The Russell area sits at the eastern edge of the Berkshire Mountains, ranging from 400 to 1,400 feet elevation with terrain characterized by forested hills, small lakes, and river valleys. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically in spring and fall, often dropping below 40°F at night even when daytime highs reach the 70s. Campgrounds typically operate from May through October with the Westfield River providing fishing opportunities throughout the camping season.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: At Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest, trails range from accessible paths to more challenging routes. "Hiking is beautiful and there is a fire tower you could climb to get a great view," notes Alan, who recommends the 0.6-mile trail from site 44 to the fire tower for panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills.
Fishing access: The Farmington River at Austin Hawes Memorial Campground offers trophy trout fishing in a catch-and-release section. A camper mentioned, "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots." The river maintains cool temperatures year-round, supporting healthy trout populations.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for cooling off during hot summer days. At Prospect Mountain Campground, "Pool was lovely and refreshing," according to Megin F., while Tolland State Forest Campground provides lake swimming with "a small area of sandy beach with a pavilion and grills," as described by Cheryl B.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. Tolland State Forest Campground receives high marks for generous sites. "All the sites are spacious. The site is on a peninsula in Otis reservoir," explains one reviewer. Waterfront sites feature rocks for water entry but provide direct lake access.
Evening nature experiences: The rural setting offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. At Granville State Forest, one camper noted they were "treated to a really great lightning bug display and watched the raccoons check out the other sites." Night sounds include owls, with Cheryl B. reporting "Owls hooting every night around midnight" at Tolland State Forest.
Family-focused activities: Beyond swimming, campgrounds often provide organized events for children. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, "They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through," reports Jason A., highlighting the fall-themed activities available during autumn camping.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Site locations significantly impact camping experience. At October Mountain State Forest, "What site you get makes all the difference. There are many, I would say most, sites that you feel very exposed and out in the open," cautions Desiree M. Sites near roads or power infrastructure can be noisy.
Reservation requirements: Many state forests prohibit same-day reservations or walk-ups. October Mountain State Forest enforces advance reservations. A reviewer notes, "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed," which requires planning ahead, especially for weekend camping.
Fee structure variations: Massachusetts state parks charge significantly higher fees for out-of-state visitors. Lucy P. observed, "Paying $54 a night for not even any hookups when MA residents pay $17 is insane." Non-residents should budget accordingly when planning stays at state facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Waterfront site options: For families who enjoy water activities, waterfront sites provide convenient access. At Prospect Mountain Campground, "The sites on the water looked nice—hoping to try for that next time!" notes Stephanie. These sites typically book earliest in the reservation window.
Kid-friendly facilities: Playgrounds and organized activities enhance family experiences. Sandra S. reports that Prospect Mountain "is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing."
Unique accommodation options: For families seeking an alternative to tent camping, Chester Railway Station offers an unusual option. "The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too," shares Esther L., providing a special experience for train enthusiasts.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility challenges: Navigation to and within campgrounds can be difficult for larger RVs. Regarding October Mountain, one reviewer notes, "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." Most campgrounds in the area accommodate smaller to medium trailers.
Hookup availability: Full hookup options exist but are limited. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, Jason A. mentions, "If you're in the area I recommend to stay they have 10 sites up to the large rigs with full hook ups." Reservations for these premium sites should be made well in advance during peak season.
Seasonal considerations: Many RV-friendly sites close by mid-October. Dawn E., who stayed at KOA long-term, notes, "I stayed for a few months—July til October," highlighting the typical camping season window for RV camping in the area, with few options available in colder months.
