Seasonal camping near Russell, Massachusetts extends across a region with elevations ranging from 300-1,400 feet, featuring mixed northern hardwood forests and wetland areas. Most campgrounds in the area operate between April and October with limited winter camping options. Water sources include numerous small ponds, streams, and access to the Westfield River watershed.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park, visitors can catch largemouth bass from shore or by renting boats. One camper noted, "The sites were a little close together, but being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!"
Hiking trails: Explore the adjacent wildlife management areas from Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts where "The campground was large enough to tire out the dogs walking around" according to one reviewer. Many campgrounds connect to local trail networks with varying difficulty levels.
Paddling activities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers lake access for kayaks and paddleboards. A camper mentioned "expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kayaks etc. Worth every penny." The calm water conditions make it suitable for beginners.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a priority. At Fernwood Forest Campground, a reviewer emphasized, "Clean, quiet and well maintained. Only downside is the showers are literally in the same space as the pooper stalls in the washroom. Washroom incredibly clean though."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas for summer heat relief. At Prospect Mountain Campground, one camper reported, "They have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing." Swimming beaches at Lake Taghkanic remain open through Labor Day weekend.
Evening activities: Campsites offer varying nighttime activities. At Rudd Pond, campers enjoy "sunsets are pretty" while Lake Taghkanic provides "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
What you should know
Cell reception varies: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region. At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, a camper noted "Cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls."
Site privacy differences: Campgrounds offer varying levels of site separation. Fernwood Forest provides "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy" while at Taconic State Park "The campsites are pretty close together, so if the campground is full, you are rather close to your neighbors."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from April/May through mid-October. Lake Taghkanic's season runs "May 6 to October 15" while Prospect Mountain operates "May 1 to Columbus Day." Facilities gradually shut down in fall with limited bathroom access in shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Activities for children: Northampton/Springfield KOA offers structured entertainment. As one camper described, "They have a fire truck ride that brings you around the campsite and hay-less rides. There is a pool there is a playground there are games of all ages."
Kid-friendly swimming: Select sites with dedicated swimming areas. Prospect Mountain Campground features "a great pool with time for adult only swim time" according to a reviewer, providing structured water time for different age groups.
Educational options: Many campgrounds provide nature programs during peak season. A Lake Taghkanic visitor mentioned "The town of Hudson is also close by if you're looking to get some of the comforts of a town while you're out and about," providing museum and cultural options during longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variability: While most rv campgrounds near Russell, Massachusetts offer some hookups, configurations differ. Fernwood Forest provides "sites with just water, or electric and water" without sewer connections at individual sites, requiring use of the dump station for longer stays.
Site selection guidance: At Prospect Mountain RV Park, a camper suggested looking at "sites on the water" which were described as particularly nice. Consider specific site location relative to amenities like bathrooms and water sources when booking rv sites around Russell.
