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The Pines Campground Introduce

For Massachusetts residents seeking a genuine return to nature without the corporate polish of modern "glamping" resorts, The Pines Campground in Ashby stands as a steadfast reminder of classic New England camping. Tucked away in the scenic highlands of North Central Massachusetts, this family-owned and operated establishment has been a staple of the local outdoor community since the early 1970s. Whether you are looking for a weekend family getaway or a seasonal home for your RV, The Pines provides a rustic, "small but cute" atmosphere that prioritizes tranquility, tall trees, and the simple joys of a crackling campfire.

The Pines is unique in the region for its year-round availability, allowing hardy New Englanders to experience the beauty of the forest through all four seasons. Managed by the Fiola family, the park maintains a welcoming, community-focused vibe where repeat visitors are common and newcomers are treated like neighbors. The layout of the campground is thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, featuring large wooded sites that offer a sense of privacy rarely found in high-density parks. From the bubbling clear brooks that border many of the sites to the towering white pines that give the park its name, every corner of the property is designed to help guests disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural one.

Located at 39 Davis Rd, Ashby, MA 01431, the campground is perfectly positioned for those who want to feel deep in the woods while remaining within a reasonable drive of major Massachusetts hubs. It is situated approximately an hour from Boston, Worcester, and Salem, making it an ideal "staycation" destination for residents of Eastern and Central Massachusetts. The drive to Ashby itself is part of the experience, as you transition from busy highways to the winding, tree-lined backroads characteristic of the New Hampshire border region.

Accessibility at The Pines is well-considered, ensuring that guests of all physical abilities can enjoy the grounds. The campground features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a dedicated parking lot, and accessible restrooms. While the terrain is naturally wooded and features dirt roads—which can be a bit bumpy after a classic New England rainstorm—the staff is known for being highly attentive, often assisting guests with larger rigs to navigate into their sites. For those traveling with significant equipment, the park offers 50-amp service and plenty of room for 39-foot fifth wheels, though it also preserves "hike-in" primitive sites for those who prefer to leave their vehicles behind and truly immerse themselves in the forest.

The Pines Campground offers a comprehensive suite of onsite services designed to make your stay comfortable, whether you are in a high-tech RV or a simple nylon tent. The goal is to provide modern conveniences without sacrificing the rustic charm that campers expect from an Ashby retreat. Payment is made easy with acceptance of major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, reflecting the park's balance of old-school vibes and modern efficiency.

  • Full-service RV camping with both 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups and water connections.
  • Propane fill station located directly on-site, saving residents and travelers a trip into town.
  • A well-stocked camp store and office providing essentials like ice, s'mores supplies, and quality firewood.
  • Sanitary dumping station and portable station services for RV maintenance.
  • A large recreation hall for community gatherings, featuring an arcade and a nostalgic collection of antiques.
  • Laundry facilities and hot, coin-operated showers maintained for guest convenience.
  • On-site Wi-Fi available for a small fee, ensuring great signal strength for those who need to stay connected.

The features and highlights of The Pines are centered on family-friendly recreation and the rugged beauty of the North Central Massachusetts landscape. The campground is particularly famous for its "Pines Pool," a beautiful and well-maintained swimming area that serves as the heart of the park during the summer months. For those who love the water, a bubbling brook runs through the property, providing a soothing soundtrack for sleep and opportunities for light fishing or wading.

  • Large, wooded campsites including primitive tent sites and sites with full RV hookups.
  • A sparkling clean swimming pool with plenty of deck space for lounging.
  • Direct access to local hiking trails, with kid-friendly routes and proximity to Mount Watatic.
  • A dedicated playground area and a game-filled arcade lounge to keep children and teens entertained.
  • Planned weekend activities designed to bring the camping community together through shared events.
  • A pet-friendly environment where dogs are welcomed to join the family adventure.
  • Proximity to local landmarks like Willard Brook State Forest and the stunning Trap Falls in West Townsend.

For more information or to book a stay, the Fiola family and the team at The Pines Campground can be reached through their main office. Because the park is a popular choice for seasonal residents, it is recommended to call ahead for availability, especially during the peak autumn foliage and summer holiday weekends.

Address: 39 Davis Rd, Ashby, MA 01431, USA

Phone: (978) 386-7702

What is worth choosing about The Pines Campground is its unwavering commitment to the authentic, family-owned camping experience. In a market increasingly dominated by corporate-owned parks with rigid rules and high prices, The Pines offers a refreshing alternative that is both affordable and personal. It is worth choosing for the diversity of its sites; you can find everything from a 50-amp RV spot with great Wi-Fi to a deep-woods "walk-in" site that feels completely isolated from civilization. This flexibility makes it a rare find in the Massachusetts camping scene.

