Tent camping near Conway, Massachusetts offers secluded woodland experiences across varied terrain that ranges from 400 to 1,200 feet in elevation. Most tent sites in this region are situated on the eastern edge of the Berkshire foothills or near the Connecticut River watershed, creating diverse camping environments. Seasonal considerations are important, as the area typically sees freezing nights from late October through April.
What to do
Paddling adventures: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, visitors can explore the lake by renting canoes, kayaks and paddleboards directly at the campground. "We take our canoe and spend the whole day at the lake. You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax," notes camper Ben P.
Whitewater rafting: Zoar Outdoor offers organized rafting trips on the nearby Deerfield River. "The campground is connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river," explains Seth K.
Hiking to waterfalls: Trails near Tully Lake lead to Doane's Falls, with one camper describing it as "an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area."
Disc golf: The recreation area near Tully Lake Dam features an 18-hole disc golf course that sees steady traffic during summer months. Bring your own discs as rentals are not available.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between tent sites at Barton Cove Campground. "The office was super helpful when I called to make reservations, making sure to ask questions about how big my tent was, what kind of view/privacy we wanted etc so they could help me find the perfect campsite," writes Brie B.
Quiet, car-free camping: Tent sites without vehicle access create a peaceful atmosphere. "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around. It also made for a super quiet stay," notes a Tully Lake camper.
Waterfront access: Many campers value sites with direct water access. "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake. Great trip!" one visitor shares.
Trail access: Federated Womens Club State Forest offers hiking opportunities beyond camping. "If you continue past site 15, you'll head through Gate 36 out toward Soapstone Hill which offers a great view of Quabbin Reservoir and sunsets," notes Jean C.
What you should know
Cart logistics: Many tent sites require hauling gear from parking areas. "Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites)," explains a Tully Lake visitor.
Water availability varies: At some campgrounds, centralized water spigots require planning. "There is 1 or 2 places to grab water so make sure to bring refillable containers," advises one Barton Cove camper.
Limited cell service: Maple Ridge Farm and surrounding campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here," suggests a camper visiting the area.
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly during peak seasons. "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year...Booking for Memorial Day meant I booked in April)," advises a Tully Lake visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for bathroom access: Consider site proximity to facilities when camping with children. "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night," notes Lauren A. about Tully Lake.
Explore activity options: Peace Farm Rescue offers families unique camping experiences with rescue animals on site. The farm provides both tent sites and cabin options with picnic tables.
Pack for bugs: Spring and summer camping requires insect preparation. "Buggy in June so bring your repellent," advises a Tully Lake camper.
Consider campground amenities: Some locations offer family-friendly activities. "Volleyball and horseshoes are near the entrance," notes a camper describing Tully Lake's recreation options.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most campgrounds near Conway primarily accommodate tent camping with few dedicated RV sites. RVers should call ahead to confirm access and amenities.
Unique alternatives: Chester Railway Station offers a distinctive camping option in a caboose. "It is a really fun place to spend a night, especially for a train enthusiast. The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad," shares Esther L.
Road considerations: Many campground access roads are unpaved and narrow. "If so, high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred," notes one camper describing forest roads.
