Primitive camping opportunities in the Feeding Hills region of western Massachusetts range from roadside sites to remote backcountry locations requiring significant hiking. The area sits in the Connecticut River Valley with elevations ranging from 200-1,000 feet, creating diverse camping experiences. Winter camping is possible at several locations, though facilities are limited and preparation is essential.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers water-based activities with equipment rentals available. As one visitor mentioned, "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake. Great trip! We will be returning." The lake features multiple islands and shoreline areas to explore.
Hiking and trail exploration: Mount Washington State Forest provides hiking trails with primitive camping options. According to a camper at Alander Trail Campground, "You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots. Once you get there, theres quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit of privacy."
Disc golf: Located near the Tully Lake dam is a disc golf course that sees regular use during warmer months. The course is accessible to campers and day visitors alike. A camper noted, "I was there in July and wildflowers were blooming. A disc golf course is also near the dam and was seeing a fair amount of activity."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many tent camping sites near Feeding Hills offer significant privacy. A camper at Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground shared, "I booked site 5 for the week. Great experience! Quiet woods atmosphere with trail's. Wonderful place to camp."
Bear boxes for food storage: Several backcountry sites provide bear boxes for secure food storage. A visitor to Alander Trail Campground noted, "They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby."
Cart-assisted walk-in camping: While many sites don't allow direct vehicle access, campgrounds like Tully Lake Recreation Area provide carts for transporting gear. According to a camper, "You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. 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."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Several primitive tent camping sites near Feeding Hills have fire restrictions despite having fire rings. At Laurel Ridge in Mount Everett State Reservation, a visitor noted, "No fires allowed, however," despite the campsite having a fire pit.
Limited cell service: Many camping areas have poor or no cell phone coverage. One camper at Tully Lake mentioned, "Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want (driving, trail, geocaching) before you arrive."
Variable camping surfaces: Site conditions can vary significantly. At Onion Mountain Park, a camper reported, "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night. The spot is not very big so make sure to bring a smaller tent (no group sites)."
Tips for camping with families
Quieter weekday visits: For families seeking a peaceful experience, weekdays offer less crowding at popular sites. A visitor to Zoar Outdoor observed, "Overall had a wonderful experience at zoar campsite in charlemont ma. Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting."
Unique accommodations: For families wanting alternative options to tent camping, some sites offer special lodging. At Chester Railway Station, a camper shared, "The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too. You hear the trains running at night. Very clean and comfortable."
Distance considerations: When selecting campsites with children, consider bathroom proximity. One camper at Tully Lake mentioned, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site and neighboring campers."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: True primitive tent camping near Feeding Hills rarely accommodates RVs, though some established campgrounds do. At Sodom Mountain Campground, a visitor commented, "This campground has improved with the new owners as of 2021. All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired. The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back."
Scout camping programs: Several campgrounds in the region host Boy Scout troops, providing organized group camping opportunities. At Onion Mountain Park, a visitor noted, "My BSA troop has been going here for years to help new scouts learn to camp. It is a very casual site and good for your first trip, you are close to your car and the road in case you need it."
Seasonal restrictions: Many primitive camping areas near Feeding Hills have seasonal closures or restrictions. Some sites have limited availability due to booking systems, with one Zoar camper reporting, "Not a happy camper. I'm writing this mid-October from western MA. In between homes and looked forward to staying another night, but can not because of a 12 hour advance policy."
