Best Tent Camping near Agawam Town, MA

Tent campsites around Agawam Town, Massachusetts range from walk-in wilderness areas to established campgrounds with limited amenities. Notable options include Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston, which offers walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, and Sodom Mountain Campground in Southwick with tent-specific areas. Mount Washington State Forest provides more remote backcountry camping at Alander Trail Campground, where hikers must trek 1.5-2 miles to reach primitive tent sites.

Most tent campgrounds near Agawam require campers to bring their own water and pack out all trash. The walk-in sites at Tully Lake provide wooden wheelbarrows to transport gear from the parking area to campsites. Primitive backcountry sites often feature only basic amenities like fire rings and bear boxes. Tent platforms are available at some locations, while others offer only cleared ground for pitching tents. Access varies significantly, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles to reach trailheads, while others involve substantial hiking to reach designated tent camping zones.

Tent camping experiences in the region offer varying levels of seclusion and natural settings. The tent-only sites typically provide greater privacy than mixed-use campgrounds. A camper described Alander Trail Campground as offering "a super private, true primitive camping experience" with sites that feature "a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box." Many tent campgrounds include waterfront options, particularly at Tully Lake where paddling is popular among tent campers. Wildlife encounters are common at more remote tent sites, with some reviewers mentioning coyotes and bears in the vicinity of backcountry campsites. Fall camping provides cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage views, though campers should prepare for potential cold nights, especially at higher elevations.

Best Tent Sites Near Agawam Town, Massachusetts (23)

    1. Sodom Mountain Campground

    1 Review
    Southwick, MA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 569-3930

    "I wasn't going to come back again but it is very close to my grandkids. All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired.  The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back. "

    2. Onion Mountain Park

    3 Reviews
    West Simsbury, CT
    18 miles
    Website

    "We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike."

    "Very peaceful overnight camping, no permit required. Small campsite, first come first served basis. Other posts claim you can park right the site, but you can not."

    3. Chester Railway Station

    1 Review
    Chester, MA
    22 miles
    Website

    $50 - $100 / night

    "The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too.  You hear the trains running at night. Very clean and comfortable."

    4. River Highlands State Park River Campground

    1 Review
    Cromwell, CT
    31 miles
    +1 (203) 287-5658

    $5 / night

    "We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river."

    5. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    9 Reviews
    Royalston, MA
    45 miles
    +1 (978) 249-9150

    $40 / night

    "Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them."

    "Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border."

    6. Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground

    1 Review
    Bantam, CT
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-0089

    $25 / night

    "Quiet woods atmosphere with trail’s. Wonderful place to camp. Very clean"

    7. Zoar Outdoor

    3 Reviews
    Charlemont, MA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 339-4010

    8. Barton Cove Campground

    2 Reviews
    Greenfield, MA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 863-9300

    $22 - $30 / night

    "The office was super helpful when I called to make reservations, making sure to ask questions about how big my tent was, what kind of view/privacy we wanted etc so they could help me find the perfect campsite"

    9. Federated Womens Club State Forest

    1 Review
    Petersham, MA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    10. Alander Trail Camground — Mount Washington State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Mount Washington, MA
    43 miles
    Website

    "Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you’re looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience."

    "Each spot is easy to find off the trail. They also have bear boxes at each site!"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Agawam Town, MA

624 Reviews of 23 Agawam Town Campgrounds


  • Sa R.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    Beautiful lake

    First time staying there. Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them. Canoe, kayak & padddleboard rental available. Showers & bathrooms by the parking area. Lots of islands & places to explore on the lake. Buggy in June so bring your repellent. Dogs allowed...that’s all I got for now :)

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.

  • Ryan A.
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground

    Great Campground in Western Mass

    This is a great campground located off of highway 2 in western Mass. I stayed in site 51 and luckily the campground was mostly empty(it was on a Thursday though and was supposed to be full for the weekend.) Each campsite has a bear box and fire ring, there is easy access to hiking trails and flush-toilet bathrooms with sinks are located throughout. There is only one dumpster though and it’s a walk to get to – store your trash in your car or drive it each night, or enjoy the walk. 

    The campsites are very close together without much brush for privacy, so you should expect to see your neighbors up close and personal. Some of the sites are on Cold River(which is more like a creek). The bugs were awful, especially the gnats and I did see a large tick on my fire grill, so be prepared. The best sites are on the lower loop around the water. Avoid any site next to the bathroom as the lights stay on all night and will shine directly into your tent. 49 looked really nice and seemed dark. The hike-in sites were also close together, 22 is the most private. There are baskets with wheels provided. 

