Paid in full for a week in July, we stay here every year. Learned in May that I had cancer and…read morewould need surgery and weekly chemo until the end of September. Contacted Forest Lake Campground in May to cancel reservation, discussed options and was told we could carry our week over for later. Just received the all clear from my Dr today. Called to make reservations and was told they would not honor our already paid week. They said we would not get our money back either. Won't stay here again as they are not people of their word.

Camped at a tent site; the sites are big. Easy check in, lots of activities sponsored by the…read morecampground (cribbage, cornhole, potato roast while we were there), water and electric hookups. Lots of seasonal regulars but everyone waves and says hi. Overall very active, friendly campground. Definitely recommend it and will be back

This center served as my home base for a series of hiking adventures on and around Mount Monadnock…read morein June. I was assigned a lakefront cottage that was extremely spacious and quite comfortable. There are more modern, and more fully outfitted, condos but I enjoyed the scenic view and quite setting of my cottage. Pilgrim Pines is a venue that hosts a variety of visitors. There are summer camps, conferences and, likely, retreats but my visit was with a group of hikers and artists who stayed on property from Sunday through Friday. Meals are held in the main dining room and are served buffet-style which made it easy to enjoy what I wanted and to the leave the rest for others. Guests are expected to place dirty dishes and glassware in a bin which makes for a quick and easy clean up. There is a 2 1/2 mile loop around the lake that can be enjoyed during a leisurely walk or a more ambitious run. There are also trails and dirt roads/paths nearby for additional outdoor excursions. The water was a little too cold for my tastes but the lake seemed to be inviting and would certainly provide a smooth place to canoe. There is a small store on property with hours that vary according to need. It offered a lovely selection of toys for children, sweet treats, Christmas ornaments and other holiday decor, jewelry, original paintings and some items representative of the region. Definitely worth checking out if you can manage to be around when staff opens it up for business. Every staff member I encountered added to the overall enjoyable experience of staying here. It was always easy to strike up a conversation or ask for any assistance. A lovely chapel on property did double duty as a morning yoga studio and an evening presentation spot for guest speakers. The real highlight of the stay, particularly after an exhausting day hike, was the shower. It had great water pressure and hot water that helped to make the muscles feel much better. Due to the religious affiliations of this property alcohol is off limits. Guests are welcome to enjoy the books, games, puzzles and even the TV found in the main lodge but for me the chance to enjoy the outdoors or just curl up with a book in my little lakeside nook was all I needed!

Great getaway every year with our family!! My wife has been coming here her whole life and now our…read morekids love coming to the pines too.

Wonderful little lake just North of Athol MA on Rt.32. There is plenty of parking, a boat launch,…read morerestrooms and several wooded picnic spots bordering the lake. This is a perfect spot for an outing for the entire family. Tully Lake is beautiful any time of year but make it a point to visit during the Winter months when its frozen over and covered with snow. You won't be alone as a small number of folks like to walk across the lake with their family and/or pets. Oddly enough, I think I prefer a Winter visit as Tully displays its cold breathtaking wintery pristine splendor in the sparkling Winter's sun.

I went kayking in the Tully lake and connecting river. It was really nice. There are a lot of…read moreanimals. I saw a heron, a bluebird, a red-winged blackbird.....and the highlight was a beaver!!!! I saw it on the land and it swimming. So cute! Relaxing day.

