Tent camping near Leverett, Massachusetts offers access to the Connecticut River Valley watershed and the eastern foothills of the Berkshires, with elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65°F to 85°F, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and changing landscapes. Most tent sites in this area require campers to pack gear anywhere from 50 yards to a mile from parking areas.
What to do
Paddle Tully Lake: Explore the numerous islands and coves throughout this large reservoir at Tully Lake Recreation Area. Equipment rentals available on-site. "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," reports Ben P.
Hike to Doane's Falls: Located a quick walk from Tully Lake campground, this series of cascading waterfalls offers excellent photography opportunities. "The highlight was Doane's falls, a very quick walk from the campground area," notes Jean C. who also suggests downloading maps beforehand since "cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area."
Mountain biking: Trails around the Quabbin Reservoir area provide various difficulty levels for mountain bikers. "You can hike and bike (mtb). Nearby there are waterfalls (gorgeous) and a local mountain," explains Miguel B. when describing recreational options around Tully Lake.
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Many campers appreciate sites that offer direct water access. At Barton Cove Campground, "sites have tent platforms, grill, fire pit and picnic tables. Sites are fenced in due to how steep it is to the water which was a downside but views between the trees are nice," according to Brie B.
No vehicle noise: The walk-in nature of these campgrounds creates a quieter experience. At Tully Lake, "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 Megan G. about her family's experience at site 1, which she described as "HUGE and extremely private."
Unique accommodations: Beyond standard tent sites, Chester Railway Station offers an unusual camping 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," explains Esther L., who found it "Very clean and comfortable."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. For Tully Lake, one camper 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."
Site selection: Carefully consider location when booking. "Some of the sites are definitely walk-in, with a narrow trail leading from the road. It's possible to park at other sites," notes Jean C. when describing Federated Womens Club State Forest, adding "high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred" for accessing certain areas.
Check-in logistics: Some campgrounds have specific entry protocols. At Barton Cove, Brie B. describes 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."
Tips for camping with families
Cart availability: For families with young children and lots of gear, Maple Ridge Farm offers assistance. "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot," says Les R., who found the owners "so friendly and excited to welcome campers."
Bathroom proximity: When camping with small children, consider site location relative to facilities. One Lauren A. noted about Tully Lake: "Our 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."
Campground amenities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly features. Stacey W. found Tully Lake ideal as "This was the trifecta for us, where we could fish, kayak, and swim! We really enjoyed our stay and look forward to booking again soon!"
Tips for RVers
Alternative accommodations: Most tent camping areas near Leverett don't accommodate RVs, but Sodom Mountain Campground has made significant improvements for vehicle access. "All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired," notes Brad N., who adds "Great Wi-Fi now, store has been redone and grands are much nicer."
Activity-based options: RVers looking for outdoor adventures can find outfitters in the region. Zoar Outdoor offers both camping and river activities according to Dominick V.: "Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting. Amenities are well maintained."
Limited hookups: Even at campgrounds that accept RVs, be prepared for minimal services. Most sites near Leverett that accept both tents and RVs have limited or no hookups, with restroom and shower facilities often centralized rather than at individual sites.
