The best camping in Douglas State Forest, MA

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Discover the natural allure of Douglas State Forest. 

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Douglas State Forest adventure.

Top-rated campsites near Douglas State Forest

Camping on the Homestead

1. Camping on the Homestead

92%
(13)
16mi from Douglas State Forest · 1 site
Choose from multiple possible sites along the river in the woods. All sites have fire pits available for use. Camp sites are less than a five minute walk from off street parking. Campsites are in the wooded area next to our small homestead farm. Walk past our growing flock of chicken and ducks on your way to the campsite. Check out our greenhouse and berry bushes for unlimited fresh fruits and vegetables. Please note, we do have motion activated cameras pointed towards the garage, chicken coop area, and our sliding glass door. No cameras pick up the camp sites.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Turtle Path Camping Site

2. Turtle Path Camping Site

96%
(41)
16mi from Douglas State Forest · 1 site
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
Secluded spot in nature

3. Secluded spot in nature

93%
(28)
17mi from Douglas State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We have a lovely site to camp right in the city. It is secluded and surrounded by nature. But still close to all the conveniences Worcester has to offer. We have a fun yard with an in-ground trampoline and zip line. The heated pool is available until late October. Pool is an added amenity and must be booked in advance. It is also listed on Swimply.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mishnoah Retreat

4. Mishnoah Retreat

100%
(19)
20mi from Douglas State Forest · 3 sites
Welcome to Mishnoah Retreat: Your Home Away from Home At Mishnoah Retreat, we’re more than just a venue or vacation rental—we’re a family-owned and operated property that takes pride in welcoming you into our home and creating opportunities for learning, exploration, and mindfulness. Nestled in the heart of nature within a National Heritage Corridor in Holland, Massachusetts, Mishnoah offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can recharge your spirit, reconnect with nature, host wellness and educational retreats, weddings, and special events, or simply enjoy quality time alone or with the people you love, year-round. Our cozy, uniquely decorated cabins provide the perfect blend of comfort and charm for your vacation, retreat, or getaway. No matter how long you stay with us, we’re honored to be part of your journey.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
Fernwood on Alan F.’s Land

5. Fernwood on Alan F.’s Land

99%
(149)
23mi from Douglas State Forest · 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
Glamping with the Wild Horses

6. Glamping with the Wild Horses

95%
(53)
23mi from Douglas State Forest · 4 sites
Enjoy all that our beautiful 150 acres mustang sanctuary has to offer. 100% of net proceeds go to our 501c3 nonprofit’s mission to promote, train and adopt out America’s wild mustangs. Our property has over five miles of trails, seasonal blueberry and huckleberry picking, and one-of-a-kind experiences like hiking along side our free roaming herd of formerly wild mustangs, exploring the property on our off road safari tours, yoga in our dome and more! Check out our website and sign up for our email list for updates: wildridect.org/email
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Heaven Sent Barn!

7. Heaven Sent Barn!

98%
(25)
23mi from Douglas State Forest · 1 site
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
Milk Thistle Farm

8. Milk Thistle Farm

92%
(48)
24mi from Douglas State Forest · 2 sites
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 and is closed off to visitors. We have two sites; the orchard to explore that can also double as hammock camping, as well as a small wooded nook. Both are next to the goat pen. 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. Check us out on instagram @milk_thistle_farm
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Winimisset Brook Farm Retreat

