Best Campgrounds near Chester, MA

Camping near Chester, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "The trails were completely perfectly maintained with some 2x6 boards over the muddy bits so our boots didn't get wet" at October Mountain State Forest.
• Fishing: If you love fishing, you’re in luck! One camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds said, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
• Swimming: Many campgrounds have access to lakes or rivers. A visitor at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park enjoyed the swimming, stating, "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock."

What campers like:

• Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites. One reviewer at Woodford State Park Campground noted, "It was a good sized site... it feels very private and secluded."
• Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park mentioned, "The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained."
• Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "The staff were warm and friendly."

What you should know:

• Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for little to no cell service. A camper at Monadnock State Park Campground mentioned, "I wish this were clearer on their website as we needed service to do some work."
• Bugs: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance. One camper at Wells State Park Campground warned, "The mosquitoes here were something out of a Soviet lab."
• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near roads. A visitor at October Mountain State Forest noted, "The campground is a bit noisy with machinery."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer at Camping On The Battenkill said, "A big playground for kids."
• Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at North-South Lake Campground appreciated the "lots of foliage around it, creating privacy."
• Plan for Rain: Be ready for sudden weather changes. One camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, "We did run into a BIT of a storm."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds said, "The lots are large and nicely wooded with working full hookups."
• Road Conditions: Be cautious of tight roads and tree branches. A camper at Wells State Park Campground noted, "The driveway to site 38 was a mess."
• Amenities: Look for campgrounds with good amenities. A visitor at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park appreciated the "great amenities and great feel to it."

Camping around Chester, MA, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific features of each campground to find the best fit for your needs!