Camping options near Greenfield, Massachusetts include a mix of tent sites, RV lots, and yurt accommodations throughout the region. Most campgrounds maintain seasonal operations from May through October, with limited availability during winter months. The elevation in this part of Massachusetts ranges from 200 to 1,500 feet, creating variable temperatures that typically run 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby urban centers.
What to do
Explore Mount Olga trails: Molly Stark State Park connects directly to hiking networks that lead to local establishments. "You can continue on the hiking trail to a cute brewery/pizza place or even a distillery. If hiking is not for you it's a 3 minute car ride away," notes a visitor to Molly Stark State Park Campground.
Kayak the Ashuelot River: The river provides calm paddling conditions suitable for beginners and families. "Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," reports one camper at Ashuelot River Campground. The campground offers canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service back to your starting point.
Swim at Laurel Lake: The small lake offers family-friendly swimming with facilities for picnicking. "The big draw here is the pond, with the public beach on one side and lined with private cabins on the other. Swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking will keep you busy," writes a reviewer about Erving State Forest Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms and showers in the area. At Woodford State Park Campground, a visitor notes, "The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen! The campsites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice."
Morning treats: Fresh baked goods prove popular with campers visiting Country Aire Campgrounds. "Don't forget to buy your homemade donuts and other baked goods. They go fast," advises one regular visitor. Another camper mentions "Warm cinnamon buns in the am" as one of the campground's highlights.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds in the Greenfield area cater specifically to families with scheduled events. "They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through," shares a visitor to Northampton / Springfield KOA.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have poor connectivity. "Download your maps for offline use! Cell connection was horrible heading up here," warns a visitor to Erving State Forest. Another camper at Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground confirms: "Not even a cell signal can get there, if your looking to unplug this is a great spot!"
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly for yurt camping near Greenfield, Massachusetts. Weekend dates often fill months ahead during peak season.
Bear awareness: Some campgrounds provide bear boxes at campsites. "Bear boxes are provided at each site as this is black Bear country," notes a camper about Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several sites feature newly updated play areas. "The new playground is awesome according to my little experts and there are some nice sites along a brook," writes a visitor to Country Aire Campgrounds.
Consider yurt options: Yurt camping around Greenfield offers a compromise between tent camping and cabins. At Otter River State Forest, "At the top of the hill, there are several yurts available," which provide more weather protection for families with young children.
Choose sites based on noise preferences: Family campsites vary in noise levels. One camper at Woodford State Park Campground advises, "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great!"
Tips from RVers
Follow campground directions exactly: GPS can lead RVs down problematic roads. "Stick to Rt 2 as long as possible if you're coming from that direction!" advises a reviewer of Savoy Mountain State Forest. Another camper recommends: "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low clearance and low weight limits."
Check site sizes carefully: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "We were in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park," notes a visitor to Ashuelot River Campground, describing their experience with a new camper.
Water fill stations are limited: While some campgrounds offer full hookups, others have only central water access points. Many campgrounds in the Greenfield area operate with reduced services during early and late season dates.