9. Winimisset Brook Farm Retreat

99%
(80)
26mi from Douglas State Forest · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Enjoy a tranquil weekend at Winimusett Farm, a 28 acre retreat on a flower farm with 4 ponds, many streams and rolling fields. Stay in an off grid cozy cabin in the woods that can accommodate 2 people. Additional tent space available. The cabin includes a queen mattress, wood stove, outdoor fire pit, deck and a private outhouse. Hike up to the cabin, it’s a 5 minute walk from where you park. We provide a gorilla cart for use in hauling your supplies up to the cabin. During dry or frozen conditions guests with four wheel drive may be permitted to drive up to park closer to the cabin. In addition to our cozy cabin we also offer a stay in the bunk house attached to the barn. This space offers 3 rooms, a wood stove, microwave, 2 queen beds and 2 twin bed, a spacious living room and dining area. The bunk house is on the lower part of the pond, making it more accessible as parking is right at the door. There are private camp sites for guests who prefer to pitch a tent or park their van or RV. There's a portable toilet on site seasonally for guests staying on the lower half of the farm. We can accommodated small respectful groups of campers looking for a quiet stay in nature. It's a great spot for local Scout Troops to pitch their tents and explore nature. Message for more information. To help you prepare for a visit to the farm please see the document linked below. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G1PtVhwHHmG3WJqRrbSnhKTLpiwHaDbPwez164OAGF4/edit?usp=drivesdk
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Rosy Goat Farm

10. Rosy Goat Farm

99%
(256)
28mi from Douglas State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Rosy Goat Farm! We are a quintessential family farm and homestead — our farmhouse dates to the 1840s. Bill and I bought this 13-acre property in 2012, overgrown with wild roses. The animals did the clearing: goats ate the roses, pigs dug up the roots, chickens raked it clean. Win win! A Touch of Hardwick History In 1686, Captain Samuel Ruggles and seven men purchased this land from the Nipmuck people for twenty British pounds. His grandson, Brigadier General Timothy Ruggles, became a notorious Loyalist — driven from Hardwick at dawn by his own brother Benjamin, who warned him: “Cross today and you will never cross again alive.” His daughter Bathsheba became the first woman executed in the newly independent United States, for murdering her husband — told in Murdered by His Wife by Deborah Navas. Local Eats Whistle Stop Diner (former railroad station) for breakfast and lunch. Mimi’s overlooks the Common. Rose 32 is a lovely bakery. Hardwick House of Pizza, Hardwick Crossing Country Club (full bar, 3 mins away), Stone Cow Brewery in Barre (kids area). In Ware: Mexicali Grill, Theresa’s, Hanna’s on Main, Pig Park BBQ. Farmer Matt, North Brookfield: takeout with picnic tables and views. Things to Do Gilbertville has one of the last covered bridges still in use in Massachusetts! Mass Central Rail Trail: 1-mile section through Gilbertville from the covered bridge; separate 3-mile section (East Quabbin Land Trust) from Creamery Road to Wheelwright — park at former New Braintree train station on Hardwick Road. East Quabbin Land Trust also has birdwatching trails. Hardwick hosts the oldest agricultural fair in the US every August, plus a Sunday farmers market on the Common. Hardwick Vineyard and Winery and nearby Lost Towns Brewery, named for towns submerged to create the Quabbin Reservoir. Medicine River Pow Wow every August, River Run Road. Quabbin Reservoir: boating and fishing. Swift River, Belchertown: kayaking. Lake Lashaway, East Brookfield: swimming 20 mins. Lake Siog, Holland: beach 30 mins south. Free concerts Grenville Park, Ware; live music weekends at Janine’s Frostee. Old Sturbridge Village 30 mins. Also: Ragged Hill Orchard, Rock House Reservation, Carter and Stevens Farm, Leicester and Mendon drive-ins. Is this area great or what?!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Leyden’s Land Sanctuary

11. Leyden’s Land Sanctuary

96%
(52)
28mi from Douglas State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
A third generation tree farmer regenerating this property to keep it as a land sanctuary for humanity and wildlife to thrive in harmony. This is a project of my brother and I, to create a healing center / space for people to come connect with the land. ***We are not part of the winery adjacent to our property*** We keep the land as wild, minimum maintenance/ human disturbance as possible. We have just built a deck to put a yurt on site for healing sessions. I am a cranial sacral therapist and did my yoga teacher training in India, taught in India, Australia, Hawaii, now RI! If you are interested in sessions please reach out to me. I host women's gatherings here on the land as well as seasonal celebrations (solstice and equinox). Creating common unity. tribe.visionaryfund.com/leydensregeneration All money through hipcamp and visionary fund goes directly towards the land... Regeneration, planting, maintaining, taxes and future projects awaiting to be funded! Thank you. Step 1: get people back on it. Come live off grid for a bit in West Greenwich. Must have your own water, head lamps; respect for the land. 1.5 hour drive from Boston 3 hour drive from NYC 40 minutes to Providence, Newport, Mystic CT. and all RI beaches. ENJOY :)
Pets
Campfires
Goodfield Farm Rustic Camping

