Reservation in West Brookfield, and Carter and Stevens farm in Barre. The Leicester, and Mendon movie drive-in’s. Old Sturbridge village is 30 minutes away. Lake Lashaway has a swimming area in East Brookfield, right off of Rte 9. It’s about 20 minutes from here. Lake Siog in Holland has a lovely picnic area and beach for swimming. (30 mins South from here) Is this area great or what?!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$77
 / night

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The best camping in Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, MA guide

Overview

About

Camping near Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park is like stepping back in time, immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of America's industrial past. This park, straddling the town line between Uxbridge and Northbridge, serves as a vivid reminder of the era when canals played a pivotal role in transporting goods between burgeoning industrial hubs. A Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park camping adventure offers more than just historical insights. The park sprawls over a generous 1000 acres, presenting a plethora of natural wonders. Meander along the Blackstone River, Canal, and Towpath, and let the serene surroundings wash over you. The trails, perfect for walking and hiking, are a camper's delight, offering glimpses of the area's diverse flora and fauna. One of the park's standout features is Rice City Pond. This broad expanse of the Blackstone River is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you're keen on birdwatching or simply enjoy observing nature in its purest form, this spot won't disappoint. For those who prefer water activities, the park provides canoe access, allowing campers to paddle their way through the tranquil waters, soaking in the picturesque views. And after a day filled with exploration, settle down in one of the picnic areas, relishing a meal amidst nature. A Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park camping trip is an ideal blend of history, nature, and recreation. It's an invitation to experience the legacy of America's industrial age while basking in the beauty of the great outdoors.

When to go

The best time to visit Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery and full access to all park activities, but be prepared for more visitors and warmer temperatures. Winter transforms the park into a serene, snowy landscape, ideal for cross-country skiing, though some facilities may be less accessible.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for outdoor activities, as the park is open from sunrise to sunset.
  • Free parking is available onsite, making it easy to access the park's numerous trails and picnic areas.
  • The park is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry companion along for the hike.
  • Accessible facilities are available, including restrooms and a visitor center, ensuring an enjoyable visit for all guests.
  • Remember to carry out all trash and respect the park's historical sites and natural environment.

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