The Belchertown area sits at approximately 600 feet elevation within Massachusetts' central highlands, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Located at the edge of the Connecticut River Valley, the region features a mix of deciduous forests and small lakes that provide habitat for diverse wildlife. Summers typically reach high temperatures in the 80s with moderate humidity, while fall brings colorful foliage and cooler temperatures ideal for outdoor exploration.
What to do
Hiking options: Extensive trail systems wind through Wells State Park Campground, offering options for various skill levels. One camper noted, "We hiked pretty much all the trails in the park that weekend and did a night hike given by a guide." Another visitor at Wells State Park Campground mentioned, "Beautiful park! Yes you will hear the road so plan accordingly and not all sites are level."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes within a 20-minute drive of Belchertown offer fishing. At Prospect Mountain Campground, "The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around," according to one reviewer. The campground maintains a stocked pond that doesn't require a fishing license.
Historical exploration: Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum, sits just 30 minutes from several glamping locations. A visitor to Wilderness Lake Park commented, "Perfect spot if you don't mind a 40 minute ride over to The Big E fair which is what brought us out to this part of MA."
What campers like
Privacy options: For those seeking seclusion in their glamping experience, Wilderness Lake Park offers more isolated settings. A reviewer shared, "The tent sites are nice and isolated, but not scary far apart. Lots of wildlife so keep your food sealed." Another camper at Wilderness Lake Park said, "We booked last minute (2 hours before we arrived) and were met with the friendliest staff ready to help us at 7:30PM."
Family activities: Brialee Family Campground schedules hourly activities for all ages throughout the day. "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs," according to a recent visitor at Brialee Family Campground.
Swimming options: Multiple swimming locations exist within 20 minutes of Belchertown. A camper at Prospect Mountain Campground described, "Pool was lovely and refreshing," while another mentioned, "They have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many glamping locations near Belchertown require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. At Northampton / Springfield KOA, a visitor noted, "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."
Cell service limitations: Several camping areas have limited connectivity. A camper at Erving State Forest Campground reported, "There is also zero cell service (there is an operational pay phone at the showers) which is fine... but wished we knew ahead of time."
Cash requirements: Some smaller glamping operations don't accept credit cards. One visitor to Wilderness Lake Park shared, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared."
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate activities: Several campgrounds offer specific programs for children. A camper at Otter River State Forest shared, "This campground is clean and well kept. Lots of families here. Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both)."
Noise considerations: Family-friendly locations can get noisy during peak hours. One reviewer at Thousand Trails Sturbridge noted, "We had a great time relaxing around the campfire with another family. The playground was a hit for our kids!"
Safety features: Supervised swimming areas provide peace of mind for parents. At Prospect Mountain Campground, a visitor observed, "Nice pool with time for adult only swim time," indicating scheduled swimming periods that cater to different age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing awareness: Many glamping areas near Belchertown have varying site sizes. A visitor to Thousand Trails Sturbridge mentioned, "I was probably the only person tent camping in the entire resort. The manager was able to give me a great campsite away from all of the RVs and cabins."
Hookup availability: Most glamping sites offer limited electrical connections. A camper at Wells State Park Campground explained, "Tucked away just outside Sturbridge on the road to Spencer (rt-49) is on of Mass State Parks nicest little gems. There are no hook-ups here, but the sites are large, well spaced, and shaded."
Leveling requirements: Several camping areas require leveling equipment. As one reviewer at Wells State Park Campground stated, "Not all sites are level," suggesting that RV campers should bring leveling blocks.
