The best camping in Lake Dennison Recreation Area, MA

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83% (3)

Discover the natural allure of Lake Dennison Recreation Area.  

The best camping in Lake Dennison Recreation Area, MA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
The Moose Caboose Country Farm

3. The Moose Caboose Country Farm

95%
(77)
6.8mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Phillipston, MA
🌻 Roam over twelve acres of beautiful fields and rolling hills with New England stonewalls at The Moose Caboose Country Farm! The land boasts seasonal organic fruits for the plucking—including raspberries, peaches, pears, tomatoes, peppers, and apples! 🪵 Forage free firewood for a campfire in a private peaceful country setting with excellent adventures and conveniences nearby including local farms, grocery stores, breweries with live music, hiking trails, and more! See a list of great places to visit below. ⛺️ All sites are first come first serve and may have a fire pit and/or table. Vivid nature and bright starry skies are unparalleled at The Moose Caboose Country Farm! **ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS** 🧭 The GPS will bring you to my mailbox—drive past it—an orange traffic cone and white wooden arbor structure mark the entrance—drive onto the grass and into the field. 🦋 You are welcome to explore the property; and to move available tables, chairs, and fire pits around as you like. No check in or check out needed—come and go as you please! 🏕️ Please be conscientious that the land is hilly, that camper trailers or RVs will likely need blocking, and tent campers prepare for a bit of a slope on some site locations. **PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY** PHILLIPSTON: 5-15 mins away ⛱️ Queen Lake Beach: 5 minute drive for swimming 🍎 Red Apple Farm: amazing country store, brick oven pizza, burgers and much more PETERSHAM: 15-20 mins away 👣 Brooks Woodland Preserve Hiking Trails: amazing trail hikes 🫐 Petersham Country Store: breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, plus anything you need GARDNER: 10-15 mins away 🍺 Gardner Ale House Restaurant 🛒 Hannaford Grocery Store 🥪 Jersey Mike's Sub Shop 🍔 99 Restaurant 💫 Walmart ATHOL: 10-15 mins away 🛒 Market Basket ☕️ Starbucks ☕️ Dunkin Donuts ERVING: ~20 mins away 🌳 Erving State Forest 💦 Laurel Lake: highly recommend—extremely beautiful!! HUBBARDSTON: ~15 mins away ⛱️ Comet Pond Sandy Beach WESTMINSTER: ~20 mins away 🍺 Wachusett Brewery: amazing beer, food & live music
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$32
 / night
Poor-Sleeper Camp

4. Poor-Sleeper Camp

91%
(27)
8.3mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Orange, MA
We purchased land it is a dream come true ! We would love to share our dream land with others to enjoy the serenity and peacefulness of the land and what it has to offer others! Interested in staying Memorial Day can rent tents to you eight dollars a night come enjoy hiking fishing kayaking close to Tully pond and enjoy a stay near our river freshly stalked with trout.Can stay one night or as many as you would like to book Learn more about this land: 39 acres of open space, running river, stocked with trout, swimming in river, hiking, tents for rent relaxing hammock. 17 acres on other side of river to hike camp can kayak on river There is wetlands in areas there are meadows There is a mountain access across from property for hiking called Tully mountain There is a pond in walking distance can swim fish and boating. Directly across from pond across the street general store called Nana’s and a restaurant with Great food Bar called the Boiler!! It is a Peaceful land so much serenity to enjoy!! It is our dream to have such beautiful land !! We want others to enjoy it also!!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$14
 / night
Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

5. Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

100%
(529)
11mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 5 sites · Lodging · Warwick, MA
Best HipCamp Massachusetts 2023 Best HipCamp USA Finalist 2023 Best HipCamp Massachusetts Finalist 2022 THERE IS WIFI, PRIVATE HOT SHOWER and FLUSH TOILET. EXCEPT FOR THE RECENTLY ADDED TULLY 'THOREAU' ISLAND. Salamander Hollow is a private, evolving honeybee and human being sanctuary on 17 acres of land abutting Massachusetts State Forest. We currently have a one-room, wood stove warmed, cozy sleeping loft for one or two - with two benches below on either side of room - for two sleeping bags; plus, a separate 22 foot Sioux tipi with two cots. There are two chairs in the tipi, which if removed at night, make floor room for four other sleeping bags. 'Forest Bathing' for miles! If you're a larger group booking Salamander Hollow main camp with its Sleeping Library, Tipi & Slovenian Beehive House, you might consider renting this additional Tiny Cabin want to entertain all in glamping style, utilizing its amenities; as well, providing another bathroom/shower and guest bedroom for those who prefer being indoors while in the great outdoors. Note that Kula Bata Tiny Cabin abuts the wheelchair accessible larger bathroom/shower which is available to those at the Salamander Hollow main camp, yet you are secluded with your own private entry points and private bathroom. A ten minute drive takes you to the parking area to hike up Tully Mountain. There is a grill, wood fired pizza oven, two fire pits and a hygienic Incinolet electric toilet on the property for night convenience, with small camp sinks for washing & teeth brushing. Take a short hike off the property to organic Chase Hill Farm for milk, eggs, seasonal veggies, grass fed meat and other goodies. Say hello to their cows, chickens, pigs, goats, pups and kids. Nestled across the road from Salamander Hollow is Timber Haven Farm, where you can schedule your pickup of bacon and eggs, while loading up on delicious Owl Energy Bars for your adventurous excursions. For those interested in the glamping side of camping, you will enjoy a remote rustic experience with a few creature comforts to keep you well read, clean and fed. Please bring your own bedding - pillows, sleeping bags, comforter, teddy bears.There is a wall mounted blue tooth car radio/CD player in Sleeping Library, so bring your pre-digital favorites. Classical CDs to listen to. Lots of eclectic books to peruse.Walkie talkies, a set of 4, are available upon request. Chess & poker sets, too. Electric 2-burner stovetop and griddle upon request. Bring fire-starters/newspaper for tinder. We suggest if you are staying more than a night or two in winter, you bring supplemental wood or we can direct you to a nearby stand. Next season, our own cut and split wood will be seasoned and available on site. We ask that you carry out trash and recyclables. An established Western facing four point sacred Medicine Wheel site being established on Askari Ridge - our name for the slope starting with the two fire pits - 'Askari' being Swahili for night guard. Here is where we envision a great touch-point area for those leading groups to be for a base-camp by day or night, where eventually a multi-use tenting platform/performance stage will be constructed for outdoor entertainment, creating an authentic 'stadium style' seating on the hill. You will see on your way up to Salamander Hollow main clearing - the Kula Bata Tiny Kabin on the left of the dirt road- now available to rent with its small guest room for two, infrared sauna, hot shower, kitchenette, dishwasher and laundry.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$75
 / night
Camp stew with fresh lamb meat from a nearby farm....

12. Rosy Goat Farm

99%
(231)
23mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Gilbertville, MA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$62
 / night
Spacious Skies Seven Maples Campground

14. Spacious Skies Seven Maples Campground

94%
(16)
24mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 64 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hancock, NH
Escape to Spacious Skies Seven Maples, your ultimate New Hampshire outdoor adventure destination! Nestled in the picturesque Monadnock region, our campground offers a perfect blend of thrilling activities and cozy relaxation. Explore hiking trails, go fishing or boating, then unwind by your campfire or take a dip in our heated pool with waterslides. Choose your ideal stay with our variety of RV sites or charming cabins. Minutes from quaint towns and major attractions, Spacious Skies Seven Maples is where endless family fun meets the beauty of New England. Ready to start your adventure? Learn more below! Picture yourself surrounded by the lush New Hampshire landscape – the scent of pine in the air, the gentle call of birds, and the promise of endless outdoor adventures. At Spacious Skies Seven Maples, we offer all this and more! Our spacious RV sites and cozy cabins provide the perfect home base for a getaway filled with hiking, fishing, kayaking, and exploring nearby towns. Whether you crave a fully-equipped RV experience or the simple charm of a cabin stay, we have the ideal accommodations for you. Don’t miss out on our fantastic amenities! Cool off in our heated pool with thrilling waterslides, or relax in the spa. Kids will love our recreation hall, and you’ll appreciate the convenience of our fully-stocked camp store. With so much to offer, Spacious Skies Seven Maples delivers the family vacation you’ve been dreaming of. Ready to make those vacation dreams a reality? Don’t wait! Our sites fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Secure your spot at Spacious Skies Seven Maples and start counting down the days to your unforgettable New Hampshire adventure. Book your reservation today!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$71
 / night
Goodfield Farm Rustic Camping

15. Goodfield Farm Rustic Camping

100%
(21)
24mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · Hardwick, MA
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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night
Streamside Camping in Leverett!

