RV sites near Amherst Center, Massachusetts provide access to the forests, ponds, and hills of central Massachusetts at elevations ranging from 200-1,000 feet. Camping options extend across Worcester County and into neighboring Hampshire County. Cell service varies significantly between valleys and higher terrain, with many campgrounds reporting spotty coverage in specific areas of their property.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Pine Acres Family Camping Resort offers lake access with dedicated fishing areas for all skill levels. "The lake beach could use a dredge so there is more sand (weedy)," notes one visitor, but many appreciate the water access.
Hiking nearby: Woodmore Family Campground connects to nearby trail systems with varied terrain. "There is a huge area of woods with a walking trail starting at the edge of the campground. I enjoyed stretching my legs," reports a camper who stayed in October.
Miniature golf: Several campgrounds feature mini-golf courses, though quality varies. At Pine Acres Family Camping Resort, one reviewer mentioned "Mini golf course needs some upkeep," suggesting visitors check course conditions before planning this activity.
What campers like
Swimming options: Multiple pools at several campgrounds provide alternatives to lake swimming. At Prospect Mountain Campground, a visitor noted, "They have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," highlighting the variety of water activities available.
Weekend activities: Organized events occur regularly at many campgrounds. One Northampton/Springfield KOA visitor shared, "They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through," describing their fall experience.
Peaceful settings: Some campers prioritize quiet locations. A visitor to Woodmore Family Campground commented, "Very quiet during the week, weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night. Very loud until after 10:00 on Friday/Saturday," indicating the timing of stays affects noise levels.
What you should know
Varying site quality: Sites at the same campground can differ significantly. At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, a camper observed, "What could easily be a very nice and spacious pull-thru spot are 2 back to back back-ins. Unless you're lucky enough to get an end spot, those are pull-thru."
Military-only options: Westover ARB Military FamCamp serves only authorized personnel. "Located on Westover RAFB for active duty, retired and DAV. Sites are water/electric but some are 30 amp, others are 50 amp," explains one reviewer, adding that winter rates (October 15-April 15) drop from $23/day to $14/day when water is turned off.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in this region operate from April/May through October. "We went to this campground during fall foliage time. Very peaceful and very great staff," reports a Northampton/Springfield KOA visitor, highlighting autumn as a popular season.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Choose campgrounds with dedicated children's programming. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, a visitor shared: "They have a fire truck ride that brings you around the campsite and hay-less rides. There is a pool there is a playground there are games of all ages."
Playground access: Most family-oriented campgrounds maintain play equipment. "The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around," mentioned a visitor to Prospect Mountain Campground, indicating the open areas for safe cycling.
Weekend noise levels: Family-oriented campgrounds often have structured quiet hours. "Quiet time is quiet time which is great for families," noted a visitor to Pine Acres, though weekends typically feature more activity and noise than weekdays across most campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Electrical system quality: Some campgrounds have reported electrical issues. At Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts, one camper warned: "The electrical system has claimed countless rv components and 2 total losses. Instead of fixing it, they simply run generators for years. If you go take every precaution from the electrical. Its dangerous."
Site access challenges: Road quality and site accessibility vary significantly. "The sites are level and a decent size with a picnic table, fire pit, shaded by the tall pines," reported a Camp Coldbrook visitor, but others at different campgrounds mentioned tight turns and difficult approaches.
Site spacing: RV sites often have limited separation. A visitor at Douglas Forest RV Resort commented: "The RV sites are spacious and easy to navigate, with full hookups and strong Wi-Fi," but not all campgrounds offer this level of comfort, with many reporting tighter quarters.
