Seasonal RV campgrounds near Hampden, Massachusetts provide convenient access to the Connecticut River Valley's diverse terrain. Located within an hour of the Berkshire foothills and Massachusetts Turnpike, this area experiences distinct four-season camping with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping months. Winter camping opportunities remain limited with several parks closing after Columbus Day.
What to do
Pond activities: At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, campers can enjoy the water amenities. "Cool pond for paddle boats and canoeing! Family friendly," notes Caitlin B., highlighting recreational options beyond standard camping.
Hiking opportunities: The area offers extensive wooded trails for nature exploration. At Wilderness Lake Park, "There was a hiking trail on the property and the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property," according to Robert L., who appreciated both established and developing recreational options.
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities for all ages. "The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around," reports Megin F. about her experience at Prospect Mountain Campground, mentioning the family-friendly fishing areas.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many RV parks prioritize comfortable spacing between camping areas. At Douglas Forest RV Resort, one reviewer noted, "The RV sites are spacious and easy to navigate, with full hookups and strong Wi-Fi," highlighting the practical site layout for larger rigs.
Pool facilities: Swimming pools provide welcome summer recreation. "Nice pool with time for adult only swim time," writes Gale S. about Prospect Mountain Campground, appreciating the structured swimming schedule that accommodates both families and adults.
Camp store conveniences: On-site stores offer essentials for campers. "They also have a nice little store and snack bar," Sandra S. mentions about Prospect Mountain, noting the practical amenities that reduce the need for off-site shopping trips.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Booking well in advance remains essential for securing preferred sites. "No reservations and we ended up in 'overflow,'" cautions a reviewer about Westover ARB Military FamCamp, highlighting the challenges of last-minute arrivals.
Payment methods: Some campgrounds maintain specific payment policies. At Wilderness Lake Park, one camper advises, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared," preventing payment surprises upon arrival.
Seasonal limitations: Water availability varies by season at some parks. A camper at Westover ARB Military FamCamp notes, "Water is turned off October 15-April 15. Water available from rest room spigot. You will need at least 25' hose," providing critical information for off-season campers.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-oriented campgrounds offer scheduled events throughout the season. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides," explains Sandra S. about Prospect Mountain Campground, helping parents plan entertainment for younger campers.
Playground access: Play areas provide important recreation for children. "The playground was a hit for our kids!" shares alissa T. about Thousand Trails Sturbridge, confirming the value of dedicated children's spaces.
Swimming options: Water recreation remains popular with families visiting RV campgrounds near Hampden, Massachusetts. At Aces High RV Park, April L. appreciated the "clean playground and well maintained pool as well as some walking paths," noting multiple activity options for children.
Tips from RVers
Site configurations: Understanding the layout helps with parking larger vehicles. "Pull through sites also have lots of space between them so you don't feel like you are on top of the neighbors," explains April L. about Aces High RV Park, describing the practical advantage of site spacing.
Hookup reliability: Utility connections vary between properties. Frank L. explains that at Westover Military FamCamp, "Sites are water/electric but some are 30 amp, others are 50 amp. Dump station available," providing essential information for planning power needs.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds present access difficulties for larger RVs. At Countryside RV Park, the layout provides "large sites" according to Marilou O., making it easier to maneuver larger motorhomes and trailers without the tight turns reported at other locations.