Glamping accommodations near West Chesterfield, Massachusetts operate at elevations between 700-1,500 feet, creating cooler evening temperatures even during summer months. The region sits at the edge of the Berkshire Mountain range with several campsites positioned along the Deerfield River watershed. Most glamping sites close by mid-October as temperatures typically drop below freezing at night.
What to do
Hike to Mt. Olga: Access 1.7-mile round trip trail leading to a fire tower with Green Mountain views from Molly Stark State Park Campground. "The hike up Mt. Olga is 1.7 miles (round trip). There's a fire tower at the top, which provides awesome views of the Green Mountains. It's also fun to explore the relics of the old Hogback Ski Resort," notes camper Tara S.
Watercraft rentals: Rent paddle boats or kayaks at Woodford State Park Campground for use on their reservoir. "The reservoir is beautiful- plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming. We had no issues with noise from other campers," writes Melissa S.
Weekend activities for children: Join organized events at many area campgrounds, particularly on summer weekends. "Weekend activities at Peppermint Park include BINGO, corn hole, horseshoes, and kids crafts. There is also wifi, but the signal is not great," explains Rae-Ann W.
What campers like
Privacy levels vary: Sites with natural barriers provide more seclusion for glamping close to West Chesterfield, Massachusetts. "Sites are either wooded or open in the sun, with good distance between sites. The bathhouse was clean and well maintained," states Heather C. from Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses. "The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen! The campsites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice. They also have cabins you can rent," reports Jenny A.
Fall camping options: Several glamping sites extend their seasons through October with special activities. "We went to this campground during fall foliage time. Very peaceful and very great staff. They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through," writes Jason A. from Country Aire Campgrounds.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping locations require advance booking, especially for cabins and specialty accommodations. "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed, second it yells you that the fee is $17.50 per site, I expected a little added extra fee for booking etc.... check out was $58.50 per night," reports SomadNomad M.
Campsite selection impacts experience: Research specific site numbers when making reservations. "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. Just plopped next to someone on the grass. Look for the sites that go off to the side (not on the loops) like 39-40," advises Desiree M.
Cell service limitations: Expect minimal or no cell coverage at most glamping sites in the region. "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 of COVID," explains Dawn E. from Northampton / Springfield KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Choose activity-oriented campgrounds: Select locations with programmed events for children. "Prospects 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," recommends Sandra S. from Prospect Mountain Campground.
Consider noise levels: Family-oriented campgrounds often have higher activity levels. "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great! Boat rentals!" advises J L.
Pack extra layers: Mountain elevations mean cooler nights even in summer. "Our site, 111, was a nice flat grassy site with water and 20amp electric. We were sunny in the morning and got nice shade starting late in the morning," notes Rae-Ann W.
Tips from RVers
Access road challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entry roads, particularly for larger rigs. "It is important to follow the directions and turn off of Rt. 2 onto Central Shaft Road (google maps labels it Shaft Road. It is between the Blue Vista Motor Lodge and Hoosac Range Preserve). The other road that accesses the campground is nearly unpassable with an rv," warns Heather C.
Seasonal sites dominate certain parks: Many parks have numerous permanent or seasonal residents. "I was in the seasonal section, which has some interesting folks staying there. The site was very nice and felt private. I like the reliability of KOAs, and I pretty know what I'm going to get when I book," explains Dawn E.
Site configuration varies significantly: Research site orientation before booking. "We were able to book site 112 at the last minute and the staff waited for us to arrive. Although they were very friendly, they dropped the ball when it came to cleanliness and park security. We had water and a 15 amp power box at our site and it was great for a tent but not for anything else," reports Angie G. from Zoar Outdoor.
