Tent campsites near Easthampton Town, Massachusetts offer varied terrain from mountain ridges to riverside settings. The region sits at elevations ranging from 200 to 1,200 feet, creating diverse microclimates for campers. Winter camping isn't common in this area, with most campgrounds operating from May through October due to New England's harsh winters.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, you can rent canoes and kayaks directly at the campground. "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake. Great trip!" reports Megan G. The lake features multiple islands and quiet coves for exploration.
Explore hiking trails: The Soapstone Hill trail near Federated Womens Club State Forest offers views of Quabbin Reservoir. "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," explains Jean C. The area contains historic cellar holes from towns flooded in the 1930s when creating the reservoir.
Whitewater adventures: For those seeking adrenaline, Zoar Outdoor provides organized river excursions. "The campground is connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river," notes Seth K. Activities range from beginner-friendly tubing to more challenging whitewater experiences.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness at certain campgrounds. At Tully Lake, one camper shared, "The sites are spacious and though there is not a bad site, some are better suited for certain purposes like group camping." This gives families and groups their own space without feeling crowded.
Vehicle-free camping areas: Barton Cove Campground and several other locations keep vehicles away from actual campsites. "The absence of vehicles at the campsites made for a super quiet stay," notes a reviewer. This creates a more peaceful camping experience, though it requires planning for gear transport.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting at primitive sites provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Onion Mountain Park, campers regularly spot various animals. "It's really meant for people who want to be outdoors in the woods," explains one camper. The park's minimal development preserves the natural habitat.
What you should know
Cart systems for gear transport: Several campgrounds including Tully Lake implement a cart system rather than direct vehicle access. "Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site," explains a reviewer. This means planning for multiple trips depending on how much gear you bring.
Limited or no cell service: Most camping areas around Easthampton have spotty or nonexistent cell coverage. At Federated Womens Club State Forest, Jean C. reports, "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here." This applies to most rural campgrounds in the region.
Reservation timing matters: The most desirable sites book up quickly. For Tully Lake, Nancy R. advises, "There are some prime camp sites with direct access to the lake, but suggest you be prepared to call early in the morning of the first day State Campground reservations can be made, if you want one of these!"
Tips for camping with families
Check distance to bathrooms: When camping with young children, site location matters. One camper at Tully Lake noted, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night." Request sites closer to facilities if camping with small children.
Consider unique lodging options: For a novel family experience, try Chester Railway Station. "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," shares Esther L. This option combines indoor sleeping with outdoor camping.
Look for activity options: Choose campgrounds with built-in activities. "Volleyball and horseshoes are near the entrance" at Tully Lake, making it easy to keep kids entertained. Multiple campgrounds offer equipment rentals and scheduled activities during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most camping near Easthampton focuses on tent camping with few RV amenities. At Sodom Mountain Campground, recent improvements have made it more accessible. "All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired," notes Brad N., though most campgrounds in the area remain primarily tent-focused.
Road conditions vary: Many access roads to campgrounds are unpaved and can be challenging for larger vehicles. "It's a long curvy road that ends with a small parking lot," describes one camper about Federated Womens Club State Forest. Consider vehicle clearance when selecting campgrounds, particularly after rainy periods.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate seasonally. "The campground was closed due to Covid-19, so I'm not sure if they'll open it in the spring," noted Jean C. about Federated Womens Club State Forest. Always call ahead to confirm operating dates, particularly early or late in the season.
