Tent campsites near Rowe, Massachusetts range from primitive backcountry sites to walk-in established campgrounds throughout the Berkshire Mountains region. The area sits in western Massachusetts at approximately 1,800 feet elevation with dense forest cover and numerous waterways. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day and drop to 50-60°F at night, making spring through fall the primary camping season.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: Zoar Outdoor in Charlemont offers tent camping with access to guided water 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."
Hiking access: Seth Warner Shelter provides primitive tent camping along the Long Trail. Daniel S. notes, "Its .2 miles off the Lt/At and sleeps 6-7 people. There is a fire pit. The long trail is a very wet nasty trail but it can be dry so be careful having a fire."
Paddling exploration: Many tent campsites provide water access. At Tully Lake Recreation Area, Jean C. shared, "There's a canoe/kayak launch near the campground, so if you have a waterfront site you may choose to paddle your gear over." The lake offers approximately 200 acres of paddling area.
Waterfall viewing: Doane's Falls sits near Tully Lake, offering a quick hike with multiple waterfalls. Nancy R. describes it as "an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness of tent sites. At Maple Ridge Farm, Les R. commented, "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."
Vehicle-free camping: The absence of cars creates a quieter experience. Megan G. said of 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."
Unique accommodations: Some sites offer distinctive options beyond standard tent pads. Chester Railway Station provides an unusual experience, as Esther L. noted: "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."
Waterfront options: Many tent campgrounds feature water access. Miguel B. shared about Tully Lake, "There is easy access to a man made lake which is quite beautiful, and you can paddle on it and explore its shoreline."
What you should know
Cart-hauling required: Many tent sites require transporting gear from parking areas. Kris M. explains about Tully Lake, "There is no parking at each site, but a parking lot, then you can use a cart to truck your things in, anywhere from a few yards to about a mile."
Bathroom distance: Centralized facilities mean planning for nighttime needs. Jean C. notes, "The bathrooms offer flush toilets and a single shower on each site, plus a dishwashing sink outside. From some of the sites, this will be a long walk during the night."
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have poor connectivity. Jean C. advises, "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."
Campfire restrictions: Rules vary by location. Seth K. mentioned about Zoar Outdoor, "They don't allow fires at the campsites though which is annoying and their quiet hours are quite oppressive."
Tips for camping with families
Gate access logistics: Barton Cove Campground requires a specific entry procedure. Brie B. explains, "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."
Early booking essential: Popular sites fill extremely quickly. Nancy R. advises about Tully Lake, "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."
Pack minimally: Due to cart requirements, consider what's truly necessary. Miguel B. recommends, "Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea" at Tully Lake, where "though they provide carts the trails can make hauling them tough."
Swimming options: Not all waterfront sites permit swimming. Jean C. notes, "There's no formal swimming area and you can't swim at the boat launches, but you are able to swim from your campsites if you so desire."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: The Rowe area primarily offers tent-focused camping rather than RV sites. At Stratton Pond Shelter in nearby Vermont, Miccal M. describes a typical backcountry setup: "The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter."
Consider hybrid options: Some campgrounds offer cabin rentals alongside tent sites. Lauren A. noted about holiday weekends at 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."
