Grant R.
Scout
ScoutVillage Green Family Campground
Awesome campground
This camp is very family and let friendly. From the check-in to check-out everyone was so friendly. We will be back
Camping near Russell, MA
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The Russell, Massachusetts region includes several established campgrounds offering a mix of accommodation styles from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals. Northampton/Springfield KOA in nearby Westhampton provides tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin options approximately 20 miles northwest of Russell. Prospect Mountain Campground in Granville, closer to Russell's southern border, features similar mixed-use facilities with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Several state forest campgrounds including Tolland State Forest and Granville State Forest round out the camping landscape with more rustic, nature-focused settings.
Most campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations, typically opening from May through mid-October. Prospect Mountain Campground operates from May 1st until Columbus Day, while state forest facilities like Tolland State Forest generally run from mid-May to mid-October. As one camper noted, "We liked this campground a lot! Lots of trees and shade. Great pool. The sites on the water looked nice." Water access varies considerably between sites, with some offering lakefront or streamside camping and others situated in more wooded settings. Weather considerations become important during spring and fall seasons when temperatures can fluctuate significantly, particularly at higher elevations in the state forests.
Family-friendly amenities represent a common feature across many Russell area campgrounds. KOA facilities offer organized activities like hayrides, fire truck rides, and Halloween events that appeal to families with children. A review mentioned, "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing." Several campgrounds provide swimming pools, playgrounds, and fishing access, though amenities decrease at more primitive state forest locations. Site privacy varies considerably, with state forest campgrounds generally offering more seclusion and natural settings, while private campgrounds tend to place sites closer together but with more developed facilities. Travelers seeking quieter experiences may prefer the state forest options, while those wanting more amenities and organized activities will find the private campgrounds more suitable.
Best Campgrounds near Russell (157)
1. Northampton / Springfield KOA
"We stayed in the cabins and they were clean, and we liked our proximity to the pool."
"I’m more of a quite, in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind of camper, so I tend to shy away from commercial campgrounds, but it was easier for me to commute from the KOA than from home when work was crazy because"
2. Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park
"The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around. We are going to make this a yearly thing from now on!!"
"This is over the boarder in mass from ct We did a three month seasonal Site Staff is super nice and helpful We had a nice quite spot even though we where in the road to the lake"
3. Tolland State Forest Campground
"campground the bathroom was clean and well equipped with toilet paper and soap
we stayed at site 70 which was very spacious and set back from the road so had more privacy, although site 71 is very close by"
"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."
from $17 / night
Check Availability4. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest
"Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots. Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."
"There is access to the Farmington River from the campground for your fishing and paddling pleasure. In the summer, this place is mosquito central, so bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!"
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability5. October Mountain State Forest Campground
"I tent camped here in night while exploring the fishing in Western Massachusetts. The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside."
"Some of the sites are very visible and a few are tucked away into the woods with privacy. Most are pretty close to their neighbors."
from $17 - $55 / night
Check Availability6. Granville State Forest
"Trails are right near the sites so def scope out your spot before purchase. Has a full shower/bath and sink for washing very well kept and water pump rnot to far from the site."
from $17 / night
Check Availability7. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest Campground
"There is a campers only beach on upper highland lake that was easy walking distance from the campsite and fishing opportunities there as well."
"Public beach area is small but you can find your own quiet spot away from the crowd. sites book up quick so reserve early!"
from $17 - $35 / night
Check Availability8. Chester Railway Station
"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. Very clean and comfortable."
from $50 - $100 / night
Check Availability9. Black Rabbit Farm
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability10. Walker Island Family Camping
"Small park on a property surrounded by creeks and trees. Very clean."
Drive Time
- 27 min from Springfield, MA
- 44 min from Amherst Center, MA
- 48 min from Pittsfield, MA
- 50 min from Hartford, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Russell, MA
372 Photos of 157 Russell Campgrounds
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Maple Corner Farm's Meadow Site
Bill K.
Northampton / Springfield KOA
John R.
Walker Island Family Camping
Megin F.
Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park
Cheryl B.
Tolland State Forest Campground
Tim K.
Granville State Forest
Alan
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest Campground
Sue B.
Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest
Becca Z.
White Pines Campsites
TJ H.
Fernwood Forest Campground
Justin P.
October Mountain State Forest Campground
Jared D.
Beartown State Forest Campground
Recent Reviews near Russell, MA
640 Reviews of 157 Russell Campgrounds
- M
Mike M.ScoutQuinebaug Cove Campground
Eagles nest is nice
If you stay in the eagles nest and get. Perimeter spot you overlook a lake, it’s nice and quiet. Everyone waves, nice lake to fish on. Front desk/owner? is a sweetheart.
