Tully Lake Campground

- Royalston, MA 01368

Introduction / Overview

For Massachusetts residents seeking a genuine, unplugged wilderness experience without traveling out of state, Tully Lake Campground in Royalston offers a unique and highly desirable retreat. Managed by The Trustees of Reservations, this destination provides a classic, tent-only camping environment on the shores of a beautiful 200-acre lake. The defining characteristic of Tully Lake Campground is its designation as a "walk-in" facility. This means all 35 campsites are accessed by a short 5- to 10-minute stroll from the parking area, ensuring a peaceful, vehicle-free atmosphere that preserves the tranquility of the forest and lakeside settings. This deliberate isolation from vehicular traffic is what gives the campground its exceptional sense of privacy, making it feel like a truly remote escape right in the heart of the Commonwealth.

The campground is known for its spacious, well-cared-for sites, which are nestled within a cooling, towering pine and coniferous forest. Campers can choose between intimate inland sites or the highly sought-after waterfront spots that offer direct access to the water and stunning sunset views. Beyond the private campsites, the surrounding Tully Lake Recreation Area—a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control project—encompasses 1,300 acres of preserved natural beauty, providing an extensive playground for every kind of outdoor enthusiast.

Location and Accessibility

Tully Lake Campground is located in the North Central region of Massachusetts, offering excellent accessibility for residents across the state, including those commuting from the Greater Boston, Worcester, and Springfield areas. The campground is situated in the town of Royalston, MA 01368, USA, making it a convenient "close-to-home" wilderness getaway that typically requires less than a two-hour drive from major urban centers.

The facility’s main access point is off Route 32, near the town of Athol. While the official address is Royalston, MA 01368, visitors will follow signs for the Tully Lake Recreation Area and the campground entrance on Doane Hill Road. Crucially, while all sites are "walk-in," the campground provides walking carts for gear transport from the parking area to your chosen campsite. This system maintains the quiet, rustic feel of the location while mitigating the challenge of hauling equipment. For those with mobility limitations, the facility does offer designated, wheelchair-accessible campsites and accessible features in the central bathhouse and on nearby trails.

Services Offered

Tully Lake Campground successfully balances a rugged, tent-only experience with essential modern conveniences managed by The Trustees of Reservations:

• Camp Site Provisions: All campsites include a sturdy picnic table and a designated fire ring with a cooking grill.
• Sanitary Facilities: A centrally located bathhouse provides clean flush toilets and coin-operated showers, a welcome amenity in a walk-in setting.
• Camp Essentials Sales: Firewood, fire starters, and ice are available for purchase on-site, simplifying the packing process and adhering to the policy of not bringing outside wood to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
• Watercraft & Gear Rentals: To maximize the water experience, the campground offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, and fishing poles, with guided paddling tours also occasionally offered.
• Family Recreation Equipment: Rentals for disc golf equipment are available for the nearby course, and the common area includes a volleyball net and a horseshoe pit.
• Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome at the campground, provided they remain on a leash no longer than six feet and owners present a copy of their rabies vaccination certificate upon check-in.

Features / Highlights

The natural and recreational features of the Tully Lake area are the main draw for Massachusetts adventurers.

• Paddler's Paradise: Tully Lake is excellent for paddling, with a strict 10-horsepower limit on motorboats. This makes the 200-acre lake a peaceful haven for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, allowing paddlers to explore its many islands, inlets, and the picturesque Tully River.
• Extensive Hiking Network: The campground serves as the trailhead for the renowned 22-mile Tully Trail loop. This challenging, scenic trail connects numerous local attractions, including the stunning cascaded waterfalls of Doane's Falls, Royalston Falls, Jacobs Hill with its splendid views, and Tully Mountain.
• High-Privacy Campsites: The walk-in nature of the sites ensures high privacy. Customers consistently praise the secluded feel of the private campsites, especially the desirable waterfront spots, which are separate from vehicle noise.
• Doane’s Falls Access: The impressive Doane’s Falls, a series of beautiful waterfalls, is located within a very short walking distance of the campground entrance, offering an immediate and rewarding natural attraction.
• Year-Round Activities: While the main camping season runs from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, the surrounding Tully Lake Recreation Area trails, including the Disc Golf Course, remain open year-round for activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Contact Information

Tully Lake Campground is expertly managed by The Trustees of Reservations, a trusted conservation organization in Massachusetts.

Address: Royalston, MA 01368, USA

Phone: (978) 249-4957

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Tully Lake Campground is perfectly suited for Massachusetts residents because it offers an authentic, yet accessible, New England wilderness camping experience. Situated in North Central Massachusetts, it represents a substantial and refreshing break from the metropolitan sprawl without the extensive travel commitment of going out of state. The walk-in, tent-only policy is ideal for locals seeking to genuinely disconnect and immerse themselves in nature, whether for a weekend or a longer vacation.

The unparalleled access to the Tully Trail for hikers and the quiet, motor-restricted Tully Lake for paddlers means a true adventure is right at your doorstep. For a state known for its historical and coastal destinations, Tully Lake provides a crucial inland escape—a pristine forest and lake experience where families can enjoy well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, and the opportunity to spend nights under a clear, unpolluted sky. It is a premium, protected natural asset within the Commonwealth, offering a tranquil base camp for exploring the beautiful North Quabbin region.

Tully Lake Campground

Royalston, MA 01368, USA