Tent camping near Gilbertville, Massachusetts occurs primarily in state forests and recreation areas where elevation ranges from 500-1,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers reaching 80°F and winters dropping below freezing. Most primitive camping options require hikers to carry gear between 50 yards and one mile from parking areas to campsites.
What to do
Paddle on Tully Lake: At Tully Lake Recreation Area you can rent 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," writes camper Ben P.
Explore local hiking trails: Near Petersham at Federated Womens Club State Forest, hikers can access trails with historic cellar holes from towns that were removed in the 1930s. "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.
White water rafting: The Deerfield River provides excellent rafting opportunities about 35 miles from Gilbertville. "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," reports Dominick V.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campsites offer good separation from neighbors. At Barton Cove Campground, "There was only 1 other occupied campsite so it was very quiet and private," according to Brie B.
Primitive camping atmosphere: The lack of vehicle access creates a more rustic experience. "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," says Megan G. about her experience at Tully Lake.
Water access for recreation: Several camping locations offer direct access to lakes or rivers. "You can't swim (unless you rent a canoe/kayak and swim while you're out on the water) and sites are fenced in due to how steep it is to the water which was a downside but views between the trees are nice," mentions Brie B. about Barton Cove.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most tent camping areas have poor or no connectivity. "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out," warns Jean C. about Federated Womens Club State Forest.
Cart systems for gear transport: Since many campsites don't allow vehicle access, planning for gear transport is essential. "The sites here are great, if you aren't bringing too much with you (or are staying long enough you don't mind the multiple treks to and from the car for various streches)," advises Kris M. about Tully Lake.
Campground logistics: Some areas have specific check-in procedures. At Zoar Outdoor, "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. This can affect how and when you check in.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites close to facilities: With children, bathroom proximity matters. "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," notes Lauren A. about her Tully Lake experience.
Look for car-free camping: Onion Mountain Park offers primitive camping with safety benefits. "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," shares Marshall S.
Pack bug protection: The region has seasonal insect activity. "Buggy in June so bring your repellent. Dogs allowed...that's all I got for now," advises Sa R. about Tully Lake.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Gilbertville don't accommodate RVs. At Chester Railway Station, you can find alternatives like "The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too," explains Esther L.
Consider nearby farm stays: Some private properties offer more space. "The owners were so friendly and excited to welcome campers. They have a common room that has games and eggs for sale. Toilet and shower were very clean," shares Les R. about Maple Ridge Farm.
Plan for dirt roads: Access to more remote tent camping areas often involves unpaved routes. "All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired," notes Brad N. about a nearby campground, which is valuable information for drivers with larger vehicles.