16. Streamside Camping in Leverett!

91%
(32)
25mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents · Leverett, MA
Our 2 acre property and home is located in the center of the small town of Leverett. We have a private camping spot located down by the stream. We are near a paved road with moderate traffic. The property abuts many acres of woods and there are a number of great walking trails nearby. A half-mile walk behind the house takes you through the forest to an outlook on Leverett Pond. The Peace Pagoda is just a few miles up the road. Other nearby destinations include Cushman Market and Cafe, the Montague Bookmill, and Mt. Toby waterfall, caves, and lookout tower. Leverett Pond has a public boat launch nearby. We have canoes, paddles, and lifejackets available for rent--inquire for details! The area has excellent bike riding as well. We enjoy all these activities and are happy to share further destinations, routes, and suggestions!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night
Tiny House, Horse Trailer, S Tent

18. Tiny House, Horse Trailer, S Tent

99%
(97)
26mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 5 sites · Lodging · Bennington, NH
Choose from a variety of unique accommodations situated on the Contoocook River and Powder Mill Pond in Southern NH at our 27 acre Rustic Chic Retreat. Find some info and links of several of the sites located on the property. Be it swimming, kayaking, boating, sunning, hiking, biking, or fishing; spectacular fall foliage, and bird watching or winter sports like skiing, boarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing,....take time out to enjoy what nature has to offer to the fullest, right here in your new backyard. Explore nature’s wonderland; starting with 27 acres of woods and waterfront beauty on Powder Mill Pond and the Contoocook River. During the warmer weather, you can hop in one of the kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, (on-site for a small rental fee), sunbathe on the refreshing 30 ft. lily pad, or simply relax in the swing or hammock looking out over Mount Monadnock. During the winter, cross country ski, ice skate or fish or strap-on a pair of the complimentary snowshoes ...while year round, enjoy sharing s’mores and stories by the fire pit! You can also explore several other accomodations listed on Airbnb if you do not find what you are looking for here.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$135
 / night
The Sky Perch

19. The Sky Perch

92%
(12)
27mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Guilford, VT
Nestled at the crown of the mountain, this private campsite offers a front-row seat to the sky. Surrounded by jagged ridgelines and windswept pines, it sits just above the tree line where the air is thin, crisp, and electric with silence. On clear days, you can see for miles — rolling valleys, distant peaks, and winding rivers far below — a panoramic view that feels like the edge of the world. It is the perfect basecamp for day hikes, wildlife spotting, and stargazing. Trails wind down into lush forests or up to even higher viewpoints for the daring explorer. Hike to a breathtaking swimming hole with all natural running water and waterfalls, then grab a bite to eat at the Guilford Country Deli with organic handmade sandwiches and desserts. Guests are welcome to relax by the pond and grab eggs from the chicken coop. Many breweries and restaurants in the area as well as berry picking farms and apple orchards. Guest can also enjoy renting a canoe and spending the day on the Connecticut river or attending local events in Brattleboro like first Friday (a monthly gathering of local craft makers, food trucks, and music). We are only 5 minutes from I-91 and the Massachusetts border. As the sun sets, golden light spills across the rocks and wildflowers, and the sky deepens to hues of lavender and ember. At night, stars emerge in dazzling clarity, unobscured by city lights or canopy, with the Milky Way streaking overhead like a celestial river. It’s a place where time slows down, and the world below feels very far away.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$20
 / night
Chapman Pond Acres

20. Chapman Pond Acres

98%
(88)
27mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Sullivan, NH
FIRE BAN IN EFFECT - NO WOOD FIRES ALLOWED PER SULLIVAN FIRE DEPARTMENT. A propane fire pit is available (bring your own propane) and a charcoal grill is available for use. Large enough for 4 tents or one RV (25ft or smaller). Porta potty provided. Hose for water. No electric provided, generators allowed. Easy access to beautiful Chapman Pond (100 yards away), which is stocked with Trout and also home to Bass, Crappie and Perch. Great place to fish or just relax! The use of two kayaks and firewood available at no extra charge. (IF using the kayaks, they are to be brought back to the campsite and NOT left at the pond. If they are left at the pond and stolen, campers will be responsible for the replacement cost, which is about $600.) Lots of wildlife (loons, turtles, geese, deer, bear etc). You're free to explore the land and trails that go part way around the pond to the "Big Rock" and beyond. Info at the campsite for other nearby hikes and activities. We allow public access to the "Grassy Area", however larger camper groups that book this site have full access and are welcome to setup tents there, but no fires are allowed on the grass.. only in designated fire pit. (FOR THOSE WITH A TOW BEHIND CAMPER, you will want to drive to the pond boat landing at the end of Chapman Pond Rd, turn around, head back towards the campsite and BACK IN.) FOR THOSE WITH DOGS, we love dogs, we have our own. For everyone's safety and well-being we ask that you please keep them with you and under your control at all times. We have a farm nearby and want no casualties because of a loose dog. Also, our 90 lb APBT is very friendly but not to every dog he meets. $20 PET FEE - 2 DOGS MAX. SMOKERS, we allow smoking at the site but please dispose of your butts properly and help keep our property beautiful. All around beautiful and peaceful campsite. City of Keene is 15 minutes away. Check out the website link to our YouTube channel for a couple of short videos.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
83% (3)

