Tent campsites near Greenfield, Massachusetts feature a mix of primitive sites and established campgrounds set in the Berkshire foothills region. The area's diverse terrain includes elevations between 200-400 feet, with camping areas surrounded by hardwood forests of maple, oak and birch. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, while spring and fall campers should prepare for overnight lows that can dip into the 30s.
What to do
Paddling and swimming: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, campers can rent canoes and kayaks 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," notes camper Ben P.
Hiking nearby: The Federated Womens Club State Forest offers trails leading to Soapstone Hill with views of Quabbin Reservoir, especially at sunset. One visitor reported "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."
Whitewater activities: Zoar Outdoor provides organized river adventures including rafting and tubing. A camper mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Maple Ridge Farm offers well-spaced campsites with natural buffers. A recent visitor noted, "Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites. They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities despite their rustic settings. At Barton Cove, one camper reported, "Porta potties and latrines were very clean. There is 1 or 2 places to grab water so make sure to bring refillable containers."
Unique camping options: Chester Railway Station offers an unusual camping experience in a caboose. "It is a really fun place to spend a night, especially for a train enthusiast. The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too," shares Esther L.
What you should know
Campsite access challenges: Many tent sites near Greenfield require walking gear from parking areas. At Barton Cove Campground, a camper explained the process: "You check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, unload your stuff, drive to gate, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, return key, drive back to campground, walk to your site."
Reservation timing: Popular weekends book quickly, especially for waterfront sites. For Tully Lake, one visitor advised, "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year...Booking for Memorial Day meant I booked in April), so you have to be on your game."
Variable rules: Campgrounds have different policies regarding alcohol, fires, and noise. At Zoar Outdoor, a camper noted, "They don't allow fired at the campsites though which is annoying and their quiet hours are quite oppressive."
Tips for camping with families
Consider site location carefully: For families with young children, bathroom proximity matters. At Tully Lake, one parent shared, "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."
Look for activity options: Campgrounds with built-in recreation keep children engaged. "The campsites are spacious and though there is not a bad site, some are better suited for certain purposes like group camping. You can hike and bike (mtb). Nearby there are waterfalls (gorgeous) and a local mountain," notes a visitor to Tully Lake.
Pack for weather fluctuations: The Greenfield area experiences significant temperature variations, especially in spring and fall. Even summer nights can drop below 60°F, requiring warm sleeping bags and layered clothing for children.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping sites near Greenfield don't accommodate large RVs. Only a few locations like Peace Farm Rescue offer electric hookups. Even these sites are better suited for smaller camper vans or tent camping with electrical needs.
Consider alternatives: RVers report better luck at campgrounds slightly further from Greenfield, where full hookup sites are more common. State parks within 30-45 minutes of Greenfield generally offer more RV-friendly options with water and electrical connections.
Prepare for rustic conditions: RVers staying at tent-focused campgrounds should come fully stocked with water and supplies. Cell service is often limited, with one camper noting "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon" at Federated Womens Club State Forest.