For the last three summers, my wife, kids, and I have done extended camping (I work remotely). This…read moreyear, our lease ended and we thought it was the perfect chance to camp longer while we decided whether to move out of state or stay local. We called Swanzey Lake Campground and asked about length-of-stay rules. Jill assured us there were none and even let us choose a site in person. The lake and new bathrooms made the higher price feel worth it. Everything started fine until a couple weeks in. My wife and I had a heated--but non-violent and quiet--argument and we foolishly called the police. They came, found no issue, and left. Jill and Bill were understandably upset, but after a sincere apology, Jill gave us another chance, saying if it happened again, we'd have to leave. Fair enough. Then out of nowhere, a welfare check was called on us by another camper claiming I wasn't letting my kids out of the tent. Absurd. In reality, it was a quiet Saturday--we had fans running, windows open, and WiFi going. My kids were happy and safe. It felt like someone was watching us simply for not being social. My kids were upset, my oldest was confused and scared, and I let the office know how angry I was. We had done nothing wrong. Even the officer said she didn't know why she was called and gave me her number in case I had any new concerns myself. A few days later, someone I had worked with months ago at a nonprofit (not law enforcement or anything official) called the campground asking for me because I hadn't responded to her calls. That same day, we were told to move again--and that we had one week left. Baffling. I went to the office and tried to explain, but Jill refused to hear anything. She referenced the call and said now she was on "a state agency contact list" - whatever that means - and said that was enough to end our stay. That was the moment I realized logic was no longer part of the equation. Later I spoke with Bill, who was respectful but said he had to support Jill's decision. It became clear--if you're not part of the seasonal RV crowd, you're not really welcome here. We were in a tent, not an RV, and that seemed to make all the difference. Even after we left, I was told there was yet another complaint--this time about our dog being left in the car. The car had been remote-started with AC blasting. It was still cold when we returned. But again, everything we did seemed to be reported and twisted. We were moved to a spot with zero privacy, surrounded by campers who all seemed to know each other, hung out together, dined together. Jill had told us we could stay through mid-August. Then suddenly we were told the site was "seasonal only." The inconsistency was exhausting. If you're doing actual extended camping--not just a weekend RV hangout--this is not the place. There's clear favoritism, it's very clique-like, and we were constantly scrutinized for things others were doing openly without consequence. We didn't accept the additional week and left the next day. We were treated unfairly and judged, and despite our best efforts to respect the rules and communicate, it wasn't enough. I wouldn't recommend this campground to anyone looking for more than a brief stay. We were not the problem. Your clique was, your judgment was, and Jill, you owe us an apology. But we already know we'll never get one. Do not stay here. Period.

Love this campgrounds. I was lucky enough to have an RV in a seasonal spot for two years. Fabulous…read moreowners who really care about their property as well as their guests. Swimming, kayaking and canoeing are just a few amenities you can enjoy. They also have get together's and special events. Either a family, couple or just being by yourself it's the perfect atmosphere. Highly recommend Swanzey Lake!

A really nice drive to a really beautiful spot. Good wheelchair accessibility. Be aware the…read morebathrooms are up a flight of stairs so you'd need to drive up, a long walk up the road, or use porta potty at the accessible level. Beach wheelchairs are available to use, but we just used our own to get to the edge of the water. Wooden ramp from parking to edge of the lake leads you to a rubber mat that goes about ten feet into the water for accessibility. Still a little to navigate but the easiest we've found so far. Good swimming!

I grew up coming to Erving State Forest and it is one of my favorite places…read more My own family has camped here many times, as well as come for single day visits and we always have the best time. The grounds are PRISTINE, including the beautiful Laurel Lake. Clean sand and crystal clear water. Bathroom facilities are clean and functional. Nicely groomed and marked hiking trails. The campground area also has a wilderness center that the ranger opens up a couple times a week to do crafts and activities with kids. Sites are clean and level and all have a fire pit with grate, charcoal grill and picnic table. For the rates, you really can't go wrong here. Beautiful and relaxing, and perfect if you're looking to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. I'd give more stars if I could!

I've stayed at Ashuelot River Campground twice and am planning a third visit later this year. As an…read moreavid hiker, my idea of camping is simple and self-sufficient: pitching a tent, boiling water to avoid giardia, cooking on a Coleman stove, and living out of a cooler. I'm not looking for an air-conditioned RV experience with all the modern comforts--I'm here for the outdoors. That's why I'm puzzled by some of the negative reviews this campground has received. Ashuelot provides a natural setting where you can create the camping experience that suits you. Yes, there are rules--but they're mainly in place to ensure that everyone has a peaceful and enjoyable time. Let's be honest: not everyone is considerate, and a few basic guidelines go a long way toward making the space enjoyable for all. This isn't luxury travel. It's camping--and it's affordable. If you're expecting concierge service or hotel-style amenities, there are plenty of expensive hotels nearby that might better fit your expectations. But if you're self-reliant, easygoing, and here to enjoy nature on its own terms, Ashuelot River Campground offers exactly what you need for a rewarding experience.

