Tent campsites near Haydenville, Massachusetts provide access to the diverse landscapes of the Berkshire foothills and Connecticut River Valley. The region features elevations ranging from 200 to 1,000 feet with mixed hardwood forests and numerous waterways. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping often requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Paddling activities: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers canoe and kayak rentals directly at the campground for exploring the lake's shoreline and islands. "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 Ben P. about Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Whitewater adventures: Access guided rafting trips from Zoar Outdoor campground in Charlemont, about 30 miles from Haydenville. "The campground is connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river. It's close to where locals jump off outcrops into the lazy river and hang out on the river side," reports Seth K.
Waterfall exploration: Campers can hike to Doane's Falls near Tully Lake, with multiple cascades accessible via a short trail. "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," writes Jean C.
Disc golf: Play the course near Tully Lake dam, which sees regular use during summer months. The course is approximately 1 mile from the campground and offers a recreational alternative to water activities.
What campers like
Unique accommodations: Chester Railway Station offers an unusual camping experience in a converted 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," explains Esther L. from Chester Railway Station.
Private waterfront sites: Some camping locations offer direct lake access for swimming and paddling without leaving your site. "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," reports Megan G.
Vehicle-free camping atmosphere: Many tent camping areas prohibit cars at individual sites, creating a quieter 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," adds Megan G.
Walk-in camping options: While some sites require longer walks from parking areas, many campers appreciate the resulting privacy and tranquility. "I even like that it's rustic and you can't drive your vehicle to the site. They have carts to haul your stuff. Everything is clean and well maintained," notes stacey W.
What you should know
Site access logistics: Several campgrounds require campers to transport gear from central parking areas to walk-in sites. At Barton Cove Campground, "Only real annoyance was dealing with set up and take down of the campsite- 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," explains Brie B.
Limited cell coverage: Most campgrounds in the area have poor or non-existent cell service. "Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want (driving, trail, geocaching) before you arrive," advises Jean C.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for prime waterfront sites and holiday weekends. Reservations may open months in advance on specific dates.
Campfire regulations: Some locations restrict or prohibit fires at campsites. "They don't allow fired at the campsites though which is annoying and their quiet hours are quite oppressive," notes Seth K. about Zoar Outdoor.
Tips for camping with families
Cart considerations: When camping with young children at walk-in sites, plan for multiple trips with the provided carts. "We went memorial day weekend few years ago, busy holiday of young teens partying. Park staff tried their best, but other campers definitely took away from our stay. Loud throughout. Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night," shares Lauren A. about Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Site selection for bathroom proximity: When camping with small children, consider proximity to bathroom facilities. Some campsites can be significant distances from centralized bathrooms, making nighttime trips challenging.
Age-appropriate water activities: Most swimming areas lack lifeguards, so family supervision is essential. Campers with younger children should consider sites with gradual water entry points. "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...but it's totally worth it," advises Kris M.
Privacy barriers: Request sites with natural screening if camping with young children who need naps. "The office was super helpful when I called to make reservations, making sure to ask questions about how big my tent was, what kind of view/privacy we wanted etc so they could help me find the perfect campsite," notes Brie B.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Haydenville cannot accommodate large RVs due to narrow access roads and limited site dimensions. Maple Ridge Farm in nearby Vermont notes, "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot," indicating limitations for larger vehicles.
Primitive facilities: RVers should note that most camping areas offer minimal or no hookups. Plan to boondock with self-contained systems and arrive with full water tanks. "You have to buy firewood from them. Canoe, kayak & padddleboard rental available. Showers & bathrooms by the parking area," explains Sa R.
Parking challenges: Many campgrounds require RVs to park in designated lots rather than at individual sites. This may require additional planning for accessing your tent camping area. "This campground has improved with the new owners as of 2021... All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired," reports Brad N. about Sodom Mountain Campground.
Dump station access: No dump stations exist at most tent-focused campgrounds, so plan to travel to nearby facilities for waste disposal.
