171 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds in the Pioneer Valley surrounding Amherst Center, Massachusetts range from state forests to privately operated facilities offering varied accommodation options. Notable locations include the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest Campground approximately 12 miles northwest of Amherst and the Northampton/Springfield KOA in Westhampton. Tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals are available throughout the area, with most developed campgrounds providing standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water. Several locations also feature glamping options for those seeking more comfortable outdoor experiences.
Seasonal operation affects availability at most campgrounds in the region, with many facilities operating from late April through October. The DAR State Forest Campground operates from May 25 to October 8, while the Northampton/Springfield KOA runs from mid-April through October 31. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Public beaches, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities are accessible from many campgrounds, particularly at state forest locations. Water access points vary by location, with some offering dedicated swimming areas. One camper noted, "We stayed at the Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest in September of 2019 and found the campsites clean, flat and plenty large for our camper, tent and car."
Families with children frequently mention the Northampton/Springfield KOA for its organized activities. According to visitor reports, the KOA offers "hayless rides and fire truck rides" plus seasonal events like haunted houses in October. State forest campgrounds receive positive reviews for their spaciousness and natural settings, with campers highlighting hiking opportunities and lake access. The DAR State Forest features "spacious sites" with "beautiful hiking" and a fire tower that provides panoramic views. Cell phone coverage can be limited at more remote locations, with one visitor noting DAR State Forest "is in an area that has no cell reception for most carriers and there is no wi-fi." Price differences between in-state and out-of-state visitors can be substantial at state-operated campgrounds, with non-Massachusetts residents sometimes paying significantly higher rates than state residents.
"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"
"Private, wooded sites with proximity to clean bathrooms/showers. We stayed at site #3 and it was a great location with an easy walking path to the bath house and privacy between sites."
"There is a campers only beach on upper highland lake that was easy walking distance from the campsite and fishing opportunities there as well."
from $17 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $70 - $115 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"Situated by a beautiful lake and access to several hiking trails. "
from $17 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $40 / night
"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."
"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"
from $22 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
ScoutWe used White Pines as our base while exploring this part of Connecticut and it worked out really well. We spent most of Saturday away from camp and came back tired and ready for an easy evening. Made dinner outside, started a fire, and didn’t move again until bedtime. Sometimes that is exactly what you want from a campsite.
ScoutBrought our dog along and really appreciated having a trail we could walk together. It was nice being able to get out for a walk without even leaving the campground.
ScoutStayed for a weekend. Staff was super friendly and the park was very clean. Enjoyed some fishing and caught some small trout with my kids. Very relaxing and enjoyed our stay.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
ScoutWe came up for two nights with our tent and ended up wishing we had booked another. Nothing fancy about our weekend, just cooking outside, sleeping under the trees, and enjoying some time away.
ScoutWhere does one even begin to explain how great this campground is?! There’s truly a little bit of something for everyone here!
We absolutely loved our campsite. It had plenty of room, a good amount of privacy, and great tree coverage. Even when it rained, our fire pit somehow stayed pretty dang dry, which was a huge plus!
The rec hall was awesome and had so many cool arcade games to check out. They also offer kayak and canoe rentals for the pond, which has surprisingly clear, beautiful water.
One thing that REALLY stood out to us was how incredibly clean the bathrooms and showers were. They were well maintained and practically bug-free, which is almost unheard of at a campground!
On top of all that, everyone we came across—from the staff to the other campers—was super friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth. It just had an all-around great atmosphere.
Seriously, don’t skip over this campground. If you’re on the fence, just book it. You won’t regret it! We’ll definitely be back!
TravelerIt’s super cute here, there’s a rec room for older kids and playground for younger kids. It’s a short walk to a fishing spot and it’s very clean. Our site had a plug, there’s a laundry machine on site and the owner is super sweet.
ScoutWe use Oakhaven as our first camping trip of the year typically it’s near a home less an hour away yet it feels like it’s much further. Well, located in a small community in southwestern Massachusetts. You can access a lot of tourist areas for day trips if you’re so inclined like Sturbridge mass or the Cobb and Reservoir area. This is a great campground for dogs nice areas to take a walk and also out into the main town area. Owners are pretty chill. There isn’t a ton of activities or special events. Just a few to keep things interesting. Camp store is well stocked.
TravelerGreat little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont. Once you get onto the forest service road, everything is gravel/dirt, with several small pull-offs and primitive campsites scattered along the road. Some sites are only a few feet from the road, while others are tucked back around 100 feet and offer a little more privacy.
The individual pull-offs can be a little more challenging to reach. Most involve some combination of hills, rocks, ruts, and mud, although nothing was too crazy. Some spots are definitely easier to get into than others, so having a vehicle with decent ground clearance is helpful.
