Tent camping options near West Chesterfield, Massachusetts range from walk-in sites to basic shelters along the Appalachian Trail. Located within the Berkshire Mountains at elevations between 1,200-1,500 feet, this region experiences temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night during camping season. The area receives approximately 45 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions but requiring good rain gear for unpredictable weather.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: Rent equipment at Zoar Outdoor for river activities. The campground connects to guided water experiences on the Deerfield River. As camper Dominick V. notes, "Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting. Highly recommend the site."
Mountain biking: Pack your bikes for trails accessible from several campgrounds. Seth Warner Shelter offers access to mountain biking routes that connect with the Long Trail system. Daniel S. reports, "This shelter is about 6 miles from the nearest town. Great for overnight, section or through hike."
Disc golf: Play a round near the Tully Lake dam area. The course sees significant activity during summer months and provides a recreational option after setting up camp. Jean C. observed, "A disc golf course is also near the dam and was seeing a fair amount of activity."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers spacious sites set apart from neighbors. Sa R. shares, "First time staying there. Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts."
Waterfront access: Some campgrounds provide direct lake entry for swimming or paddling. When visiting Barton Cove Campground, campers appreciate the water views. Brie B. notes, "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."
Rustic experience without vehicle noise: Walk-in sites create a quieter atmosphere. Miguel B. explains Tully Lake's setup: "There is no driving up to the sites, but there is a main parking area and a few sites 50-100 yards away from it. The sites near the water or on bluffs are further away, and though they provide carts the trails can make hauling them tough."
What you should know
Equipment transportation: Many sites require gear to be carried or wheeled from parking areas. At Maple Ridge Farm, owners help transport equipment. Les R. mentions, "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."
Bathroom access varies: Some campgrounds have central facilities requiring night walks. Jean C. cautions about Tully Lake: "The bathrooms offer flush toilets and a single shower on each site, plus a dishwashing sink outside. From some of the sites, this will be a long walk during the night."
Cell service limitations: Expect minimal connectivity throughout the region. The Tully Lake area has particularly poor reception. Jean C. advises, "Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want (driving, trail, geocaching) before you arrive."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection matters: Choose locations based on bathroom proximity for younger children. Lauren A. shares about Tully Lake: "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site and neighboring campers."
Toddler-friendly options: Chester Railway Station provides unique train-watching opportunities. Esther L. describes, "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."
Seasonal activity planning: Visit in July-August for blueberry picking while camping. Ben P. recommends Tully Lake: "We take our canoe and spend the whole day at the lake. You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: The best tent camping near West Chesterfield, Massachusetts offers few accommodations for larger vehicles. At Onion Mountain Park, campers must park and hike in. Ricky H. clarifies, "Other posts claim you can park right at the site, but you cannot. It's up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take."
Campground improvements: Consider Sodom Mountain Campground for recent upgrades. Brad N. reports, "This campground has improved with the new owners as of 2021. All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired. The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back."
Pack minimal gear: Walk-in sites require efficiency in what you bring. Kris M. advises about Tully Lake: "The sites here are great, if you aren't bringing too much with you (or are staying long enough you don't mind the multiple treks to and from the car for various stretches)."
