Best Tent Camping near Amherst Center, MA
Tent campers exploring the area around Amherst Center, Massachusetts can find several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston offers walk-in tent sites with lake access, while Barton Cove Campground in Gill provides tent platforms overlooking the Connecticut River. Federated Womens Club State Forest in Petersham features more primitive tent camping options with basic amenities and a more secluded forest setting.
Most tent sites require campers to park in designated lots and transport gear to their campsite. At Tully Lake, wooden wheelbarrows are provided for hauling equipment from the parking area to individual sites, which can be up to a mile away. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most locations, though amenities vary significantly between campgrounds. Barton Cove offers tent platforms with grills and fire pits but limited water access points, requiring campers to bring refillable containers. Bathroom facilities range from flush toilets and coin-operated showers at Tully Lake to basic composting toilets at more primitive locations like Federated Womens Club State Forest.
The tent camping experience in this region offers varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Waterfront sites at Tully Lake provide direct access for swimming and paddling, though these premium locations fill quickly when reservations open. A review noted, "The island site was absolutely amazing. The views are to die for, and it's really meant for people who want to be outdoors in the woods." More primitive backcountry tent sites in the state forests offer greater seclusion but require self-sufficiency. Cell service is spotty to non-existent at most locations, particularly at Federated Womens Club State Forest, where campers should download maps before arrival. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, tent campers appreciate the absence of RVs and vehicles at walk-in sites, which contributes to "a super quiet stay" with "no noise or disturbances."