Tent campsites near Hampden, Massachusetts offer primitive camping experiences across varied terrains and accessibility levels. The region sits at the southern edge of the Connecticut River Valley with elevations ranging from 200 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Most wilderness camping areas remain open from May through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak season and frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and August.
What to do
Water recreation at Tully Lake: Campers can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding with equipment rentals available directly at the campground. "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake. Great trip! We will be returning," notes a camper at Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Hiking at Doane's Falls: Located near Tully Lake, this series of five waterfalls offers easy hiking paths suitable for children. "If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area. The views are beautiful," explains a visitor.
Geocaching opportunities: The area around Federated Womens Club State Forest contains numerous geocaches. "There are several along the entrance rd and in the area," reports a camper, who recommends downloading offline maps before heading out due to limited cell service.
Swimming in natural settings: While formal swimming beaches are limited, many campsites offer water access. At Barton Cove Campground, a visitor notes, "You can't swim (unless you rent a canoe/kayak and swim while you're out on the water)," showing how campers adapt to enjoy water recreation.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers appreciate the seclusion offered at many campgrounds. "We stayed at site 1, which was HUGE and extremely private. Sites closer to the water that we saw were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out," writes a guest at Tully Lake.
Car-free camping experience: The walk-in nature of several campgrounds enhances the outdoor 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," shares a camper.
Natural swimming opportunities: At Zoar Outdoor, campers enjoy water activities without formal facilities. "It's close to where locals jump off outcrops into the lazy river and hang out on the river side," describes one visitor, highlighting natural swimming spots.
Small rustic camping near water: Many primitive tent sites near Hampden provide direct water access. "The sites near the water or on bluffs are further away, and though they provide carts the trails can make hauling them tough. Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea," advises a Tully Lake camper.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many wilderness camping areas have poor connectivity. At Federated Womens Club State Forest, "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here."
Gate access procedures: Some campgrounds have specific entry protocols. At Barton Cove, a camper explains 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."
Composting toilets: Many primitive sites use alternative facilities. At Federated Womens Club State Forest, "There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field," and campers must bring their own water as there are no running water facilities.
Reservation timing: Popular tent campsites fill quickly. A Tully Lake visitor advises, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Scout-friendly campgrounds: For first-time camping with children, consider established scout locations. At Buck Hill Campground, "This is a scouting campground (Cub Scout). All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents). Many of the sites are also along Wakefield Pond."
Wheeled cart availability: Many walk-in campgrounds provide equipment for transporting gear. "They provide carts to haul your stuff. Everything is clean and well maintained, and the staff was helpful and friendly," notes a visitor at Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Wildlife awareness: Some campgrounds have significant insect activity. At River Highlands State Park, a camper warns, "As a heads-up, the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders (which might be expected in a natural setting like this)."
Short hiking options: For families with young children, look for campgrounds with easy trail access. At Onion Mountain Park, "We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike. I saw in the other review, that it is classified as a walk-in but it's definitely more of a hike."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most primitive tent camping sites near Hampden don't accommodate RVs, focusing instead on tent-only experiences. For RV camping, look further afield or at larger established campgrounds with designated RV areas.
Parking considerations: Even at campgrounds that technically allow RVs, parking can be challenging. "It's a long curvy road that ends with a small parking lot at a T junction," notes a visitor to Federated Womens Club State Forest, indicating potential difficulties for larger vehicles.
Rustic alternatives: For those seeking an RV-like experience without the vehicle, Chester Railway Station offers a unique option. "The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too. You hear the trains running at night. Very clean and comfortable."
