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Best Campgrounds near Amherst Center, MA

661 Reviews

Amherst, Massachusetts camping areas combine natural settings with good hiking options. Woodford State Park is quiet and has nice fishing spots and trails. At Monadnock State Park, you'll find tougher hikes that lead to great views from the top. George Washington State Campground has bigger campsites and you can access Bowdish Reservoir for water activities. Summer is hot enough for swimming, while fall brings amazing color changes in the trees. Winter camping is possible but you'll need warm gear. Spring trails get muddy, so bring boots that can handle wet conditions. You might see deer, foxes, and lots of birds around camp - just make sure to store food properly. Most campgrounds are easy to reach on regular roads, though some trail access points might need trucks or SUVs when it's been raining a lot. The camping around Amherst works well whether you want quiet time or more active days outdoors.

Map showing campgrounds near Amherst Center, MassachusettsExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Amherst Center, Massachusetts (162)

    1. Northampton / Springfield KOA

    12 Reviews
    Southampton, MA
    15 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"

    2. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest Campground

    10 Reviews
    Goshen, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 268-7098

    $17 - $35 / night

    "There is a campers only beach on upper highland lake that was easy walking distance from the campsite and fishing opportunities there as well."

    "Public beach area is small but you can find your own quiet spot away from the crowd. sites book up quick so reserve early!"

    3. Westover ARB Military FamCamp

    4 Reviews
    Chicopee, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 557-2192

    "Base is sleepy and nearly all of it closes around 3pm unless it’s a Friday. It’s not the best, but it’s not the worst. I’d stay there again if it worked out logistically for us."

    "Located on Westover RAFB. for active duty, retired and DAV. Sites are water/electric but some are 30 amp, others are 50 amp. Dump station available."

    4. White Birch Campground

    1 Review
    Whately, MA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 665-4941

    5. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

    15 Reviews
    Rutland, MA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 882-9509

    $70 - $115 / night

    "Miles and miles of country/forests surrounding pine acres, however pulling in you’ll soon realize how much goes on inside the campground."

    "Although the tent sites are a distance from anything, the main areas of the campground are fantastic. With a full calendar of events (some free, some cost $) you will never be bored."

    6. Erving State Forest Campground

    3 Reviews
    Erving, MA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 544-7745

    $17 / night

    "Situated by a beautiful lake and access to several hiking trails. "

    "Friends told me about this little gem in north central Massachusetts, not far from Rt 2. The big draw here is the pond, with the public beach on one side and lined with private cabins on the other. "

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

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

    $40 / night

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

    "Volleyball and horseshoes are near the entrance. You may purchase firewood. The bathrooms offer flush toilets and a single shower on each site, plus a dishwashing sink outside."

    8. Barton Cove Campground

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

    $22 - $30 / night

    "Only real annoyance was dealing with set up and take down of the campsite- you check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate"

    9. Sunset View Farms

    5 Reviews
    Monson Center, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 267-9269

    "Great location kids had a blast just wished they had more activities for them to do for the weekend we stay it poured everyday and they only had one craft and then an arcade to entertain them."

    10. Country Aire Campgrounds

    6 Reviews
    Shelburne Falls, MA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 625-2996

    "We only live about 20 minutes away from this campground, we had a nice shady spot. The owners of this campground very friendly courteous and Knowledgeable of the local area."

    "We are very close to Berkshire East, in a small town of Shelburne Falls. This place is very quiet even with all the kids."

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Recent Camping Photos near Amherst Center, MA

521 Photos of 162 Amherst Center Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Amherst Center, MA

661 Reviews of 162 Amherst Center Campgrounds

  • Lorraine H.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    2 month stay started July

    It's ok great water views stuff for kids to do every weekend it's the seasonal campers that make it not fun at times u have some very friendly then others that are noisy judging ,parting witch parting really ain't problem until ur not watching ur kids or being loud at times I give it a 7 out of 10

  • Kenneth P.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    Not So Bad

    We spent one night at site #20 and enjoyed our stay.  It was rather peaceful other than the hum of I-91. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were generally wooded, pretty level, and fairly spread apart from one another.  I saw no signs of the problems identified in the June 2025 review.  Yes, I must agree that the restrooms are old, but they were clean.  The other problems might happen anywhere and were obviously brought under control.  Clearly, the writer of the June 2025 post knew way more than any weekend camper would be aware of and this shows that is more to their story that should have been revealed in their post.

  • M
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    kids always have a blast!

    We went for the Halloween event, and the kids had a great day and evening! They really enjoyed trick or treating!!!

  • 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.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    Really pretty and chill

    This campground is pretty and offers many private site options. We didn't use the bathrooms so can't speak on that. But overall it's a clean campground.

    There are two loops. The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet. The sites by the lake are really pretty, but there's not much privacy. All of the sites are good size and the fire pits are placed well.