12. Goodfield Farm Rustic Camping

100%
(64)
28mi from Douglas State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV
In the rolling hills of central Massachusetts, along the wandering path of the Ware River our farm is situated above the quaint village of Gilbertville. Our farm is walking distance from the Lost Towns Brewery, the Whistle Stop Diner, and Rose 32 bakery for all of your food needs. We are 15 minutes from the Quabbin Reservoir where you can walk or take your bike along the trails, and 15 minutes from the Swift River where there is world class trout fishing. Our farm boasts a large meadow, previously farmed by the Goodfield family for generations, overlooking a western hill range with long beautiful sunsets. We provide rustic camping on site, equipped with a fire pit and wood to use at your convenience. Consider us for a weekend getaway in the peaceful hills of central Mass, or reach out to us for longer stays. Park at the bottom of the hill and walk your way up to the campsite where a picnic table will be awaiting you. **To keep our area quiet and respectful to the neighbors and wildlife, we ask to please avoid loud music, shouting, or other excessive noise.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
Inn On The Horse Farm

13. Inn On The Horse Farm

92%
(43)
30mi from Douglas State Forest · 5 sites · RVs, Lodging
Guest have nine acres to wander around with old stone walls, towering majestic trees of all kinds and a Pond. There are two horses in the pastures, an Arabian Stallion and a Quarterhorse Mare. The walking trail goes all around the nine acres, past the horses in their pastures, past the pond where you can sit and enjoy the views.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Miracle Organic Farm

14. Miracle Organic Farm

95%
(19)
31mi from Douglas State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV
I have about 3 acres with lots of gardens and surrounded by forest. There is a huge organic garden and greenhouse. We get lots of wildlife here. I'm about 20 minutes from Mount Wachusett and 5 minutes from the Quabbin. Lots of hiking all around, including from my farm (a nice 3 mile walk through a wildlife preserve). Worcester is about a 30 minute drive. Lot's of lakes all around with good fishing. The town of Barre has some excellent restaurants, a grocery store, hardware store, etc. This is an organic farm so you must use biodegradable products in you use my dump station. No bleach11 We close for the winter season from November 1 through the end of March.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Ponderings at White Pond

15. Ponderings at White Pond

97%
(68)
34mi from Douglas State Forest · 1 site
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: You can enjoy glamping in our greenhouse-tent for peace and tranquility. There is a cabin built inside the tent.  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 table within. It is heated in the cool temps and fan cooled in the warmer days.  There is a kayak and paddleboard available to borrow. There is a dryflush toilet, hand sink and outdoor heated shower in the back of the tent. Cooking is on charcoal grill and toaster oven. There are dishes, cups and utensils for your use. as well as coffee press and hot water boiler. 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
Wildcat

16. Wildcat

97%
(52)
36mi from Douglas State Forest · 1 site
Campsite is 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. We do not sell or provide wood, electricity , shower. There is a woodpile but we cannot share this with guests but it’s our winter heat source, however we know a place you can collect cut from for a small fire. Our bathroom is available for guest use until about 9:30 at night, after that there is a gas station a mile down the road. No parties, and quiet time is from 930 on.
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
Patti's Beaver Pond

17. Patti's Beaver Pond

100%
(12)
36mi from Douglas State Forest · 1 site
We are in a suburban area (Lincoln, MA) which is next to Concord and Lexington. This is a historical area with Lexington Battle Green, historical houses and civil war reenactments. We are close to Walden Pond and many hiking and bike trails. We are also close to the communter train to Boston and surrounds. Email if you need additional info about how to get into other towns.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Wee Three Farm

