Tent camping near West Hatfield, Massachusetts takes place in the western portion of the state where elevation ranges from 200-600 feet above sea level throughout the Pioneer Valley. The camping season typically runs from late April through October, with peak foliage colors appearing in early to mid-October. Most campgrounds experience temperature ranges of 45-85°F during the main camping season.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers canoe and kayak rentals directly from the campground. According to one visitor, "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. It's a beautiful area right in your own back yard."
Waterfall exploration: Walk to Doane's Falls near Tully Lake Recreation Area for an easy family-friendly hike. One camper notes, "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."
Disc golf: Play the course near Tully Lake dam. As a visitor reports, "A disc golf course is also near the dam and was seeing a fair amount of activity. We hiked the 4-mile loop around Tully Lake."
Rustic hiking: Access trails near Federated Womens Club State Forest that lead to Quabbin Reservoir viewpoints. A camper explains, "If you continue past site 15, you'll head through Gate 36 out toward Soapstone Hill which offers a great view of Quabbin Reservoir and sunsets."
What campers like
Tent platforms: Sites at Barton Cove Campground include raised platforms for tents. One reviewer mentions, "Rustic camping only- sites have tent platforms, grill, fire pit and picnic tables. Porta potties and latrines were very clean."
Site privacy: Zoar Outdoor provides secluded tent sites with adequate separation. According to a camper, "Overall had a wonderful experience at zoar campsite in charlemont ma. Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting."
Water access: Many sites at Tully Lake offer direct water access for swimming and paddling. One visitor notes, "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."
Car-free camping: Maple Ridge Farm offers a unique walk-in camping experience. As one camper describes, "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate with limited seasons. At Barton Cove, camping is available only from "Memorial Day to Labor Day," requiring advance planning.
Water access limitations: Some sites at Barton Cove restrict direct water access. A visitor 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."
Gate access procedures: Chester Railway Station has unique entry protocols. One camper explains, "Only real annoyance was dealing with set up and take down of the campsite- 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."
Cell service limitations: Poor connectivity exists throughout the region. A camper at Federated Womens Club State Forest reports, "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here."
Tips for camping with families
Distance awareness: When camping with small children, consider bathroom proximity. One visitor to Tully Lake notes, "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."
Weekend selection: Avoid holiday weekends for quieter experiences. A camper explains, "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."
Cart management: At walk-in sites, minimize gear when camping with children. As one Sodom Mountain Campground visitor mentions, "All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired. The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back."
Unique accommodations: Consider the railway caboose at Chester Railway Station for a novel experience with kids. One visitor shares, "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most campgrounds near West Hatfield primarily accommodate tent camping. RV campers should call ahead to confirm access and amenities.
Narrow roads: Access roads to many campgrounds are unpaved and narrow. A visitor to Federated Womens Club State Forest notes, "It's possible to park at other sites; I'm guessing the gate at the beginning of the road toward the campground is open when the campground is open. If so, high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred."
Alternative activities: RVers unable to access the more rustic campgrounds can still enjoy day-use areas. One visitor to Tully Lake mentions, "From the main entrance, collect a cart, load your gear, and following the appropriate divergent path from the parking lot or bath house (they are color coded)."
