Camping near Montague, Massachusetts can be found across a variety of terrains, from riverfront settings to wooded state forests at elevations ranging from 200-1,200 feet. The Connecticut River Valley offers moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season with cooler nights in the higher elevation campgrounds. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through October with limited availability during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Paddle the Ashuelot River: At Ashuelot River Campground in nearby Swanzey, NH, campers can enjoy river activities. "Great place to camp on the ashuelot river. Make sure to bring tubes for relaxing on the river. We brought our kayaks and had no problem kayaking on the flat surface river," notes Karen O.
Hike to mountain views: The area features several trails with elevation gains ranging from 300-1,000 feet. "The big draw here is the pond, with the public beach on one side and lined with private cabins on the other. Swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking will keep you busy," says Jean C. about Erving State Forest Campground.
Explore historic towns: Within 15-30 minutes of most local campgrounds, you can visit towns with New England charm. "We are very close to Berkshire East, in a small town of Shelburne Falls. This place is very quiet even with all the kids," explains Jason A. from Country Aire Campgrounds.
What campers like
Swimming in natural settings: Many campers appreciate the water access at local sites. "The campground is clean, quiet, with plenty of open sites as well as sites in the woods. Sites big enough for our 42' 5th wheel and 2 cars. River view sites available," notes John C. about Ashuelot River Campground.
Clean facilities: Reviewers consistently mention facility maintenance. "We stayed in the cabins and they were clean, and we liked our proximity to the pool," says Kimberly H. about Northampton/Springfield KOA.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campsites offer peaceful settings despite their accessibility. "We grew up going to Laurel Lake and camping out there. It's a great place to tent camp and a very relax quiet place to spend a long weekend," shares Ben P. about Erving State Forest.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies significantly across the region. "Download your maps for offline use! Cell connection was horrible heading up here," advises Jean C. about Erving State Forest. Another camper, Tim S., adds "There is also zero cell service (there is an operational pay phone at the showers)."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for prime sites. "There are only 27 sites, but in 2020 many of the ones served by composting toilets are closed. You need reservations in advance," notes Jean C.
Weather considerations: The area experiences temperature swings of 15-25°F between day and night. "It's the highest elevation campground in Vermont, which means that when the temperatures soar in the valleys, you can come here for a noticeable temperature difference," explains Tara S. about Woodford State Park Campground.
Guide