    The rangers are friendly and sell firewood in case you need any. You’ll need to check in before going to the campsite, they’ll give you a map and they take good care of the sites. Would definitely camp here again.

  • Nancy R.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    Tully Lake Campground is perfect to enjoy traditional family camping!

    Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border. It is a State managed campground, and reservations must be made through Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations. There are some prime camp sites with direct access to the lake, but suggest you be prepared to call early in the morning of the first day State Campground reservations can be made, if you want one of these!

    This is a "Carry In" campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites.) There are individual sites, and 2 group sites, if you are camping with a group. Canoes are available to rent to explore Tully Lake. Most parts of the lake are suitable for swimming, and some camp sites offer direct entry into the lake for swimming, canoeing, or kayaking. If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area. The views are beautiful, and it's not unusual to spot professional nature photographers at various points along the waterfalls. Bring your cameras or smart phones to capture some of these breathtaking views! And of course there are longer, more challenging trails for more experienced hikers. There are family oriented programs offered, and dogs are allowed, on leash only. Cell service is spotty to non-existent for some providers within the campground. But a short walk or drive away from the campground you can get connected again.

    The bathrooms are located near the entrance to the Park, and include flush toilets as well as coin operated, hot showers, open 24/7. There are sinks beside the building, where campers are asked to wash their dishes, rather than at the camp site. A fire ring and picnic table are provided at each camp site. If you've forgotten any gear or need groceries, there's a Walmart just a 15 minute drive away, open until 12 midnight.

    The staff are quite friendly, helpful and informative. If you enjoy "old fashioned" family tent camping, without the noise and presence of cars and RV's near your camp site, (or cell phones!) this is the place for you. Enjoy!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Alander Trail Camground — Mount Washington State Forest

    Amazing Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you’re looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience. You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots. Once you get there, theres quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit or privacy. It’s completely free and it usually isn’t too busy since most people don’t like having to carry all their stuff in that far. You will be in the heart of the forest/woods so definitely make sure to be prepared. We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy. They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby

  • Dawn S.
    May. 30, 2020

    Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    Clean

    My pup and I spent two nights here and were very happy. While this campground is bare-bones (no pool) it is perfect for anyone who wants to just chill and do nothing or hit the mountains / local area and do some hiking. The entire campground was very clean, as were the bathrooms. At check-in they will give you maps of hiking routes. Firewood is for sale onsite as are a few necessities. They also had bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings at each site. We will go back.

  • Katherine P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park

    A Cozy Spot

    We stayed here in August 2020.

    This is a really interesting campground that's situated on a hill overlooking Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park.  Almost all of the sites have platforms to pitch your tent on, although there are a couple of flatter spots without platforms (although they still have a slope.)

    There's space near the platform that is flat-ish with a picnic and a fire pit.  Some of these are better than others, ours was not that flat, but we made it work. You get a pretty decent view of Rudd Pond, and the sunsets are pretty. There is also a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park. There's a swimming beach and during non-covid times, boat rentals.

    The campsites are pretty close together, so if the campground is full, you are rather close to your neighbors. It was close to half full when we were there, and it still felt like a fairly noisy campground, even after quiet hours. 

    My one complaint in these covid times is that compared to the NY-DEC campground we stayed at, I felt that the safety measures were less adhered to here. They had signs asking people to wear masks in the bathroom building, but far fewer people were. I also didn't see the staff do any cleaning of the restrooms while we were there - the paper towels ran out at one point and I had to flag the staff down to get them to go take care of that.  

    Still, I thought it was a really cute place to stay, and I think we would stay here again.

  • Sara Q.
    Oct. 7, 2019

    Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    Small, loud, muddy

    Unfortunately, I was not a big fan of this small campground. Right from the start, upon checkin, I bought two $5 ea. bundles of wood after being assured they were "kiln dried".  The wood wouldn't catch no matter what I tried -- not even with the help of some fire starter.  The tent site itself was very small and barely fit my truck and tent.  It was made smaller still because of the mud and holes on the perimeter of the site. At night, there was a lot of traffic noise nearby and despite a posted quiet time, other campers were slamming car doors over and over and talking at the top of their lungs, making it difficult to sleep. The surrounding state forest was pretty and the trails were in decent shape.

  • Ryan A.
    May. 21, 2024

    Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    Good Location for Hiking, Lots of Garbage, Not Recommended

    Camped here on a Friday night in Site 16, yet another campground recommended in“Best Tent Camping: New England.” Overall I was not impressed. The campsites are right next to each other and are marked with posts. The sites are so close that the posts are marked with the site number on both sides which tells me that there has been confusion in the past.

