Tent campsites near Belchertown, Massachusetts sit in a region characterized by dense forest, rocky terrain, and elevations ranging from 400 to 1,100 feet. Several established camping areas restrict vehicle access to maintain a quieter, more natural atmosphere. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during the day, dropping to the 50s at night, making spring and fall particularly pleasant for overnight stays.
What to do
Water activities on Tully Lake: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals for exploring the water. "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.
Hiking to Doane's Falls: Located near Tully Lake, these falls feature a series of five cascades through a wooded area. "The highlight was Doane's falls, a very quick walk from the campground area," reports Jean C., who also recommends downloading any maps you might need before arriving due to limited cell service.
Mountain biking trails: The region offers various terrain options for cyclists. At Zoar Outdoor, campers have access to nearby trails. One visitor mentioned that the campground is "connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river."
Disc golf near the dam: A popular course is located by Tully Lake's dam area. "A disc golf course is also near the dam and was seeing a fair amount of activity," notes a reviewer who hiked the 4-mile loop around the lake during summer.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between tent areas. At Maple Ridge Farm, one visitor noted it's a "Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites. They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."
No-vehicle camping areas: The absence of cars creates 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," explains Megan G. about her experience at Tully Lake.
Waterfront access: Sites with lake or river views are particularly popular. At Barton Cove Campground, tent platforms include "grill, fire pit and picnic tables" with views between trees of the Connecticut River, though "sites are fenced in due to how steep it is to the water."
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and shower areas are frequently mentioned in positive reviews. At Maple Ridge Farm, "Toilet and shower were very clean," and they provide "a common room that has games and eggs for sale."
What you should know
Gate access procedures: Several campgrounds implement multi-step gate processes. At Barton Cove, a visitor explained 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."
Cart hauling requirements: Most walk-in sites require equipment transportation. "They provide carts to haul your stuff. Anywhere from a few yards to about a mile," notes a Tully Lake visitor, adding that it's "not good for people who want to take their kids somewhere easy."
Limited cell service: Network coverage is spotty throughout the region. 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."
Water availability varies: Some sites have no potable water. At Federated Women's Club State Forest, visitors are advised to "Bring your own water. There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites closer to facilities: With small children, bathroom proximity matters. At Tully Lake, one family noted their "site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site and neighboring campers."
Consider campground activities: Look for sites with built-in recreation options. Miguel B. shared that Tully Lake has "easy access to a man made lake which is quite beautiful, and you can paddle on it and explore its shoreline. You can hike and bike (mtb)."
Pack minimally for walk-in sites: Keep gear streamlined when hauling is required. "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.
Reserve well in advance: Popular family-friendly sites book quickly. "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)," warns a Tully Lake visitor.
Tips from RVers
Primitive tent options for RV travelers: Many RV campers use Onion Mountain Park for tent camping when seeking a more rustic experience. "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night. The spot is not very big so make sure to bring a smaller tent."
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal variations. At Sodom Mountain Campground, improvements include "All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired," which is particularly important during spring mud season when accessing tent sites.
High clearance vehicles preferred: Some access roads require appropriate vehicles. At Federated Women's Club State Forest, "If so, high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred" when navigating the entrance road toward the campground.
