RV campgrounds near Florence, Massachusetts provide camping options in the western part of the state where elevation ranges from 200-400 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through October due to harsh New England winters.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park, campers can fish for largemouth bass from shore or rent boats. "There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water," notes one visitor who caught "2 decent-sized largemouth bass."
Hiking trails: The forests surrounding Florence offer numerous hiking paths. Taconic State Park features "a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park," while nearby Douglas State Forest contains extensive trail systems. The area is also close to Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts.
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas. Rudd Pond has "a swimming beach and during non-covid times, boat rentals" plus "a kiddie pond, children's playground" for younger visitors. Some campgrounds like Prospect Mountain feature both swimming ponds and pools for camper use.
What campers like
Family-friendly activities: Prospect Mountain Campground receives high marks for its organized events. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," says one reviewer. Another adds they have "a mini golf course and a mining area where kids can 'mine' 'gems'."
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings provide privacy at many sites. At Woodmore Family Campground, campers appreciate being "right on a lake in the bottom of the beautiful mountain in New Hampshire." One visitor described Prospect Mountain as having "lots of trees and shade" with particularly nice "sites on the water."
Recreation facilities: Beyond natural features, campers value well-maintained amenities. Thousand Trails Sturbridge has "a great dog park, great office with laundry, activities, arcades, adult only room, community campfire, indoor pool with lifeguard." Several campgrounds maintain playgrounds, sports courts, and game rooms to keep campers entertained during their stay.
What you should know
Seasonality restrictions: Most RV parks near Florence operate on limited schedules. Northampton/Springfield KOA runs from mid-April through October, Prospect Mountain opens May 1st through Columbus Day, and Woodmore Family Campground operates "Mother's Day to mid-October." Winter camping options are extremely limited.
Electrical system concerns: Multiple campgrounds have reported electrical issues. At Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts, guests warn "the electrical system has claimed countless rv components and 2 total losses. Instead of fixing it, they simply run generators for years." Always inspect electrical connections upon arrival.
Site spacing variations: Campground density varies significantly throughout the region. At some locations, "sites are very close together," while others offer more separation. One Taconic State Park visitor noted that "if the campground is full, you are rather close to your neighbors" and even at half capacity "it still felt like a fairly noisy campground, even after quiet hours."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated children's activities: Sturbridge RV Resort features "a pond for paddle boats and canoeing" and is described as "family friendly." For rainy days, their recreation facilities include indoor games and activities to keep children entertained.
Consider noise levels: Family campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. At Woodmore, one camper noted it's "very quiet during the week, weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night. Very loud until after 10:00 on Friday/Saturday." Choose sites farther from common areas if seeking quiet.
Bathroom proximity: For families with small children, bathroom location matters. One Prospect Mountain camper advised, "I do wish they had more bathrooms though. Especially by the pool!!!" When making reservations, ask about bathroom locations relative to your site to avoid long nighttime walks.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling equipment as many sites require adjustments. One Douglas Forest RV Resort reviewer mentioned infrastructure concerns including "the road system requires maintenance" with "many intersections remain challenging for larger trailers due to poor grading."
Power supply variations: Check amperage before booking. While Prospect Mountain Campground accommodates big rigs with full hookup sites, electrical service varies across campgrounds. One KOA visitor noted they had only "a 15 amp power box at our site and it was great for a tent but not for anything else."
Advance planning: The limited number of RV campgrounds near Florence, Massachusetts means reservations are essential, particularly for larger rigs. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, staff will sometimes help with site selection based on your rig size, as one visitor experienced: "the gentleman in the front office had arranged for us to park in an easily accessible pull-through site, right at the entrance."
