By Kai Long, Kids Outdoors Boston Parent Ambassador

Tully Lake, located in Royalston, is a fantastic experience with its spacious and secluded campsites. In addition it has onsite canoe rentals, trails for hiking and biking, as well as many places to swim and fish. My daughter loved the ranger-led activities like, “Learn to Fish for Kids” that was offered the weekend we visited. The ranger was patient, and although we caught no fish, my daughter learned enough to catch a Pumpkinseed and Bluegill later in the day.

Tully Lake campground, maintained by The Trustees of Reservations, caters to people who want a more secluded camping experience. After parking your car in the lot, you can use wheelbarrows to transport gear to your site. Amenities include bathrooms with running water, two showers, and a dishwashing station. Recycling is encouraged, and be prepared to carry out propane canisters. Cell phone reception is spotty and unreliable. You have to carry your water from the water source near the bathrooms to your site. Tully Lake offers a true outdoor experience.

On this trip, we had an inland site on a hill. Sitting at our fire circle, we could look out on the 200-acre lake and watch the sun set. In addition to fishing and canoeing, Tully Lake also has an extensive trail system. The ranger explained that one of the trails led all the way into New Hampshire. My daughter loved exploring the woods with her friend, learning to make a fire, and canoeing around the lake.

Tully Lake is a fabulous place to get away, play board games, hike, relax, and unplug!

AMC’s Outdoors with Kids Boston guidebook recommends Tully Lake for children and families with its swimming and paddling options and walking trails. You will find more helpful information at Kids Outdoors Boston, where you can also comment on this trip pick and give it your own rating!

Tully Lake day use area is open every day from dawn to dusk. Before going, you can print a map by visiting: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Portals/74/docs/Recreation/TUL/TULParkMap2013.pdf.

About the blogger: Kai Long is a featured guest blogger as part of AMC’s Kids Outdoors Boston Parent Ambassador program, which partners with local parents to share their outdoor experiences with this online community and beyond. Kai enjoys exploring the outdoors with her 10-year-old daughter and lives just outside of Boston. Stay tuned throughout the summer for monthly blog posts and trip reports from Kai, as well as from other local Parent Ambassadors and AMC’s Outdoors with Kids Boston author, Kim Foley MacKinnon.