Best Tent Camping near North Adams, MA

Tent campsites near North Adams, Massachusetts include a mix of established campgrounds and more secluded backcountry options across western Massachusetts and nearby Vermont. Seth Warner Shelter offers tent sites along the Long Trail in southern Vermont, approximately 15 miles northeast of North Adams, while Stratton Pond Shelter provides both tent platforms and shelter space in Green Mountain National Forest. Other tent-friendly options include Zoar Outdoor along the Deerfield River and smaller private facilities like Peace Farm Rescue.

Most tent campgrounds in the region require proper preparation as amenities vary significantly. Walk-in tent sites are common, with Seth Warner Shelter located 0.2 miles off the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail and Stratton Pond Shelter requiring a 3.75-mile winter hike from the nearest parking area. Many primitive camping areas feature fire pits and designated tent spots, but campers should verify current fire regulations as restrictions are common during dry periods. Several locations offer toilets but limited drinking water access, making water filtration equipment essential for backcountry tent campers. Bear activity is present throughout the region, so food storage precautions are necessary at all tent sites.

The tent camping experience near North Adams provides excellent access to regional trail networks. Green Mountain National Forest offers numerous backcountry tent camping opportunities with varying levels of solitude. Areas farther from town provide deeper wilderness immersion, particularly for experienced backpackers seeking multi-day routes. Sites near water features like Tully Lake allow for combined paddle-in tent camping experiences, though waterfront sites fill quickly during peak season. Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities from tent sites throughout the region. According to one visitor at Stratton Pond Shelter, "The shelter is at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail. The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."

Best Tent Sites Near North Adams, Massachusetts (23)

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Tent Camping Reviews near North Adams, MA

549 Reviews of 23 North Adams Campgrounds


  • Sa R.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    Beautiful lake

    First time staying there. Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them. Canoe, kayak & padddleboard rental available. Showers & bathrooms by the parking area. Lots of islands & places to explore on the lake. Buggy in June so bring your repellent. Dogs allowed...that’s all I got for now :)

  • A
    Aug. 28, 2018

    Mohawk Park Campground & Restaurant

    Small Campground on the Mountain

    Mohawk Park is a small campground that provides RV & tent sites, some along the Deerfield River. Sites are small but have electricity, water, picnic tables, & fire rings. Fishing, swimming, & tubing are allowed in the river...and you'll often see tubers floating by during the summer months!

    The park is perfectly located along the scenic Mohawk Trail (Rt 2) about half-way between North Adams and Greenfield... with a rustic restaurant on site, where they're serving up all your culinary and beverage needs.

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.

  • Ryan A.
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground

    Great Campground in Western Mass

    This is a great campground located off of highway 2 in western Mass. I stayed in site 51 and luckily the campground was mostly empty(it was on a Thursday though and was supposed to be full for the weekend.) Each campsite has a bear box and fire ring, there is easy access to hiking trails and flush-toilet bathrooms with sinks are located throughout. There is only one dumpster though and it’s a walk to get to – store your trash in your car or drive it each night, or enjoy the walk. 

    The campsites are very close together without much brush for privacy, so you should expect to see your neighbors up close and personal. Some of the sites are on Cold River(which is more like a creek). The bugs were awful, especially the gnats and I did see a large tick on my fire grill, so be prepared. The best sites are on the lower loop around the water. Avoid any site next to the bathroom as the lights stay on all night and will shine directly into your tent. 49 looked really nice and seemed dark. The hike-in sites were also close together, 22 is the most private. There are baskets with wheels provided. 

    The rangers are friendly and sell firewood in case you need any. You’ll need to check in before going to the campsite, they’ll give you a map and they take good care of the sites. Would definitely camp here again.

  • Nancy R.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    Tully Lake Campground is perfect to enjoy traditional family camping!

    Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border. It is a State managed campground, and reservations must be made through Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations. There are some prime camp sites with direct access to the lake, but suggest you be prepared to call early in the morning of the first day State Campground reservations can be made, if you want one of these!

