The Hampden region sits within western Massachusetts' lower Connecticut River Valley at approximately 400 feet elevation, characterized by rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests. Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through mid-October with July temperatures averaging 70-85°F. Local camping options range from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks, with several offering premium glamping accommodations.
What to do
Hiking and water activities: West Thompson Lake Campground provides access to numerous hiking trails surrounding their lake. According to one camper, "Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings. Fishing here is all catch and release."
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds maintain disc golf courses as recreational amenities. A visitor to West Thompson Lake Campground noted they "were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property."
Swimming options: Prospect Mountain Campground offers swimming facilities for guests. One camper mentioned, "Pool was lovely and refreshing. I do wish they had more bathrooms though. Especially by the pool!"
Seasonal activities: Brialee Family Campground organizes weekend activities for families throughout the camping season. A visitor reported, "They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Many campers value secluded sites. At Wilderness Lake Park, "The host gave us a secluded spot in the back to the point I didn't feel like I was at a campground other than the fire ring."
Waterfront options: Several campgrounds offer lakefront or riverside sites. At Charlie Brown Campground, guests appreciate the water access: "We had a beautiful river side site. Oversized and nicely unkept."
Staff assistance: Campground staff often make a big difference in the camping experience. A visitor to Prospect Mountain Campground shared, "The staff I encountered were all very friendly and helpful. It looked like the sites were close together, but I was there before there were leaves on the trees and could see how there would be more privacy once they filled out."
Glamping amenities: For those seeking glamping near Hampden, Massachusetts, several campgrounds offer enhanced accommodations. "Deep in the woods. Great variety of activities. Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers," noted a visitor to Brialee Family Campground.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Some campgrounds have basic facilities only. At Wells State Park Campground, campers noted there are "no hook-ups here, but the sites are large, well spaced, and shaded."
Payment methods: Several campgrounds have specific payment requirements. At Wilderness Lake Park, a visitor advised, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared."
Gate closure times: Operating hours can affect late arrivals. At West Thompson Lake Campground, the "only complaint is that they close the gate to enter at 9pm."
Fishing restrictions: Regulations vary by water body. West Thompson Lake "is pretty but you cannot swim or eat the fish."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Family-friendly campgrounds typically offer recreational facilities. One camper at Prospect Mountain Campground shared, "Prospects mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides."
Beach areas for children: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas. At George Washington State Campground, visitors appreciate the "beautiful beach, new pay shower and bathrooms. We enjoyed swimming and fishing."
Supervised water facilities: Safety features are important for family trips. A visitor to Brialee Family Campground mentioned they provide "a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds go beyond basic facilities. A visitor to Prospect Mountain noted, "They also have a nice little store and snack bar. There is also a mini golf course and a mining area where kids can 'mine' 'gems'. Kids had a blast!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Terrain can impact setup ease. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, campers noted the importance of site selection: "We are SO glad that we did! We had requested a specific site on the KOA website, the gentleman in the front office had arranged for us to park in an easily accessible pull-through site, right at the entrance."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Charlie Brown Campground, a visitor noted, "Grey dump only due to river so no biggie. Staff was friendly and there was some stuff to do."
Site spacing: RV sites vary in privacy levels. A camper at Thousand Trails Sturbridge observed, "Not my favorite place. It wasn't too loud here in October. Had site B1, which was water and electric. Close to the pond."
Wilderness Lake Park has both RV and tent areas with varied facilities. An RVer reported, "We cannot say enough about this amazing campground. Our Sprinter van broke down nearby and we ended up staying 4 nights unexpectedly. The owners bent over backwards helping us out."
