Best Tent Camping near Charlemont, MA
Several tent campgrounds dot the landscape around Charlemont, Massachusetts, providing varied options for outdoor enthusiasts in the western part of the state. Zoar Outdoor offers tent sites with access to nearby water activities on the Deerfield River, while Tully Lake Recreation Area provides walk-in tent camping approximately 25 miles east of Charlemont. Both locations serve as gateways to the region's hiking trails and natural attractions within the forests of western Massachusetts.
Most tent sites in the Charlemont region require campers to park in designated areas and transport gear to their campsites, often using provided carts or backpacks. At Tully Lake, campers must use wooden wheelbarrows to transport their equipment from the parking area to tent sites. A ranger at the entrance provides site information and access instructions. Tent platforms are common at established sites, each typically equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering drinking water at central locations while others require campers to bring their own supply.
Areas farther from Charlemont offer deeper seclusion and primitive tent camping experiences. "Sites have tent platforms, grill, fire pit and picnic tables. Porta potties and latrines were very clean," noted one camper about Barton Cove. Tent campers at Tully Lake can enjoy swimming and paddling directly from some waterfront sites, though not all locations provide direct water access. The region offers hiking opportunities of varying difficulty, from easy trails suitable for families to more challenging backcountry routes for experienced hikers. Tent-only areas generally provide more peaceful experiences than mixed-use campgrounds, particularly at sites requiring longer walks from parking areas. Walk-in tent locations often feature more privacy between sites and less nighttime disturbance from vehicles.