18. Wee Three Farm

100%
(49)
36mi from Douglas State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV
A quaint and beautiful little farm nestled in the Connecticut country side. Our farm offers a quiet and relaxing escape from the every day. The farm is loaded with hiking paths and natural ecosystems. We have bees hay and vegetable gardens. There are sheep that can be petted through a fence. Also located just 2 short miles from the Air Line Trail and walking distance to a Resturante and bar.
Pets
Campfires
Uncle Jerry's Farm

19. Uncle Jerry's Farm

100%
(10)
36mi from Douglas State Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Uncle Jerry's farm is a 5+ acre property with the main house and barn located on the front of the property close to the road with a large flat field area with apple trees, horse chestnuts, and huckleberries to harvest in season. At the back edge of the field the property turns mature white pine and deciduous forest that slopes down to the Moscow Brook. We very warmly welcome any suggestions to improve the stay at this beautiful property we are just getting going and many improvements are planned in the very near future as well. Common areas for fire pit and barbecue. Trails down the hill through the woods one to a platform along the river and the other to a swimming hole. Situated in historic Hopkinton established in 1757 near to beaches, fishing, hiking trails, public golf courses, disk golf, riding stables, Mystic, Seaport, Watch Hill, casinos, farm stands, Newport, I-95 and Amtrak. Mushroom hunting among glacier rocks, and monstrous ferns. It's a getaway that's close to everything!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Adesa Farm

20. Adesa Farm

98%
(71)
37mi from Douglas State Forest · 2 sites
We live on a picturesque 82-acre farm in North Stonington, CT located near many serene natural areas. Pachaug State Forest, Ell Pond Preserve, and the Westerly, RI beaches are all within a 20 minute drive from us. Our land is secluded and rural, offering a respite from the hubbub of city life. We have a spring-fed pond on-site and the majority of our land is heavily forested. With very low light pollution, the night sky on our farm is breathtaking. *PLEASE NOTE: We do not normally meet guests upon arrival, but if you’d like us to, please let us know and we will do our best to make ourselves available. The farm is our private residence and we do not offer tours to guests for insurance-related reasons. Thank you for considering camping with us!
Campfires
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Douglas State Forest camping guide

Overview

About

For those seeking a genuine outdoor experience, camping near Douglas State Forest is your ticket to adventure. This expansive 5,907-acre state forest, straddling the borders of Connecticut and Rhode Island, is a treasure trove of activities waiting to be explored. Think of it as your gateway to a Douglas State Forest camping experience that promises both relaxation and exhilaration. Dive into the refreshing waters of Wallum Lake, where swimming, boating, and fishing are the order of the day. The lake's pristine waters beckon you to take a dip or cast a line, ensuring hours of fun and relaxation. And if you're keen on exploring the forest's vast expanse, miles of woodland trails offer the perfect setting for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and even snowmobiling. But that's not all. The renowned Midstate Trail, which winds its way through central Massachusetts up to Mt. Watatic, runs right through Douglas State Forest. It's an invitation for avid hikers to embark on a journey through diverse landscapes and witness nature's splendor. One of the forest's hidden gems is its Atlantic White Cedar swampland. This rare ecosystem is a sight to behold, and thanks to a designated boardwalk trail, you can immerse yourself in its beauty without disturbing its delicate balance. Facilities at the forest are designed with visitors in mind. From pavilions to a boat ramp, a swimming beach, and picnic areas, everything you need for a delightful day out is at your fingertips. So, if the idea of camping near Douglas State Forest intrigues you, pack your bags and set out for an unforgettable adventure. The forest's myriad attractions promise a memorable experience for every camper.

When to go

The best time to visit Douglas State Forest is from May 14 to October 30, when the park is fully accessible and daily parking fees apply. Enjoy the forest's full splendor during these warmer months, but prepare for busier trails and waterways. Off-season visits offer tranquility, though some facilities may be limited.

Know before you go

  • Ensure to check the park hours, open from sunrise to sunset, before planning your visit.
  • Remember, parking fees are in effect from May 14 to October 30, with different rates for MA residents and non-residents.
  • Accessible facilities, including pavilions and restrooms, are available for visitors with disabilities.
  • For a seamless entry, consider using the YODEL app for mobile parking payments.
  • Always follow park rules regarding pets and ensure your dog is allowed before bringing them along.

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