- CChristine S.Scout
Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest
Excellent Solo Tent Camping
I was a solo female tent-camper and I stayed at the Austin Hawes campground for 2 nights. I had an excellent experience. The office is open daily from 9-5 and 2 young women were staffing it during my stay. They welcomed me with a smile, answered all my questions and sold me two bundles of firewood for$7 each. I camped in site#22 which overlooked the Farmington River. You could hear the river running by all night long. It was very peaceful. I did not know that this portion of the river offers excellent fly fishing, so it looked like something out of an Orvis Catalog as men(they were all men) in waders with serious fly fishing gear often passed by or were standing in the shallow river doing their thing. It is important to know that BLACK BEARS ran through the campsite at night.(The young women in the office had warned me to be careful with my food, and that bears were often sighted). I am an experienced camper and left no trace of food anywhere near my tent, fire or picnic table. The bears did not bother me. I heard they spooked one family who blew some airhorns, then packed up and left in the middle of the night. There are 2 bathhouses, but one was locked because it is currently under construction. I had no trouble using the 1 that was open for campers. There are 2 female(private) showers, 2 male(private) showers, 2 bathroom sinks and 3 toilets in each house. I had no trouble using them and the facilities were clean. All-in-all, it's a beautiful, but very rustic(no electricity) campsite. I look forward to returning in the future.
- SSue
TravelerWoodford State Park Campground
Small reservoir clean sites
I have stayed at several of the waterfront tent and lean-to camp sites. It’s a nice organized place but can get pretty noisy when larger groups take over the loop c spots. There’s an open grassy field near the water at that end of the campground and it doesn’t take much to make a disturbance as sound carries over the water to loop b and a. Several people ignore the no dogs on the beach rule too. Those issues aside it’s a nice accessible campground with quiet water for kayakers like me. Generally I find the flies and mosquitoes are less of a problem once the dragon flies arrive.
Sue B.
RangerAustin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest
Great smaller campground on the river!
We love Austin Hawes (Also referred to as American Legion). We have been coming here for years, and it is a great spot. Not too far, not too busy, tent sites, trailer sites, and cabins too. It is in a great location with plenty of hiking trails nearby, and lots of options for swimming, fishing, boating, etc.
- NNora C.Traveler
Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground
Good sites good walking trails
All around good spot to camp the staff was all really nice the bathrooms were clean my one complaint was how bad the bugs were! Which is no fault to the park! Had a great time will probably go again!
- Denise M.
GuideAustin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest
Amazing Mother's Day camping trip
Beautiful large site. Can walk the trail down to the river. Beware of bears. Bathhouse was shut down for renovation but there was porta potties. Can hear road noise but wasn't bad. This and site 3 is one of the best sites.
- Sue B.Ranger
Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Dispersed Camping?
Between Sage's Ravine and Jug End Road there are five backcountry campsites on the Appalachian Trail. Sage's Ravine Laurel Ridge Race Brook Falls (with a shelter) The Hemlocks (with a shelter) Glen Brook (with a shelter) After descending Mt. Everett, you descend to Guilder Pond State Park. It is a day use park with trash cans and in season it also has a porta potty and a few picnic tables. No camping besides those already mentioned, which are all A.T. campsites. Jug End Road allows overnight parking (often used by folks hiking the A.T.) but I wouldn't classify that as dispersed camping unless you just need a place to pull over and sleep for a night. Each site mentioned, with the exception of Race Brook, is no more than .2 off the A.T.
- Ricky H.Guide
Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River
Winter camping trip
Went to test out a new coody tent. Arrived on Saturday morning 3/28/26. Found an abandoned camper onsite. Not bad area, but can tell as soon as summer gets here, it will turn into a party camp ground. (not for me)
Guide to Russell
The Russell area sits at the eastern edge of the Berkshire Mountains, ranging from 400 to 1,400 feet elevation with terrain characterized by forested hills, small lakes, and river valleys. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically in spring and fall, often dropping below 40°F at night even when daytime highs reach the 70s. Campgrounds typically operate from May through October with the Westfield River providing fishing opportunities throughout the camping season.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: At Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest, trails range from accessible paths to more challenging routes. "Hiking is beautiful and there is a fire tower you could climb to get a great view," notes Alan, who recommends the 0.6-mile trail from site 44 to the fire tower for panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills.
