Tent camping near Springfield, Massachusetts spans several state forests and recreational areas where vehicle-free camping creates quieter environments. Most options fall within a 35-mile radius with elevations ranging from 200-1,000 feet, offering wooded settings with varied accessibility. Camping season typically runs May through October, with some sites closing after Labor Day due to New England's cooler fall temperatures.
What to do
Paddling on Tully Lake: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the lake's shoreline. "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake. Great trip! We will be returning," notes Megan G.
Mountain hiking: Nearby trails provide varied terrain for hikers of all levels. At Onion Mountain Park, "We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike... We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night," shares Nora S.
Waterfall exploration: Several campgrounds offer access to local waterfalls within short hiking distance. "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," reports Nancy R. about trails near Tully Lake.
What campers like
Tent-only environments: The absence of RVs creates a different camping atmosphere. "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," explains Megan G. about her experience at Tully Lake.
Unique accommodations: Chester Railway Station offers unconventional camping options. "It is a really fun place to spend a night, especially for a train enthusiast. 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," says Esther L.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural spacing between tent sites. "We stayed at site 1, which was HUGE and extremely private. Sites closer to the water that we saw were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out," reports Megan G. about Tully Lake's site layout.
What you should know
Water access considerations: Not all waterfront sites allow direct swimming. At Barton Cove Campground, "You can't swim (unless you rent a canoe/kayak and swim while you're out on the water) and sites are fenced in due to how steep it is to the water which was a downside but views between the trees are nice," explains Brie B.
Campground rules vary: Some locations have stricter guidelines than others. "It seemed like there were a lot of restrictive rules compared to other campgrounds that made camping more stressful," notes Jade B. about Barton Cove.
Site access logistics: Many tent camping areas near Springfield require equipment transport from parking areas. "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. It's a bit of a hassle but worth it," details Brie B. about Barton Cove's process.
Tips for camping with families
Scout-friendly locations: Some areas are specifically designed for youth groups. At Buck Hill Campground, "I'm pretty sure this is a scouting campground (Cub Scout). All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents). Many of the sites are also along Wakefield Pond (big enough lake for canoe/kayak/etc.," explains Greg R.
Vehicle-free safety: Tully Lake Recreation Area creates a safer environment for children to explore. "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around," notes Megan G.
Weekend timing considerations: Holiday weekends can bring different crowds. "We went memorial day weekend few years ago, busy holiday of young teens partying. Park staff tried their best, but other campers definitely took away from our stay. Loud throughout," cautions Lauren A. about Tully Lake.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near Springfield is designed for tent-only setups. At Sodom Mountain Campground, recent improvements have made the location more accommodating. "All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired. The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back. Great Wi-Fi now, store has been redone and grands are much nicer," notes Brad N.
Site preparation: When RV camping is available, preparation is essential. "I am told they are adding a modern bathhouse by the pool and enlarging the pool area. Looking forward to coming back next year to stay for a month like I did this year. Since it is a work in progress, I can't give 5 stars this summer," Brad N. explains about Sodom Mountain's ongoing improvements.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds close after Columbus Day weekend. "It's a long curvy road that ends with a small parking lot at a T junction. In Nov 2020 the road to the left is closed because a bridge is out; the road to the right leads to the campground and Gate 36. This was gated in Nov 2020 as the campground was closed due to Covid-19," explains Jean C. about accessing Federated Womens Club State Forest.