    This is a "Carry In" campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites.) There are individual sites, and 2 group sites, if you are camping with a group. Canoes are available to rent to explore Tully Lake. Most parts of the lake are suitable for swimming, and some camp sites offer direct entry into the lake for swimming, canoeing, or kayaking. 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. The views are beautiful, and it's not unusual to spot professional nature photographers at various points along the waterfalls. Bring your cameras or smart phones to capture some of these breathtaking views! And of course there are longer, more challenging trails for more experienced hikers. There are family oriented programs offered, and dogs are allowed, on leash only. Cell service is spotty to non-existent for some providers within the campground. But a short walk or drive away from the campground you can get connected again.

    The bathrooms are located near the entrance to the Park, and include flush toilets as well as coin operated, hot showers, open 24/7. There are sinks beside the building, where campers are asked to wash their dishes, rather than at the camp site. A fire ring and picnic table are provided at each camp site. If you've forgotten any gear or need groceries, there's a Walmart just a 15 minute drive away, open until 12 midnight.

    The staff are quite friendly, helpful and informative. If you enjoy "old fashioned" family tent camping, without the noise and presence of cars and RV's near your camp site, (or cell phones!) this is the place for you. Enjoy!

  • Erin B.
    Sep. 11, 2019

    Clarksburg State Park Campground

    low key and beautiful fall getaway

    Keep in mind that this review is written after camping sept 8th (the week that school started for many) so it might not be relevant to peak camping season. We were pleasantly surprised with our weekend getaway to Clarksburg State Park. Nestled in the Berkshires and basically walking distance to Vermont, Clarksburg State Park provides a comfortable and semi-private tent site. Several spots (including ours 6) were very close to the rather large pond. While the trees obstruct the views, the site was waterfront and we were able to walk a few yards downhill to the waters edge where we launched our kayaks (there is a designated launching spot elsewhere). No electric and water hookups are provided but we were totally okay with that. Bear boxes were provided on each site so that you don’t have to keep stinky food or garbage in your car! Each site also had a fire pit with a grate so that you can cook right there on the fire. The bathrooms were some of the cleanest campground bathrooms and showers i’ve experienced (no bugs or webs also) and there was a dishwashing station on the side. The sites were large and well spaced but they had trees in between so that you felt privacy. The campground itself had plenty of sites, firewood for sale in the front and a pavilion and beach area on the day use side. There are plenty of trails you can hop on right outside your tent site and very little light pollution for optimal star gazing. We really enjoyed our time here and will definitely be back!

  • K
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Alander Trail Camground — Mount Washington State Forest

    Amazing Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you’re looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience. You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots. Once you get there, theres quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit or privacy. It’s completely free and it usually isn’t too busy since most people don’t like having to carry all their stuff in that far. You will be in the heart of the forest/woods so definitely make sure to be prepared. We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy. They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2020

    Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    sunny or wooded sites, quiet with ponds and trails

    This state forest campground offers large sites, some of them on a grassy open area or tucked into the woods. They also offer 4 cabins, though under 2020 coronavirus precautions, these are unavailable. They do offer views of ponds. 

    Bathrooms, including showers, are clean and checked a couple of times/day. I was here on a holiday weekend and it was quiet with a few vacant sites, unlike nearby Mohawk Trail that was packed. It has a small pond with swimming beach and a couple was just pulling their kayak out when I arrived. 

    Bear boxes are provided, but I question how serious they are about the bear problem because the dumpster was not at all secure. Fires are allowed and firewood is for sale at the office. No hookups, but a dumping station. 

    I was in site 34, which is straight ahead at the entrance. It's a large, grassy site with trees separating you from the road and dumping station, The trees block the morning sun. The sites on the outside of the loop are shaded, but most of the ones toward the middle are open and grassy

    I had a flicking bar of coverage at the high point of the campground on Verizon, but all you MIGHT be able to do is text. Head toward Florida, MA on Rt 2 and at the height of land(shortly before you reach the Elk monument), you'll have good coverage. If you forgot anything, run into North Adams for grocery stores or Walmart.

