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Best Campgrounds near Tolland, MA

548 Reviews

Located in western Massachusetts, Tolland borders a mix of state forests and recreational lands offering diverse camping environments. Tolland State Forest Campground provides lakefront camping on Otis Reservoir with tent and RV sites open from mid-May through mid-October. Nearby options include Granville State Forest, a more secluded woodland setting with primitive sites. Both areas are part of Massachusetts' state park system, with October Mountain State Forest and Beartown State Forest within 30 miles. Private campgrounds like Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park offer additional amenities including cabin rentals and glamping options.

Campground operating seasons typically run from May through October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for waterfront sites which tend to fill quickly during summer months. State forest campgrounds enforce strict policies on alcohol consumption, with Granville State Forest maintaining a zero-tolerance approach. Water access varies by location, with some sites offering direct pond or reservoir frontage while others are set back in wooded areas. Basic amenities like bathrooms and showers are available at most established sites, though quality and availability differ. A visitor noted, "There is plenty of vegetation between sites. There are some easy hikes nearby also. Great for our dogs too."

The waterfront sites at Tolland State Forest receive consistently high ratings from campers seeking water recreation opportunities. Many visitors appreciate the spacious sites equipped with bear boxes, fire rings, and picnic tables. One camper described their experience: "Beautiful clean campground. All the sites are spacious. The site is on a peninsula in Otis reservoir. Lots of activity in the water!" Sites vary considerably in privacy and proximity to facilities. Campers frequently mention wildlife encounters, including owls and raccoons, particularly in less-visited areas. While most campgrounds maintain clean facilities, visitors should prepare for varying levels of site privacy, with some campgrounds featuring closely positioned sites that offer limited seclusion, especially during peak season.

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Best Camping Sites Near Tolland, Massachusetts (146)

    1. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    13 Reviews
    Riverton, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0922

    $17 - $50 / night

    "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots. Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."

    "There is access to the Farmington River from the campground for your fishing and paddling pleasure. In the summer, this place is mosquito central, so bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!"

    2. Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Granville, MA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 357-6494

    "The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around. We are going to make this a yearly thing from now on!!"

    "This is over the boarder in mass from ct We did a three month seasonal Site Staff is super nice and helpful We had a nice quite spot even though we where in the road to the lake"

    3. White Pines Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Winsted, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0124

    $74 / night

    "However one issue was the garbage situation. Had to walk a long distance to throw out the trash."

    "We got a tent spot and it was perfect since it was the furthest one away and there was no one near us which is probably why we loved it so much bc we were so isolated. a little disappointed in the site"

    4. Tolland State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Tolland, MA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 269-6002

    $17 / night

    "campground the bathroom was clean and well equipped with toilet paper and soap

    we stayed at site 70 which was very spacious and set back from the road so had more privacy, although site 71 is very close by"

    "This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland."

    5. Lone Oak Camp Sites

    12 Reviews
    Norfolk, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 422-2267

    "We could have fit 3 campers in it and were a good distance from the neighboring sites (there are some places that you are packed in like sardines, not this one)."

    "well worth a visit and close to berkshires"

    6. Granville State Forest

    5 Reviews
    Tolland, MA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 357-6611

    $17 / night

    "Trails are right near the sites so def scope out your spot before purchase. Has a full shower/bath and sink for washing very well kept and water pump rnot to far from the site."

    7. Northampton / Springfield KOA

    12 Reviews
    Southampton, MA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 527-9862

    "We stayed in the cabins and they were clean, and we liked our proximity to the pool."

    "I’m more of a quite, in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind of camper, so I tend to shy away from commercial campgrounds, but it was easier for me to commute from the KOA than from home when work was crazy because"

    8. October Mountain State Forest Campground

    16 Reviews
    Lenox Dale, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 243-1778

    $17 - $55 / night

    "I tent camped here in night while exploring the fishing in Western Massachusetts. The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside."

    "Some of the sites are very visible and a few are tucked away into the woods with privacy. Most are pretty close to their neighbors."

