Camping options near Ashfield provide access to western Massachusetts's dense forests at elevations ranging from 400 to 1800 feet. Many campsites rest along the Cold River watershed, where summer temperatures typically hover between 75-85°F during day and 55-65°F at night. Fall camping season extends through mid-October when foliage reaches peak color.
What to do
Mountain biking at Mohawk Trail: Located 20 minutes from Ashfield, the trails surrounding Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground connect to extensive hiking networks. "There are a lot of hiking trails that start right here! It was beautiful and great having running water to fall asleep to at night," notes reviewer Jackie G.
Kayaking at Highland Lake: The campers-only beach at Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest offers lake access for paddlers. "The lake was great for kayaking and fishing, although the boat launch is small and narrow so usually there is a wait to use it," reports Cynthia K. who camped there with a group.
Geocaching opportunities: Within a 30-minute drive, multiple campgrounds offer geocaching activities. Cynthia K. mentions, "We spent some time on the hiking trails and found plenty of geocaches, which was awesome."
Winter access for snowshoeing: Some areas permit winter camping access via snowmobile or cross-country skis. Several trails remain accessible during winter months with proper equipment.
What campers like
Natural water features: Campers consistently appreciate the small streams and riverside sites. At Country Aire Campgrounds, Joshua B. notes the grounds are "set back from the road with a little brook running through it." Similarly, campers at Mohawk Trail value riverside sites, with one reviewer mentioning "the lower sites near the river are good sized and the river ambiance is nice."
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded options. At Savoy Mountain State Forest, "Many of the sites (most of the ones on the periphery of the campground) are wooded and somewhat secluded, with 1-3 being the most secluded," according to Kris M.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently comment on well-maintained bathrooms. At Molly Stark State Park, Beck P. reported, "THE BATHROOM was the best I've seen camping very clean and updated and honestly gorgeous."
Seasonal events: Fall camping includes organized activities at several campgrounds. Jason A. from Northampton/Springfield KOA mentioned, "They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no connectivity. At D.A.R. State Forest, a camper noted, "This campground is in an area that has no cell reception for most carriers and there is no wi-fi."
Bear safety protocols: Several campgrounds require proper food storage. At Sperry Road Campground, "Sites are large and generally secluded, each offering a bear box set apart from the campsite itself as black bears live in the park," explains Jean C. Use these bear boxes seriously as sightings have occurred.
Varying shower availability: Bathroom facilities differ between campgrounds. One camper at D.A.R. State Forest mentioned, "FREE hot showers! Only two showers for the whole camp, but there's almost no one camping in October, so there was never a wait."
Out-of-state fees: Non-Massachusetts residents pay significantly higher rates at state parks. Lucy P. noted at D.A.R. State Forest, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple dog-friendly campgrounds feature updated play areas. At Peppermint Park Camping Resort, Rae-Ann W. described "a newer playground with a sandbox, camp store with large lodge attached, horseshoe, volleyball and other outdoor game areas."
Organized activities: Several campgrounds schedule family-friendly events. Jason A. reported Country Aire has "a pool, they have games, we even have a hayride pulled by a tractor."
Swimming options: Beach and pool access varies by location. D.A.R. State Forest offers "a campers only beach on upper highland lake that was easy walking distance from the campsite," according to Justin P., though another camper mentioned the "public beach area is small."
Multi-family sites: Some campgrounds offer connected sites. At Savoy Mountain, Bill K. noted, "A number of them have proximity to each other but not to the rest of the sites, making for a great multi-family gathering."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. At D.A.R. State Forest, Joe S. advises, "Not sure I'd try a really big rig here, but our little 16' trailer fit in great. I don't see any pull-through sites, but I didn't see them all."
Limited hookups: Most state forest campgrounds offer minimal amenities for RVs. Savoy Mountain "has RV sites and there is a dump station/potable water fill station available at the park entrance, but no RV hook-ups of any kind."
Parking limitations: Several campgrounds have narrow parking areas. Cynthia K. noted D.A.R. State Forest has "very narrow parking areas on the sites."
Season considerations: Most public campgrounds close by mid-October. Private campgrounds like Country Aire remain open through October 31, offering extended season options for fall foliage camping.
