Camp Wellville, Ashburnham, MA

For Massachusetts residents seeking a genuine escape that feels like a cherished step back in time, Camp Wellville in Ashburnham offers an unparalleled retreat experience. More than just a campground, Wellville is a historic Christian Family Camp and Retreat Center that has fostered community, fellowship, and a connection to a "simpler life" for nearly 70 years. Located on a stunning 43-acre private lakefront property, the camp provides a serene sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life across the Commonwealth.

Guests who visit Camp Wellville consistently describe it as a “home away from home,” an “ageless place” that instantly evokes warm childhood memories. This deep sense of nostalgia and belonging is a cornerstone of the Wellville experience. The property is characterized by winding dirt roads, peaceful pine groves, and a rustic aesthetic that is deliberately simple, yet perfectly functional. It’s an ideal setting for families to grow—in spirit, mind, and body—through shared recreation, reflection, and community.

Accommodations cater to various needs, from charming, rustic cabins that date back to the 1940s to modern tent and trailer sites equipped with essential utilities. The focus at Camp Wellville is on active participation in a warm, friendly environment, with a summer season packed with programming designed to keep campers of all ages engaged. If you are a local in Massachusetts looking for a generational tradition or a peaceful, community-focused getaway near the beautiful Lake Winnekeag, Camp Wellville provides the perfect setting for making lasting memories.

Camp Wellville is conveniently situated in Ashburnham, a picturesque town in North Central Massachusetts, making it an accessible driving destination for families across the state, from Boston to the Pioneer Valley. Its location offers a sense of seclusion and deep nature immersion without requiring an excessive journey for most local users.

The official address for the facility is 97 Stowell Rd, Ashburnham, MA 01430, USA.

The camp occupies 43 acres of private lakefront property on the shores of Lake Winnekeag, a beautiful 118-acre pond. This central Massachusetts location places it in close proximity to the New Hampshire border and a variety of regional outdoor attractions, including Ashburnham State Forest. Access is generally straightforward via major state routes leading into the Ashburnham area. The camp’s placement along dirt roads and within wooded surroundings enhances its secluded, rustic character, helping visitors immediately feel disconnected from urban pressures. Being on Lake Winnekeag provides direct, private access to water recreation, which is a major draw for Massachusetts campers.

Camp Wellville offers a range of accommodations and services focused on providing a comfortable, community-oriented, and fun experience for families during the summer season, which is typically eight weeks long.

Rustic Cabin Rentals: Twelve rustic, 1940s-era cabins are available, each with three bedrooms and sleeping capacity for six or more guests. Several cabins (Wanaki, Sunshine, Linger Longer, Hate-to-Quit-It) include internal bathroom facilities.
Tent and Trailer Sites: The campground features approximately 21 to 22 tent sites, many of which are scattered along the dirt roads and are equipped with water and electric hookups.
Shower House and Restrooms: Central shower house facilities are available for cabin and tent site users, with some cabins offering their own porta-potties or internal facilities.
Dining and Provisions: The facilities include a camp store for provisions and a communal kitchen available at Wellville Lodge, a camp facility also featuring a meeting room.
Active Summer Program: An eight-week active summer program provides a structured, faith-based environment with daily and weekly activities for all ages.
Water Activities: Direct access to Lake Winnekeag for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating (guests can launch their own non-motorized boats from the waterfront). Swim lessons are typically offered on weekday mornings.
Educational and Spiritual Programs: Offers daily or weekly activities such as book group, scripture discussions, and Sunday evening vespers at the hillside chapel.

The highlights of Camp Wellville are centered around its welcoming community, deep historical roots, and immediate access to natural recreation, all contributing to a truly memorable New England camping experience.

Historical and Community Charm: Established in 1956 and steadily developed by the Rollstone Congregational Church, the camp maintains a unique, decades-old community feel that is loved by guests and often described as "ageless."
Lakefront Recreation: Features private access to Lake Winnekeag, which is perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating, with beautiful views of the surrounding forest-covered mountains.
Variety of Accommodations: The option to stay in beautiful, multi-bedroom rustic cabins or traditional tent/trailer sites (many with electric/water hookups) offers flexibility for different family styles and budgets.
Rich Program Schedule: Provides an engaging array of activities, including nature hikes through pine groves, organized craft activities, fishing, and nightly campfires, ensuring fun for all ages.
Unique On-Site Features: The 43-acre property includes special areas like a hillside chapel, a playground, a craft shed, a ballfield, and historic sites, including a cemetery and a Girl Scout Museum.
Faith-Based Retreat: Functions as a Christian Family Camp, emphasizing worship, study, high character development, and community growth in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Rustic Authenticity: It successfully provides the genuine "back-to-the-basics" camping experience that allows visitors to escape to a simpler, technology-free life.

To plan your family's escape to this historic Central Massachusetts camp, please use the following contact details.

Address: 97 Stowell Rd, Ashburnham, MA 01430, USA

Phone: Please refer to the camp’s website or the Rollstone Congregational Church for the most current phone number for reservations and inquiries, as published public data is not consistently available for this type of seasonal camp.

For Massachusetts locals, Camp Wellville represents the perfect combination of convenience and true wilderness retreat, making it exceptionally suitable for a family vacation.

Firstly, its location in Central Massachusetts makes it a manageable drive from anywhere in the Commonwealth, allowing families to spend less time traveling and more time enjoying their vacation. It’s not so far away as to require extensive planning, yet it’s remote enough to feel like a complete change of pace and scenery.

Secondly, the multi-generational appeal is undeniable. Reviews highlight that people have been visiting their family at this campground for "20+ years," speaking to its tradition and enduring appeal. The availability of both comfortable cabins and traditional camping options means it can accommodate extended family gatherings, providing a beautiful backdrop for local families to reunite and create new memories.

Finally, Camp Wellville's commitment to providing an environment that fosters spiritual, mental, and physical growth through simple, honest outdoor fun and community building is a valuable asset. In an era dominated by screens, the opportunity for a family "digital detox" within a friendly, supportive community setting is a priceless offering for any Massachusetts family. By choosing Camp Wellville, locals are not just booking a campsite; they are preserving a beloved New England tradition.