Best Campgrounds near Hardwick, MA

Camping near Hardwick, Massachusetts, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly campgrounds to serene spots for RVers, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around October Mountain State Forest. One camper mentioned, "The trails were completely perfectly maintained with some 2x6 boards over the muddy bits so our boots didn't get wet."
• Fishing: The Housatonic River is nearby, perfect for fishing. A visitor at October Mountain State Forest noted, "For any fly fishing folks, this campground is very close to the Housatonic (catch and release only!)"
• Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the local lakes. One reviewer at George Washington State Campground said, "The lake access is excellent, obviously."

What campers like:

• Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy and private sites at Normandy Farms Campground. A visitor shared, "The sites are level, the bathrooms/showers are spotless with piped in music and hairdryers."
• Family-friendly activities: Families enjoy the many activities for kids at Lorraine Park Campground. One parent said, "It has so many things for the kids to do. Everyone is so friendly."
• Clean facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at George Washington State Campground remarked, "Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers."

What you should know:

• No same-day reservations: Many campgrounds, like October Mountain State Forest, require reservations in advance. One camper noted, "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed."
• Wildlife: Be prepared for local wildlife, especially mosquitoes. A visitor at Lorraine Park Campground mentioned, "The water in the pond is not streaming so be prepared for mosquitoes when camping close to the water."
• Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have extensive amenities. A reviewer at Minute Man Campground said, "The store seemed to be lacking some stuff even though it has plenty of space."

Tips for camping with families:

• Plan activities: Look for campgrounds with organized activities for kids. A parent at Normandy Farms Campground mentioned, "It has tons of activities for kids to include bike track, frisbee, tons of games."
• Choose spacious sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Lorraine Park Campground said, "The pitches are spacious and shaded."
• Bring bug spray: To keep the mosquitoes at bay, make sure to pack insect repellent. A visitor at George Washington State Campground advised, "You will need mosquito repellent."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site levels: Some sites may not be level, so bring leveling blocks. A reviewer at Normandy Farms Campground noted, "We have a 25” B+ and basically had to park sideways and use a lot of leveling blocks."
• Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups and dump stations. A visitor at Lorraine Park Campground mentioned, "The office did provide us with additional blocks to level so they were very accommodating."
• Plan for noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Greenfield State Park Campground said, "Mid-week, the park was at maybe 20% capacity, and it was amazing. Quiet, and tons of room."

Camping near Hardwick, Massachusetts, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!