Fishing access: The Farmington River at Austin Hawes Memorial Campground offers trophy trout fishing in a catch-and-release section. A camper mentioned, "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots." The river maintains cool temperatures year-round, supporting healthy trout populations.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for cooling off during hot summer days. At Prospect Mountain Campground, "Pool was lovely and refreshing," according to Megin F., while Tolland State Forest Campground provides lake swimming with "a small area of sandy beach with a pavilion and grills," as described by Cheryl B.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. Tolland State Forest Campground receives high marks for generous sites. "All the sites are spacious. The site is on a peninsula in Otis reservoir," explains one reviewer. Waterfront sites feature rocks for water entry but provide direct lake access.
Evening nature experiences: The rural setting offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. At Granville State Forest, one camper noted they were "treated to a really great lightning bug display and watched the raccoons check out the other sites." Night sounds include owls, with Cheryl B. reporting "Owls hooting every night around midnight" at Tolland State Forest.
Family-focused activities: Beyond swimming, campgrounds often provide organized events for children. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, "They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through," reports Jason A., highlighting the fall-themed activities available during autumn camping.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Site locations significantly impact camping experience. At October Mountain State Forest, "What site you get makes all the difference. There are many, I would say most, sites that you feel very exposed and out in the open," cautions Desiree M. Sites near roads or power infrastructure can be noisy.
Reservation requirements: Many state forests prohibit same-day reservations or walk-ups. October Mountain State Forest enforces advance reservations. A reviewer notes, "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed," which requires planning ahead, especially for weekend camping.
Fee structure variations: Massachusetts state parks charge significantly higher fees for out-of-state visitors. Lucy P. observed, "Paying $54 a night for not even any hookups when MA residents pay $17 is insane." Non-residents should budget accordingly when planning stays at state facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Waterfront site options: For families who enjoy water activities, waterfront sites provide convenient access. At Prospect Mountain Campground, "The sites on the water looked nice—hoping to try for that next time!" notes Stephanie. These sites typically book earliest in the reservation window.
Kid-friendly facilities: Playgrounds and organized activities enhance family experiences. Sandra S. reports that Prospect Mountain "is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing."
Unique accommodation options: For families seeking an alternative to tent camping, Chester Railway Station offers an unusual 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," shares Esther L., providing a special experience for train enthusiasts.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility challenges: Navigation to and within campgrounds can be difficult for larger RVs. Regarding October Mountain, one reviewer notes, "Not sure I'd try a really big rig here, but our little 16' trailer fit in great. I don't see any pull-through sites." Most campgrounds in the area accommodate smaller to medium trailers.
Hookup availability: Full hookup options exist but are limited. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, Jason A. mentions, "If you're in the area I recommend to stay they have 10 sites up to the large rigs with full hook ups." Reservations for these premium sites should be made well in advance during peak season.
Seasonal considerations: Many RV-friendly sites close by mid-October. Dawn E., who stayed at KOA long-term, notes, "I stayed for a few months—July til October," highlighting the typical camping season window for RV camping in the area, with few options available in colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Russell Pond Campground in Baxter State Park?
How do I get to Russell Pond Campground in Baxter State Park?
Russell Pond Campground is accessible only by hiking - there are no roads to this remote backcountry site. The most common route is from the Roaring Brook trailhead, requiring a challenging 7.2-mile hike (about 4-5 hours). Alternatively, you can hike from Kidney Pond (5.6 miles) or Wassataquoik Stream (6.4 miles). Similar to Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground, Russell Pond's remote location rewards hikers with pristine wilderness. During winter months, trails may be impassable. All vehicles must park at designated trailheads, as Baxter State Park strictly controls vehicular access to preserve its wilderness character.
What fishing opportunities are available at Russell Pond in Maine?
What fishing opportunities are available at Russell Pond in Maine?
Russell Pond offers excellent fishing for native brook trout in a pristine wilderness setting. The pond is fly-fishing only with catch-and-release regulations to protect the native fish population. Unlike Otter River State Forest where fishing is family-friendly in stocked ponds, Russell Pond provides a more remote backcountry experience. The best fishing is typically during early morning or evening hours from May through September. A valid Maine fishing license is required, and special Baxter State Park fishing regulations apply. The surrounding watershed also contains smaller tributary streams that may offer additional fishing opportunities for experienced anglers willing to explore.
How do I make reservations for Russell Pond Campground?
How do I make reservations for Russell Pond Campground?
Reservations for Russell Pond Campground must be made through Baxter State Park's reservation system, which opens on January 1st each year for Maine residents and January 15th for non-residents. Unlike Tully Lake Recreation Area where reservations are managed through Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations, Baxter has its own system. You can book online at baxterstatepark.org, by phone, mail, or in person at park headquarters. Reserve well in advance as this remote wilderness campground fills quickly, especially for summer months. A non-refundable reservation fee applies, and payment must be made in full at the time of booking.
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