What a lovely campground. There's some thing for all types of campers. We (retired couple with 2…read morelarge dogs) stayed at a full hookup riverfront site before Memorial Day. Fairly open, but a nice spot. There are plenty of pretty spots in the woods with water and electric and a bit more privacy. They would make nice tent or smaller camper spots. That's what we'll choose when we return. Nice little walking trails for the dogs, and access the beautiful river. Friendly checkin, and helpful at the store when we needed a quick repair.

Great day hike and not for those with weak ankles! Took the white dot trail up and used the white…read morecross trail to come down. Forgot the bug spray which would have kept the critters at bay with much of the trail having slow or puddled water. Parking wasn't too crowded, $15 for access to park. Snack and gift shop in the lot and the headquarters building just up the trail. Great restroom facility to use prior to starting the hike as well. Very rocky terrain all the way up, clearly marked with white dots (crosses as well for the return). Enjoyed the fact there were multiple volunteer guides hiking or positioned at locations (one steady at fork for dot/cross) if needed. Had low reception all through the hike for emergencies as well. Beautiful views towards the top and of course 360 once on the summit. Definitely worth the time spent. Pack in pack out, bring water and snacks along with the spray (both bug and sun)! Enjoyed a quick snack on the top with the views and a quick tsp of the marker before heading back down. Time to get up to the peak, what are you waiting for?!

For a mere $15 cash you can access some pristine hiking opportunities. I have trekked these grounds…read morein all 4 seasons. Each has its own unique set of challenges and joys. Whether it is ice and snow with trax on or wet leaves on a steep incline, you can bet on a challenge. The most commonly used trail up the mountain is the 2 mile (one way), White Dot trail. It is well marked and easily followed. The elevation gain is rapid, as this is a shorter hike. The views are absolutely stellar from the summit. There is a small shop at the base and you receive a map upon entry with basic guidelines and trails. If you are into the outdoors, I highly recommend this spot! Laces up!

I'm going to be extremely fair in my review and explain all details and why. I know many people…read morelove this place, and I was so excited to go here but I need to be very honest in the ways they can improve and why 3 stars and not 5 stars from us. The booking and check in process was smooth and easy. The front staff were very friendly on the phone and in person. They walked us around to show us the grounds. Our room was exactly as we expected so no surprise there. It was ready when we arrived, clean and stocked with the basics (towel, soap). We didn't have high expectations for a new/updated room as the photos are exactly how the room was. No fancy frills but clean and absolutely fine to stay in. The beds are not that comfortable but fine. The wall paper in farm house 6 was peeling a bit and wear and tear around the unit was present but we did expect the room to be outdated and didn't have any issues over all with the room. The main reason for our 3 star is really based on food, amenities, and grounds. As for food, do not have high expectations as it's very basic. I would rate it 2 at best, but it's all inclusive and does feed the mass groups. Our waitress the first night was awful, we didn't eat for almost an hour. She told us she was rusty and not ready for the groups yet. Little weird, but I guess she was being honest. The other night/day team were much better and more competent. One odd thing we did notice, food is not in abundance when it's put out for guests to grab. Once something runs out, it runs out. I'm all for not wasting food, that's very important but we noticed often food would run out (cookies, appetizers, and other items to grab-go). For example, the cocktail adults evening, majority of the finger appetizers ran out. Another night, they had watermelon for dessert and it ran out. Ultimately, we can't say we didn't eat, we did, some items just would run out and that was it in terms of offerings. Another concern was the indoor pool, it was freezing. Like unable to swim at all -cold- cold. I would think summer time the pools outside are much better, but we didn't try those as it was too early in the season (April). The toys on the main lawn near the sand pit and volleyball area are all broken and worn out. One of the swings broken and missing. The kiddie barn is broken where the kids play. The boats near the lake are all broken and dingy. I understand this place is more about family legacy and farm life, which yes is special, but most things I found are falling apart around the main lawn area especially. Just in general, broken or not cared for. I am not expecting anything to be brand new or perfect but they're run down. We did most of the kid events and the play doh was all dried out and the crafts very limited. We felt there could've been a few more kid friendly events going on (maybe a movie, more crafts, outdoor music/games, outdoor events). The activity staff seemed really uninterested when it came to many of the events too which was unfortunate. Rather than really engage the kids they often stood around. These are the main reasons for our 3 star review. The concept and legacy idea for families is awesome, but the upkeep just isn't there and not as much engagement as we hoped. I love being outdoors, and for my kids to enjoy their time outside and farm life but they need to clean up a bit here. A few things we did love, to be fair and honest, the farm animals, Pony Ride, Easter egg hunt, and magic show. They were fun and engaging. Also, my kids absolutely loved trying to get eggs from the Hens (despite the limited number, but that's not East Hill's fault, that's just kiddos who claim them all and run away before others get a chance to grab one from the Hens). I also had a massage, that's not East Hill, but their outside vendor they use in their main lobby. It wasn't very good. The lady was nice but the chair massage was not relaxing or enjoyable. She barely massaged me. I wouldn't recommend spending $20 on this add on. This spot has so much incredible potential if they just maintained it better. Such special memories for families to create here. I get leaving the rooms nostalgic and maybe the farm areas, but the grounds, toys, arts and crafts and a few other areas could use some upkeep. Unfortunately that's why this is only a 3 star from our family.