    The other loop farther away from the entrance has a lot more lakeside sites. But there's very little privacy. The sites with higher numbers by the lake are all on top of each other with little to no trees or shrubs between sites, and you can't really decipher where one site ends and the next begins. We would not stay on that loop if we visited again. Unless it was site 101 which seemed more private for that loop.

    Sites 1 through 5 on the first loop are pretty quiet and peaceful. We stayed at site 4 and we think that it was one of the best sites in the campground. We didn't have neighbors on either side of us. We only had neighbors across from us. The site was spacious , peaceful and pretty. There was a little trail from our site that went down to a marsh. That was absolutely beautiful.

    We will definitely stay here again.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.

  • gabe N.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    What a gem

    We camped here one night on a pit stop and it exceeded our expectations! We camped on the north shore; sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake. However, there is limited privacy between sites so hope for good neighbors :) also cell service was fine with AT&T.

Guide to Amherst Center

Camping near Amherst Center, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Mt. Greylock Campsite Park. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is close to hiking trails, and the staff is friendly and helpful."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, October Mountain State Forest is near the Housatonic River, which is great for catch-and-release fishing. A camper shared, "The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside."
  • Swimming: Check out the swimming areas at George Washington State Campground. One reviewer noted, "The lake access is excellent, obviously."

What campers like:

  • Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Spacious Skies Minute Man. A visitor said, "The sites were ample size and space for our rig and needs."
  • Clean facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers at Woodford State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! The nicest I've seen yet."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the welcoming atmosphere at George Washington State Campground. A reviewer stated, "Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds."

What you should know:

  • No same-day reservations: At October Mountain State Forest, you can't make same-day reservations or walk-ups. One camper expressed frustration, saying, "First off, no same-day reservations or walk-ups allowed."
  • Limited cell service: If you need to stay connected, be aware that some campgrounds, like Monadnock State Park, have limited cell service. A visitor noted, "No cell/data service. I wish this were clearer on their website."
  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during weekends. A camper at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park mentioned, "There is a lot of noise, a lot of people, and not much enforcement of the rules."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and recreational areas, like Spacious Skies Minute Man. One family shared, "The rec room was impressive, with games and movies for campers to enjoy."
  • Safety first: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at George Washington State Campground mentioned, "Everyone complains about the local small wildlife getting into your food, but basic practices can keep them out."
  • Plan meals ahead: Bring easy-to-cook meals to save time and hassle. A visitor at Woodford State Park Campground suggested, "Make sure you stock up before you get there; stuff is expensive at the corner stores."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure the sites can accommodate your RV. A camper at Minute Man Campground noted, "Some of the FHU sites are pretty tight, but overall the campground is nice."
  • Dump station availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations, like George Washington State Campground. One reviewer said, "The dump station was clean, and the grounds were taken care of."
  • Wi-Fi access: If you need internet, check if the campground offers Wi-Fi. A visitor at Camping On The Battenkill mentioned, "Even free Wi-Fi if that is desired."

Camping near Amherst, MA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find private camping sites around Amherst Center?

Yes, you can find several private camping options near Amherst Center. Mohawk Park Campground & Restaurant offers private sites popular with anglers and families. Though some campers note the vibe isn't as welcoming as other spots, many return annually for the excellent fishing. For a more secluded experience, White Birch Campground in nearby Whately provides drive-in and walk-in sites with water and toilet facilities. Both locations offer reservable sites, giving you the security of knowing your spot is secured before arrival, which is especially valuable during peak camping season.

Where are the best campgrounds near Amherst, MA?

Several excellent campgrounds lie within driving distance of Amherst. Wells State Park Campground in Sturbridge offers beautiful hiking trails, swimming in Walker Pond, and newly renovated facilities. It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with its well-marked trail system varying in difficulty. For a peaceful forest experience, Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake in Royalston provides prime waterfront sites with canoe/kayak access. The Trustees of Reservations manages this campground, which features paddle-in or walk-in sites. Both locations are within reasonable driving distance from Amherst and offer distinctive natural settings for a weekend getaway.

Are there any RV camping options in Amherst, Massachusetts?

RV campers near Amherst have several good options. October Mountain State Forest Campground features a tiered campground with dedicated RV sites on the lower level. While some campers note the facilities are basic, they're clean and functional. For a more amenity-rich experience, Northampton / Springfield KOA in Westhampton offers big-rig-friendly sites with full hookups. This campground is conveniently located for exploring the Amherst area while enjoying the comfort and security of a well-maintained private RV park with water and toilet facilities.

How much do campgrounds near Amherst Center typically cost?

Campground costs around Amherst vary by type and amenities. At state parks like Otter River State Forest, which campers describe as a "hidden gem" in north central Massachusetts, you'll typically pay $17-27 per night for standard sites. Clarksburg State Park Campground offers similarly affordable rates for its clean, peaceful sites. Private campgrounds generally run higher, from $30-60 for basic tent sites to $45-80 for RV sites with hookups. Many state parks offer discounts for Massachusetts residents. Most campgrounds in the region require a one or two-night minimum stay on weekends during peak season (May-October).

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