    The sites along the creek mostly have worn paths to walk to it but it’s nothing impressive and I wouldn’t want to eat fish that came out of it. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, some have the kind where the top flips over and others have the moveable grate that goes up and down. There is a large dumpster in the campground and several porta-potties. The old outhouses have been permanently closed and locked shut. My campsite had a lot of trash in it, old tent stakes, plastic bottle caps, plastic fork, broken glass, etc. Not good.

    Some of the people there were camping in a group and were blasting music. I didn’t see a single park ranger the entire night so I’m not sure how often they police it. Someone in a pickup truck came into the campground, did a u-turn, and sped out at 30 mph which was really annoying and unsafe.

    Across the street from the campground is a trail to Chapman Falls, which will take less than 10 minutes to hike to, but it’s a pretty waterfall despite all the foam and garbage around it.

    This is a pretty basic campground and is nothing special. Out of all the sites I think 22 looked the best, it is more isolated and you can hear the waterfalls from it, which would be relaxing. The downside is that it’s right next to the entrance and road so you’ll get car headlights at night.

    I woke in the morning to a gray sky and hundreds of birds singing– it was my favorite part of the trip. I delayed getting up to enjoy the moment. I also didn’t see any ticks but I’m sure there are plenty based on other reviews.

    I’ve always thought that if states were condiments Connecticut would be mayonnaise– relatively unremarkable and bland. This campground fits that description perfectly.


Guide to Agawam Town

Tent camping near Agawam Town, Massachusetts, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from rustic sites to well-equipped campgrounds, there's something for every type of camper.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • Experience the unique charm of the Chester Railway Station, where you can camp in a converted caboose and enjoy the sounds of passing trains.
  • Explore the beautiful landscapes at Laurel Ridge — Mount Everett State Reservation, known for its stunning views and challenging hikes.
  • Visit the serene Barton Cove Campground, which provides access to the picturesque Connecticut River and opportunities for canoeing.

Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • Hike the trails at Onion Mountain Park, where you can find peaceful camping spots and enjoy a quiet night under the stars.
  • Engage in water activities at Zoar Outdoor, which is connected to an adventure company offering white water rafting and tubing.
  • Discover the rustic beauty of Federated Womens Club State Forest, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature with a walk-in camping experience.

Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities

  • Sodom Mountain Campground is big rig friendly and offers a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for families and first-time campers.
  • Enjoy the convenience of picnic tables and firewood at Cozie Nook Homestead, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
  • Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground features clean facilities and a quiet woods atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at tent campgrounds in Agawam?

Tent campgrounds near Agawam offer various amenities depending on the location. Alander Trail Camground in Mount Washington State Forest provides a primitive camping experience with bear boxes at each site and an outhouse nearby. For more facilities, Onion Mountain Park offers primitive camping spots with hiking trails. Most tent campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and access to potable water. Bathroom facilities range from pit toilets to flush toilets depending on the campground. Some locations offer additional recreation options like hiking trails, fishing, and water activities. Always check with specific campgrounds before your trip as amenities can change seasonally and may be limited during off-peak times.

Where can I find tent camping near Agawam, MA?

While there aren't tent campgrounds directly in Agawam Town, several excellent options are within driving distance. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston offers tent-only camping with sites that have direct access to the lake. Many sites are walk-in, with carts provided to transport your gear. Another option is Barton Cove Campground, which features rustic tent sites with platforms, grills, fire pits, and picnic tables. Both campgrounds provide a peaceful outdoor experience within reasonable driving distance of Agawam. For those willing to travel a bit further, several state forests and parks in western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut offer tent camping opportunities with varying levels of amenities and accessibility.

Do I need reservations for tent camping in Agawam Town?

Yes, reservations are highly recommended for tent camping near Agawam. Laurel Ridge at Mount Everett State Reservation requires advance planning, as it's a popular destination for hiking and overnight camping. Similarly, at Brassie Brook Shelter near Bear Mountain on the Appalachian Trail, while technically first-come, first-served, securing your spot in advance is advisable during peak seasons. Most campgrounds in the region have limited capacity, especially for tent sites, and can fill up quickly during summer weekends and holidays. Reservation policies vary by location, with some campgrounds accepting bookings up to 6 months in advance. Check each campground's specific reservation system and book early to ensure availability, particularly for weekend stays from late spring through early fall.