I have wonderful memories of visits when I was a child, decades ago, with my family of origin, and…read morethen also visiting there when my son was a youngster! Now, planning a visit with my son, his wife, and their toddler daughter! Everything- sO enjoyable!

This is our first time staying at a DCR campground west of 495, simply because none of them have…read morewater and electric. Now we have a basic solar kit to keep the batteries charged I was ready to go for it. This place is BEAUTIFUL. Pros and cons aside for a minute, we didn't want to leave. My husband is the beach lover but said this was probably his favorite we've camped at so far. (Granted some of it had to do with it being less than perfect weather and come Sunday morning we had almost the whole section to ourselves.) In our opinion the north side is nicer, and more set up size-wise for trailers. Any site from 101-112 is truly lake side and you can put your kayak or canoe in the lake right from there. We stayed at 116, and that section is more of a steep drop off but you still have wonderful lake views. But, it is also set up somewhat awkwardly with having to drive over the grass with not super clear markings. (119 is in front of 116 FYI. We felt bad setting up as we blocked some of their view.) That said, if you camp with friends, esp. tent camping it's a great area to reserve. The row of pull-through sites one up from the lake-side still offer a great water view and nice privacy between. The drawback is that if you are a family with young kids the access to the beach/swimming area is over at the east side. The bathrooms on the north side are small, very rustic and don't have dishwashing stations. However the ladies room shower has been updated to a real shower head and dial control that will let you regulate the hot water and stays on, not like the push button ones at Scusset or Salisbury! They were as clean as they could be, meaning they are old with an eroded cement floor so not much could be done. Oh and other reviews have mentions the traffic noise from 202 is loud at those sites that are nearest to roadway, and yes, we rode our bikes over there and it was terrible. And FYI some of the east side noise travels across the lake if you are at 113-118. Overall a totally different experience from Horseneck Beach, Scusset or Salisbury if you've been to those, but we really enjoyed it.

Kids love it. Large and somewhat private campsites. Ice cream truck at least once a day. Don't have…read moreto go far to find bathroom block. Near the water the bathrooms are old and full of bugs. Could be worse

Amazing place to camp! The people and staff are incredible and attentive. The cabins are livable…read moreand plentiful in space. It's gorgeous in scenery!

Visited this camp for a church men's retreat and the place was pretty amazing for the overall value…read moreand what you got. They have various sleeping quarters and while I'm not sure what's the worst quarters they have I did get assigned one of the houses that had multiple rooms with private bathrooms in each. I've been to camp facilities in the past where you have to walk through the woods at 3am for a potty break at a designated outhouse. The fact that Spofford had private bathrooms in each room of the large house was a really nice treat. While it wasn't a 5 star hotel it was a pretty amazing compared to other camping facilities I've visited in the past. The sanctuary they have is absolutely beautiful. It's so nice inside it almost seemed like it was brand new or relatively new. The camp is situated right next to a lake for summer fun although it was cold during my visit so nobody ventured into the water. The camp offers several simple activities to keep yourself entertained. The cafeteria is really nice, large and food is fairly good. They had an unlimited supply of coffee on hand for us which was a neat treat. Overall it's really a nice camp for the value you get and what is provided. If you come expected a 5 start luxury facility then you will be sorely disappointed but if you've been to other camp facilities this place is pretty top notch.