Additionally, the year-round operation is a major draw for local enthusiasts. Whether you want to witness the vibrant colors of a Sutton or Ashby autumn or enjoy the stark, quiet beauty of a snowy forest, The Pines is there to accommodate. The presence of the Fiola family on-site adds a layer of safety and hospitality that makes families feel comfortable returning year after year. If you value a campground where the owners know your name, the firewood is dry, and the nights are quiet and filled with stars, The Pines Campground is the quintessential Choice for your next Massachusetts outdoor excursion.

In summary, The Pines Campground provides a perfectly balanced retreat for the modern New Englander. It honors the traditions of rustic camping while offering the amenities necessary for a stress-free stay. We invite you to explore the beautiful woods of Ashby and see for yourself why this "small but cute" campground has been a favorite for generations. Would you like me to look up the specific hiking trail maps for the nearby Mount Watatic or provide a list of local events happening in North Central Massachusetts during your planned visit?

Location

Customer Reviews

4.0
189 reviews
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L. G.
Aug 21, 2025

Camping at The Pines is always a good time! I’ve never had a bad experience here and we’ve been coming here off and on now since 2011. The Fiola family is always accommodating, the pool is beautiful, they have a propane fill on site, and plenty of quality firewood,. They always have something going on to bring everyone together. A Decent playground is available for the kids and some really cool sites that are deep into the woods, so deep you park your car and walk in to setup camp. Back in the day, I would’ve went for those but nowadays I’m using a 39ft Fifth wheel and I got a spot with all the hookups, plenty of room, and a 50Amp service.

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Linda Umlah
Sep 05, 2025

This campground was amazing! When I booked for five days due to a local event nearby I thought it will be ok enough to lay our heads down. The website mention “we are small but cute”. Cute it sure is, although beautiful! Also, a lot bigger than I imagined. We walked the perimeters and wow especially far out, if you want peace and quiet, primitive state and such for tenting, this campground has it. If you want space for RVs they have it. Price wise, you can’t beat it! You do pay for wifi although $3 a day or $20 for a week, you can’t beat that and it’s great signal. They have a pool, a store that has a little bit of everything, an amazing huge room with so many antiques, I loved the nostalgia and going back in time. Great walking and nice areas nearby. The people that work there are very attentive and friendly. I sure do give them 5+ stars!

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Mike M
Aug 07, 2025

Just stayed here last weekend because we wanted something close to home with a pool at a reasonable rate. After reading through some of the google reviews, I decided to take a chance and call to book a site and figured if we didn't like it, it's only a 40-minute ride home. I'm really glad we did give it a chance. The staff was really friendly, the site that we had was well above my expectations. Saturday, they had a Halloween party for the children and children's games that rivaled some of the high-end campgrounds we've been to, followed up by trick or treating. Very inclusive, friendly organizers and borrow a costume was available! The pool, while not heated, was crystal clear, clean and refreshing on a warm day. a little rough around the edges, but very nice. Nice tables and chairs with umbrellas lined the pool side with well cut grass underneath. The camp store has a lot in it at reasonable prices and I'm sure if you run into any trailer issues, they probably have a part available to help you fix it lying around. There is a quaint little arcade game room with a pool table next door to the activities room. The activities room is filled with 40's through 90's era collectables that's definitely worth a walk through to see some history. There is a nice hiking path that leads into the woods where you can hike in/hike out if you are a tent camper, or just looking for a hike, very secluded if that's what you like. That entire part of the campground was empty and begging for a larger family to rent multiple sites together and not worry about being a bit louder because nobody would hear you back there. There are quite a few year-round renters in the upper portion of the campground. My son ended up be-friending a few of the friendly local kids that took him down the brook to show him where the hidden crayfish are! If you are low maintenance family looking for a well-priced, quiet campground in the woods that is rustic & not looking to fleece your wallet, give this place a try. Most transient campers I met had been there previously and continue to come back... that says something. While this place may not be for everyone, it checked the boxes that my family needed. If you are looking for a well-manicured golf course style campground, I've been to them as well, keep looking this place won't suit you. We will be back in late September to see the fall foliage and for a certain person's birthday we met there to surprise them on the 27th.

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Donna Johnston
Sep 30, 2025

Campground dirty, staff surly and not at all helpful! The road, if you can call it a road, is a dirt path full of ruts and holes, hard on camper and vehicle just trying to drive thru! Outrageous price for the money! Dont go here it is simply not worth it! Do not recommend!

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Chris Masters
Jun 25, 2025

Just a night stop over on our way tomorrow. Restrooms and showers are clean. The park is nice and peaceful and the owners are very friendly. I’d stay here again.