There was a decent amount of traffic passing through the area while we were there, but nothing too crazy or disruptive. The campsite we stayed at had a fire pit, but there was no running water at our site, and I don’t believe the other dispersed sites have running water either.
Overall, a pretty good option if you’re looking for a primitive, low-key camping spot with multiple sites to choose from. Just don’t expect complete solitude, especially during busier times.
Camping near Amherst MA typically peaks from late spring through mid-autumn when temperatures range from 60-85°F during daylight hours. The Pioneer Valley sits at elevations between 100-450 feet above sea level, creating varied camping terrain with both riverside and hillside options. Price disparities between Massachusetts residents and out-of-state campers can exceed $30 per night at some public campgrounds.
Swimming options: Laurel Lake at Erving State Forest Campground features both a public beach and quieter areas around the pond. "The big draw here is the pond, with the public beach on one side and lined with private cabins on the other. Swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking will keep you busy," notes Jean C.
Hiking with elevation: Fire tower trails near DAR State Forest provide panoramic valley views with minimal effort. One camper described the experience: "The hike from site 44 to the fire tower is only 0.6 miles and gets you a great view. Hike back via the Long Trail and it's 1.6 Miles back."
Geocaching adventures: Several campgrounds offer this modern treasure hunting activity. "We spent some time on the hiking trails and found plenty of geocaches, which was awesome," reports Cynthia K., highlighting this family-friendly option for tech-savvy explorers.
Paddling exploration: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, waterfront sites offer immediate water access. "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake," shares Megan G. The campground provides canoe and kayak rentals directly on-site for those without personal equipment.
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest Campground. "Site #44 is HUGELY HUGE. Seriously, you could put down three tents and a couple of campers and not feel crowded," writes Alan, describing the exceptional space available.
Unique accommodation options: Some campgrounds offer distinctive camping experiences. At Tully Lake, some campers prefer the island site: "I stayed on the island site, which was absolutely amazing. The views are to die for, and it's really meant for people who want to be outdoors in the woods," explains Kris M.
Off-grid experience: For those seeking a digital detox, certain areas provide limited connectivity. "This campground is in an area that has no cell reception for most carriers and there is no wi-fi," notes one reviewer about their experience. Another camper at Erving mentions, "Cell connection was horrible heading up here."
Cleanliness of facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms. At Barton Cove Campground, one visitor observed, "Porta potties and latrines were very clean. There is 1 or 2 places to grab water so make sure to bring refillable containers."
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds in the Amherst area book quickly. For Tully Lake, "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year...Booking for Memorial Day meant I booked in April)," warns Kris M.
Variable site access: Not all campgrounds offer drive-up sites. At Barton Cove Campground, "You check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, unload your stuff, drive to gate, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, return key, drive back to campground, walk to your site."
Swimming regulations: Water access varies by location. Jean C. notes about Tully Lake: "There's no formal swimming area and you can't swim at the boat launches, but you are able to swim from your campsites if you so desire."
Non-resident fees: Out-of-state visitors face significantly higher rates at state parks. One camper complained, "I don't mind paying a little extra some places because of being out of state, but paying $54 a night for not even any hookups when MA residents pay $17 is insane."
Entertainment options: Pine Acres Family Camping Resort offers numerous kid-focused activities. "Very kid friendly. They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through," reports Jason A. Another camper adds, "The facilities are excellent, one night a brick oven pizza vendor came in."
Kid-friendly amenities: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds and pools. Barbara M. enthusiastically shares, "I've gone here 3 times in 2 years and my kids love it can't wait to go back I hear they built a mini golf course."
Site selection for families: Choose sites with bathroom proximity when camping with young children. One family noted, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site."
Private beaches: Some campgrounds offer exclusive water access. Kaileigh K. mentions, "Amenities include campers only beach, great trails (including accessible), nature center, staff were present and circulated often."
Site access considerations: Many campgrounds have challenging layouts for larger rigs. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, one RVer shared their experience: "We stayed here for one night en route to Cape Cod. Although we had requested a specific site on the KOA website, the gentleman in the front office had arranged for us to park in an easily accessible pull-through site, right at the entrance."
Hookup reliability: Full-service sites are available at select campgrounds. At Sunset View Farms, Harold C. reports, "The site was small but a pull thru, no problems at all, full hook up."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds near Amherst close water services during winter. Frank L. notes at Westover Military FamCamp, "Water is turned off October 15-April 15. Water available from rest room spigot. You will need at least 25' hose."
Site privacy variance: RV areas often have less separation than tent areas. Celeste C. observed, "We didn't like being right on top the other rvs, our sewer pipe was in front of my neighbors picnic table."
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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