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Top-rated campgrounds

The Moose Caboose Country Farm

95%
(77)
6.8mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Phillipston, MA
🌻 Roam over twelve acres of beautiful fields and rolling hills with New England stonewalls at The Moose Caboose Country Farm! The land boasts seasonal organic fruits for the plucking—including raspberries, peaches, pears, tomatoes, peppers, and apples! 🪵 Forage free firewood for a campfire in a private peaceful country setting with excellent adventures and conveniences nearby including local farms, grocery stores, breweries with live music, hiking trails, and more! See a list of great places to visit below. ⛺️ All sites are first come first serve and may have a fire pit and/or table. Vivid nature and bright starry skies are unparalleled at The Moose Caboose Country Farm! **ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS** 🧭 The GPS will bring you to my mailbox—drive past it—an orange traffic cone and white wooden arbor structure mark the entrance—drive onto the grass and into the field. 🦋 You are welcome to explore the property; and to move available tables, chairs, and fire pits around as you like. No check in or check out needed—come and go as you please! 🏕️ Please be conscientious that the land is hilly, that camper trailers or RVs will likely need blocking, and tent campers prepare for a bit of a slope on some site locations. **PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY** PHILLIPSTON: 5-15 mins away ⛱️ Queen Lake Beach: 5 minute drive for swimming 🍎 Red Apple Farm: amazing country store, brick oven pizza, burgers and much more PETERSHAM: 15-20 mins away 👣 Brooks Woodland Preserve Hiking Trails: amazing trail hikes 🫐 Petersham Country Store: breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, plus anything you need GARDNER: 10-15 mins away 🍺 Gardner Ale House Restaurant 🛒 Hannaford Grocery Store 🥪 Jersey Mike's Sub Shop 🍔 99 Restaurant 💫 Walmart ATHOL: 10-15 mins away 🛒 Market Basket ☕️ Starbucks ☕️ Dunkin Donuts ERVING: ~20 mins away 🌳 Erving State Forest 💦 Laurel Lake: highly recommend—extremely beautiful!! HUBBARDSTON: ~15 mins away ⛱️ Comet Pond Sandy Beach WESTMINSTER: ~20 mins away 🍺 Wachusett Brewery: amazing beer, food & live music
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$32
 / night

Poor-Sleeper Camp

91%
(27)
8.3mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Orange, MA
We purchased land it is a dream come true ! We would love to share our dream land with others to enjoy the serenity and peacefulness of the land and what it has to offer others! Interested in staying Memorial Day can rent tents to you eight dollars a night come enjoy hiking fishing kayaking close to Tully pond and enjoy a stay near our river freshly stalked with trout.Can stay one night or as many as you would like to book Learn more about this land: 39 acres of open space, running river, stocked with trout, swimming in river, hiking, tents for rent relaxing hammock. 17 acres on other side of river to hike camp can kayak on river There is wetlands in areas there are meadows There is a mountain access across from property for hiking called Tully mountain There is a pond in walking distance can swim fish and boating. Directly across from pond across the street general store called Nana’s and a restaurant with Great food Bar called the Boiler!! It is a Peaceful land so much serenity to enjoy!! It is our dream to have such beautiful land !! We want others to enjoy it also!!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$14
 / night

Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

100%
(529)
11mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 5 sites · Lodging · Warwick, MA
Best HipCamp Massachusetts 2023 Best HipCamp USA Finalist 2023 Best HipCamp Massachusetts Finalist 2022 THERE IS WIFI, PRIVATE HOT SHOWER and FLUSH TOILET. EXCEPT FOR THE RECENTLY ADDED TULLY 'THOREAU' ISLAND. Salamander Hollow is a private, evolving honeybee and human being sanctuary on 17 acres of land abutting Massachusetts State Forest. We currently have a one-room, wood stove warmed, cozy sleeping loft for one or two - with two benches below on either side of room - for two sleeping bags; plus, a separate 22 foot Sioux tipi with two cots. There are two chairs in the tipi, which if removed at night, make floor room for four other sleeping bags. 'Forest Bathing' for miles! If you're a larger group booking Salamander Hollow main camp with its Sleeping Library, Tipi & Slovenian Beehive House, you might consider renting this additional Tiny Cabin want to entertain all in glamping style, utilizing its amenities; as well, providing another bathroom/shower and guest bedroom for those who prefer being indoors while in the great outdoors. Note that Kula Bata Tiny Cabin abuts the wheelchair accessible larger bathroom/shower which is available to those at the Salamander Hollow main camp, yet you are secluded with your own private entry points and private bathroom. A ten minute drive takes you to the parking area to hike up Tully Mountain. There is a grill, wood fired pizza oven, two fire pits and a hygienic Incinolet electric toilet on the property for night convenience, with small camp sinks for washing & teeth brushing. Take a short hike off the property to organic Chase Hill Farm for milk, eggs, seasonal veggies, grass fed meat and other goodies. Say hello to their cows, chickens, pigs, goats, pups and kids. Nestled across the road from Salamander Hollow is Timber Haven Farm, where you can schedule your pickup of bacon and eggs, while loading up on delicious Owl Energy Bars for your adventurous excursions. For those interested in the glamping side of camping, you will enjoy a remote rustic experience with a few creature comforts to keep you well read, clean and fed. Please bring your own bedding - pillows, sleeping bags, comforter, teddy bears.There is a wall mounted blue tooth car radio/CD player in Sleeping Library, so bring your pre-digital favorites. Classical CDs to listen to. Lots of eclectic books to peruse.Walkie talkies, a set of 4, are available upon request. Chess & poker sets, too. Electric 2-burner stovetop and griddle upon request. Bring fire-starters/newspaper for tinder. We suggest if you are staying more than a night or two in winter, you bring supplemental wood or we can direct you to a nearby stand. Next season, our own cut and split wood will be seasoned and available on site. We ask that you carry out trash and recyclables. An established Western facing four point sacred Medicine Wheel site being established on Askari Ridge - our name for the slope starting with the two fire pits - 'Askari' being Swahili for night guard. Here is where we envision a great touch-point area for those leading groups to be for a base-camp by day or night, where eventually a multi-use tenting platform/performance stage will be constructed for outdoor entertainment, creating an authentic 'stadium style' seating on the hill. You will see on your way up to Salamander Hollow main clearing - the Kula Bata Tiny Kabin on the left of the dirt road- now available to rent with its small guest room for two, infrared sauna, hot shower, kitchenette, dishwasher and laundry.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$75
 / night

Rosy Goat Farm

99%
(231)
23mi from Lake Dennison Recreation Area · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Gilbertville, MA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$62
 / night

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The best camping in Lake Dennison Recreation Area, MA guide

Overview

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Need a break from the busy city bustle of Boston? We’ve got you covered. Lake Dennison is just a little over an hour away and offers the serene escape you need. Grab some beers, essential s’mores ingredients, and bacon-wrapped hotdogs for the perfect campfire dinner and evening under the star-speckled sky. With more than 4,200 acres of glassy lake and woodland beauty around, you will be filled to the brim with those warm camp vibes. Right next door there is an impressive 50 miles of epic mountain biking trails in the Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area just waiting to be explored. Looking for a little more relaxation? Hang out on the sandy shores of the swimming beach or try your hand at fishing for some dinner—whatever your fancy, you’ll love getting some fresh air out at the lake and rekindling that love connection with Mother Nature.

Notable campgrounds

Lake Dennison Campground: A scenic retreat offering easy access to trails and water activities.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot during peak season, as sites fill up quickly.
  • Consider visiting during weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Check for cancellations regularly, as plans change and spots may open up.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding a great site.

When to go

The prime time to visit Lake Dennison Recreation Area is from late May to early September, when the beach is open from 10am to 8pm. Off-season visits offer tranquility but be mindful of weather-related closures, particularly for snowmobile trails.

Know before you go

  • Daily parking fees apply from May 14 to Labor Day, with different rates for MA residents and non-residents.
  • Alcohol is prohibited, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the park.
  • Beach wheelchairs are available, promoting an inclusive experience for all visitors.
  • Dogs are not allowed on the beach, so plan accordingly if you're bringing your furry friend.
  • Remember to carry out all trash to keep the park pristine for wildlife and fellow adventurers.
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