Glamping sites near Florence, Massachusetts provide outdoor experiences for visitors seeking convenience without sacrificing comfort. The region sits in the western part of the state at elevations between 200-400 feet, creating moderate temperatures that range from 70-85°F in summer and 40-60°F in spring and fall. Most campgrounds in this area operate seasonally, typically closing between late October and mid-April due to New England's winter conditions.
What to do
Swimming options: Year-round enjoyment at Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park where "the grounds were absolutely beautiful and very well maintained! Pool was lovely and refreshing," according to reviewer Megin F., who mentioned, "I do wish they had more bathrooms though. Especially by the pool!!!"
Hiking trails: Accessible wilderness at Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground where visitors can explore various difficulty levels with trailheads right from camp. As reviewer Jean C. notes, "This state forest campground offers large sites, some of them on a grassy open area or tucked into the woods... It has a small pond with swimming beach and a couple was just pulling their kayak out when I arrived."
Family activities: Scheduled entertainment at nearby campgrounds, particularly during holiday weekends. One camper at Country Aire Campgrounds reported, "They have a pool they have games we even have a hayride pulled by a tractor. It is run buy a family business, wife and I've been here many times and we will keep coming back."
What campers like
Quieter alternative sites: For those seeking more solitude than the KOA offers, experienced campers recommend certain locations. A visitor at October Mountain State Forest Campground shared, "Site 34, which is straight ahead at the entrance. It's a large, grassy site with trees separating you from the road and dumping station. The trees block the morning sun. The sites on the outside of the loop are shaded, but most of the ones toward the middle are open and grassy."
Seasonal treats and amenities: Many campgrounds offer special seasonal activities and food options. At Country Aire Campgrounds, a visitor advised, "Don't forget to buy your homemade donuts and other baked goods. They go fast."
Pond and beach access: Natural water features provide alternatives to chlorinated pools. Sandra S. at Prospect Mountain Campground reports, "They have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing." Another camper, Tonya D., mentioned, "We arrived to our site, it was by the pond and our site was even raked clean."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity can be very limited in western Massachusetts campgrounds. At Erving State Forest Campground, Tim S. warns, "There is also zero cell service (there is an operational pay phone at the showers) which is fine... but wished we knew ahead of time."
Navigation challenges: GPS directions can be unreliable in this rural region. One camper at Savoy Mountain noted, "Savoy mountain campground is a very nice state park camp, but don't rely on gps to get you there it will put you on the wrong end of the park in the middle of a rural neighborhood."
Reservations required: Most glamping locations near Florence require advance booking, especially during peak season. Out-of-state visitors should be prepared for higher fees at state parks. Jean C. observed at Savoy Mountain, "With 2020 coronavirus restrictions, reservations must be made in advance. Out of state guests will pay a significantly higher fee."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection matters: Choose sites based on your family's needs for shade, privacy, or activity access. At Sunset View Farms, a visitor noted, "There is horse shoes, shuffle board, basketball, play ground, swimming pond, fishing stream and fishing pond. Would recommend to my family and friends gladly."
Bathroom proximity: Consider the location of facilities when booking with children. At Savoy Mountain, Lauren observed, "Bathrooms at a distance for most sites. They could use some updating but served their purpose. Campground has a nice loop for the kids to bike."
Special events scheduling: Many campgrounds offer scheduled children's activities, especially during weekends and holidays. Jason A. mentioned at Northampton/Springfield KOA, "We went to this campground during fall foliage time. Very peaceful and very great staff. They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access sites for larger rigs. Harold C. at Sunset View Farms reported, "The site was small but a pull thru, no problems at all, full hook up."
Electrical limitations: Check amperage offerings before booking. Some sites have limited capacity. At October Mountain, campers noted some sites only offer 15-amp service, which is "great for a tent but not for anything else."
Seasonal site options: For extended stays, several campgrounds offer seasonal options. As Dawn E. observed at Northampton/Springfield KOA, "I was in the seasonal section, which has some interesting folks staying there. The site was very nice and felt private."
