Best Campgrounds near Amherst Center, MA

Camping near Amherst Center, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails around Mt. Greylock Campsite Park. One visitor mentioned, "The campground is close to hiking trails, and the staff is friendly and helpful."
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, October Mountain State Forest is near the Housatonic River, which is great for catch-and-release fishing. A camper shared, "The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside."
• Swimming: Check out the swimming areas at George Washington State Campground. One reviewer noted, "The lake access is excellent, obviously."

What campers like:

• Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Spacious Skies Minute Man. A visitor said, "The sites were ample size and space for our rig and needs."
• Clean facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers at Woodford State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! The nicest I've seen yet."
• Friendly staff: Campers often mention the welcoming atmosphere at George Washington State Campground. A reviewer stated, "Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds."

What you should know:

• No same-day reservations: At October Mountain State Forest, you can't make same-day reservations or walk-ups. One camper expressed frustration, saying, "First off, no same-day reservations or walk-ups allowed."
• Limited cell service: If you need to stay connected, be aware that some campgrounds, like Monadnock State Park, have limited cell service. A visitor noted, "No cell/data service. I wish this were clearer on their website."
• Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during weekends. A camper at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park mentioned, "There is a lot of noise, a lot of people, and not much enforcement of the rules."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and recreational areas, like Spacious Skies Minute Man. One family shared, "The rec room was impressive, with games and movies for campers to enjoy."
• Safety first: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at George Washington State Campground mentioned, "Everyone complains about the local small wildlife getting into your food, but basic practices can keep them out."
• Plan meals ahead: Bring easy-to-cook meals to save time and hassle. A visitor at Woodford State Park Campground suggested, "Make sure you stock up before you get there; stuff is expensive at the corner stores."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure the sites can accommodate your RV. A camper at Minute Man Campground noted, "Some of the FHU sites are pretty tight, but overall the campground is nice."
• Dump station availability: Look for campgrounds with dump stations, like George Washington State Campground. One reviewer said, "The dump station was clean, and the grounds were taken care of."
• Wi-Fi access: If you need internet, check if the campground offers Wi-Fi. A visitor at Camping On The Battenkill mentioned, "Even free Wi-Fi if that is desired."

Camping near Amherst, MA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!