    Google Maps will often take you down a bumpy dirt road….stick to Rt 2 as long as possible if you're coming from that direction! This campground provides a nice base if  you're in the area for a while and want to explore North Adams, Mt. Greylock, or rafting/tubing out of Charlemont. Each of these places is 20-45 minutes away.

    Note: with 2020 coronavirus restrictions, reservations must be made in advance. Out of state guests will pay a significantly higher fee.

  • Dawn S.
    May. 30, 2020

    Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    Clean

    My pup and I spent two nights here and were very happy. While this campground is bare-bones (no pool) it is perfect for anyone who wants to just chill and do nothing or hit the mountains / local area and do some hiking. The entire campground was very clean, as were the bathrooms. At check-in they will give you maps of hiking routes. Firewood is for sale onsite as are a few necessities. They also had bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings at each site. We will go back.


Guide to North Adams

Tent camping near North Adams, Massachusetts ranges from working farm sites to historic railway accommodations. The region sits at the northern edge of the Berkshire Mountains where elevations range from 700 to 3,491 feet at Mount Greylock. Campers should prepare for significant temperature variations, with evening temperatures often dropping 20-30 degrees below daytime highs, even during summer months.

What to do

Whitewater adventures: Zoar Outdoor offers tent camping with direct access to water activities on the Deerfield River. 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."

Winter hiking: Experienced backpackers can access Stratton Pond Shelter during winter months. Miccal M. notes, "Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great! The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter."

Farm exploration: Maple Ridge Farm provides a rustic camping experience with agricultural elements. Les R. shares, "They have a common room that has games and eggs for sale. Toilet and shower were very clean."

What campers like

Historic accommodations: Chester Railway Station offers a unique camping opportunity in a converted caboose. Esther L. explains, "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."

Shelter systems: Many backcountry sites feature both tent platforms and shelter accommodations. At Stratton Pond Shelter, "There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter," according to Miccal M.

Privacy between sites: Private campgrounds in the region often provide spacious campsites. One camper at Maple Ridge Farm observed, "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."

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons or may close entirely. Red Mill Brook has been reported as "Closed" by Bryce B., highlighting the importance of verifying operational status before planning a trip.

Fire regulations: Fire policies vary significantly between sites. While Seth Warner Shelter has a fire pit, Daniel S. warns, "The long trail is a very wet nasty trail but it can be dry so be careful having a fire."

Water access: Most backcountry sites require water filtration equipment. Stratton Pond provides natural water sources as it "is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail," but proper filtration remains essential.

Tips for camping with families

ATV transport: Some sites offer assistance with gear transportation. At Maple Ridge Farm, the owners "drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot," making access easier for families with young children.

Indoor shelter options: For families seeking a mix of outdoor experience with indoor security, Zoar Outdoor offers tent sites alongside cabin and yurt accommodations. Reilly L. reports, "Everyone is so knowledgeable and helpful and kind. They really seem to care about what they do."

Noise considerations: Campgrounds near transportation corridors may experience noise disruptions. Chester Railway Station campers should note that "You hear the trains running at night," which could disturb light sleepers.

Tips from RVers

Limited large rig access: Most campgrounds near North Adams are designed for tent camping or small trailers only. None of the catalogued sites indicate big-rig friendly accommodations.

Hookup availability: Peace Farm Rescue offers some electric hookups for smaller RVs but lacks water and sewer connections. The site maintains only 2 designated camping spots, making advanced reservations essential.

Walk-in requirements: Many campgrounds require RVers to park in designated areas and walk to their sites. Seth Warner notes that his shelter "is .2 miles off the LT/AT," requiring campers to hike in with their equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near North Adams, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near North Adams, MA is Zoar Outdoor with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near North Adams, MA?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near North Adams, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.