    9. Black Rabbit Farm

    1 Review
    Granville, MA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 374-2680

    $45 - $65 / night

    10. Beartown State Forest Campground

    5 Reviews
    Great Barrington, MA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 528-0904

    $14 / night

    "A pretty spot near the Berkshires. This spot has rustic hikes and good swimming, plus relatively secluded campsites."

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Recent Camping Photos near Tolland, MA

607 Photos of 146 Tolland Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tolland, MA

548 Reviews of 146 Tolland Campgrounds

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Nah

    If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Zoar Outdoor

    Nice and would like to visit again but not within 12 hours-BOO

    I’m writing this mid-October from western MA. In between homes and looked forward to staying another night, but can not because of a 12 hour advance policy. There were plenty of tent sites available last night. Not a happy camper.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

  • Michael
    Sep. 20, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    The Quarry Campground

    Very quiet. At night all you can hear is the crackling of the campfire.

Guide to Tolland

Camping near Tolland, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer from October Mountain State Forest saying, "Hiking was MOST EXCELLENT!!! We got to walk to the Appalachian trail."
  • Fishing: The nearby rivers and lakes are great for fishing. A camper at October Mountain State Forest mentioned, "The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside," making it a perfect spot for anglers.
  • Swimming: Some campgrounds, like Lake Taghkanic State Park, offer swimming areas. A visitor noted, "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock."

What campers like:

  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. One reviewer at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park said, "Pat and Gordon are incredibly welcoming hosts."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds provide roomy sites. A family at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park enjoyed, "The camp sites were well shaded and spacious."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Compounce Campground remarked, "Clean bathrooms and nice store."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during weekends. A camper at Lake Waramaug State Park noted, "It is a party place then."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A reviewer at October Mountain State Forest mentioned, "The Ranger said he doesn’t even notice it anymore," referring to the nearby power station noise.
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Lake Waramaug State Park warned about skunks and squirrels, saying, "There are lots of skunks and squirrels that will get into EVERYTHING."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. A parent at Lone Oak Camp Sites said, "The activities are fun for the kids and there's a giant pool."
  • Safety First: Ensure kids can safely ride bikes. A reviewer at Lone Oak Camp Sites expressed concerns about the narrow roads, stating, "The sheer armada of golf carts constantly going up and down the road make you feel like you’re camping on a highway."
  • Plan Meals: Bring your own food and cooking supplies, as some campgrounds are far from stores. A camper at Lake Waramaug State Park advised, "Plan on bringing your own food and cooking."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Tolland, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available in Tolland State Forest?

Tolland State Forest Campground offers tent camping with spacious sites that include bear boxes, fire rings, and picnic tables. Many sites are set back from the road for added privacy, and some coveted lakefront spots allow direct water access for kayaking and other water activities. The campground features sites with varying degrees of seclusion, with some like site 70 offering more privacy than others. The ground at some sites consists of large gravel, which can be challenging for tent camping but manageable with proper equipment.

What amenities and facilities are offered at Tolland State Forest campgrounds?

Tolland State Forest Campground provides clean, well-maintained bathhouses with toilet paper, soap, and sinks designated for washing dishes. Each campsite comes equipped with bear boxes for secure food storage, fire rings for campfires, and picnic tables. For comparison, October Mountain State Forest Campground is organized in three sections on different tiers of a hill, with the lower level designated for RVs, middle for tents, and upper tier featuring yurts, each level having its own bath house with toilet stalls and shower facilities.

What do visitors say about their camping experience at Tolland State Forest?

Visitors consistently praise Tolland State Forest Campground for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and peaceful atmosphere. Many highlight the lakefront sites as particularly desirable, appreciating the ability to launch kayaks directly from their campsite. The water is described as clean and enjoyable despite some rocky entry points. Campers frequently mention the well-maintained bathroom facilities. For those seeking alternatives in the region, Clarksburg State Park Campground also receives high marks for being exceptionally clean, peaceful, and quiet, especially at night, making it an excellent option for families with young children.

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