Best Campgrounds near Whately, MA

Campgrounds near Whately, Massachusetts range from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks with various amenities. White Birch Campground, located directly in Whately, offers tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals with a 3-star rating. Within a 20-mile radius, campers can access several developed campgrounds including Northampton/Springfield KOA in Westhampton and DAR State Forest Campground in Williamsburg. These established campgrounds provide different accommodation types, with most offering fire rings, picnic tables, and bathroom facilities. The area features both privately managed campgrounds and state-operated recreation areas, giving visitors multiple options for overnight stays.

Massachusetts state parks and forests in the region typically operate seasonally from May through October, with most closing after Columbus Day weekend. A camper noted, "The Massachusetts parks in this area are clean and well kept with lots of families." Non-resident campers should be aware that Massachusetts charges significantly higher fees for out-of-state visitors—sometimes three times the resident rate. Most campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Cell service can be unreliable at many locations, especially those in more remote settings or valleys. The terrain varies from riverside locations to wooded settings, with some campgrounds situated near ponds or lakes that offer swimming opportunities.

Waterfront campsites consistently receive positive reviews, though they typically require early reservation. DAR State Forest and nearby Tully Lake are popular destinations for water activities. A visitor commented that Tully Lake Campground offers "beautiful walk or boat-in sites" and that "the lake was quiet" with good swimming options. Campsites throughout the region vary considerably in privacy levels, with some offering secluded, wooded sites while others place campers in closer proximity to neighbors. Many campgrounds in the area provide access to hiking trails, with several connecting directly to longer trail systems. Quiet campgrounds with family-friendly atmospheres are frequently mentioned in reviews, with several visitors noting the peaceful nature of camping in this part of Massachusetts despite relatively close proximity to population centers.

Best Camping Sites Near Whately, Massachusetts (165)

    1. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest Campground

    10 Reviews
    Goshen, MA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 268-7098

    $17 - $35 / night

    "There is a campers only beach on upper highland lake that was easy walking distance from the campsite and fishing opportunities there as well."

    "Public beach area is small but you can find your own quiet spot away from the crowd. sites book up quick so reserve early!"

    2. Northampton / Springfield KOA

    12 Reviews
    Southampton, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 527-9862

    "We stayed in the cabins and they were clean, and we liked our proximity to the pool."

    "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"

    3. Country Aire Campgrounds

    6 Reviews
    Shelburne Falls, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 625-2996

    "We only live about 20 minutes away from this campground, we had a nice shady spot. The owners of this campground very friendly courteous and Knowledgeable of the local area."

    "We are very close to Berkshire East, in a small town of Shelburne Falls. This place is very quiet even with all the kids."

    4. White Birch Campground

    1 Review
    Whately, MA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 665-4941

    5. Barton Cove Campground

    2 Reviews
    Greenfield, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 863-9300

    $22 - $30 / night

    "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"

    6. Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground

    8 Reviews
    Drury, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 339-5504

    $17 - $75 / night

    "This campground is just off of Rt2 in the beautiful Berkshires of western Massachusetts. The campground is well kept, and quiet but the sites are very close together."

    "This is a great campground located off of highway 2 in western Mass."

    7. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park

    30 Reviews
    Lanesborough, MA
    31 miles
    +1 (413) 447-9419

    $40 - $70 / night

    "Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by. Staff was so accommodating-always willing to spend time giving recommendations."

    "Great family atmosphere w very positive neighbors and owners... Fantastic. 5 stars"

    8. Erving State Forest Campground

    3 Reviews
    Erving, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 544-7745

    $17 / night

    "Situated by a beautiful lake and access to several hiking trails. "

    "Friends told me about this little gem in north central Massachusetts, not far from Rt 2. The big draw here is the pond, with the public beach on one side and lined with private cabins on the other. "

    9. Peppermint Park Camping Resort

    3 Reviews
    Plainfield, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 634-5385

    $42 / night

    "We had season sites all around us with only a few of them occupied so it was pretty quiet in our section. Sites are a bit closer together than we prefer, but do have trees and brush in between."

    10. Mohawk Park Campground & Restaurant

    5 Reviews
    Charlemont, MA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 339-4470

    "Pros:

    • ****Location is excellent It's right on the Mohawk Trail, Rt 2 in northwestern Massachusetts."

    "Sites are close by with little to no shade. This is a great spot for relaxing by a fire with the river to keep you zen. Great for tubing and kayaking. The owners were nice in my experience."

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Recent Reviews near Whately, MA

661 Reviews of 165 Whately Campgrounds


  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Zoar Outdoor

    Nice and would like to visit again but not within 12 hours-BOO

    I’m writing this mid-October from western MA. In between homes and looked forward to staying another night, but can not because of a 12 hour advance policy. There were plenty of tent sites available last night. Not a happy camper.

  • Carroll K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    It was quite and peaceful

    We enjoyed our stay with Gus very much. With the email to confirm our stay, there were excellent directions to get there. It is behind his home by a lake with creek nearby. There is also a hiking trail. We had no problems. If we are in the area again, we would camp here again.  Thanks

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice ‘n Easy campground

    We stayed for 3 days off season so not busy. Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night. Sites have fire rings with excellent airflow for good burning with low smoke. Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area. Office staff was very helpful and they’re open later into the day til 7 PM. Good firewood and large bundle delivered for $15 to your site. We passed over this site on our first trip to the area but are glad we came here and we’re planning to return. Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy

    Amazing camping spots with fire pits!

    Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river). No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    NF 83 - riverside

    NF83

    Great camping site. The road into the site was pretty rough.

  • Rae-Ann W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Another great trip to Ashuelot River Campground

    We spent another great weekend at the Ashuelot River Campground. We recently purchased a new-to-us camper and wanted to get in a trip or two before putting it away for the winter. This was our 2nd visit to Ashuelot.

    We were in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park. We were in a fully wooded area on the left side of the campground, which we prefer. They have sites located in fully open areas, as well as some that are partially wooded and have river access. There is a nice mix.

    Having good weather, we took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit. We were able to enjoy a nice, slow drift around the campground.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time again and will definitely be back.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Amazing Numerous Free Dispersed Camping!

    Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear. I didn’t see any bathrooms.


Guide to Whately

Camping spots near Whately, Massachusetts sit within the Connecticut River Valley at elevations from 200 to 600 feet, with terrain that transitions from flat farmland to rolling hills. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F between June and August, while spring and fall bring cooler nights that require extra layers. Campgrounds in the region operate with varying reservation policies, with most requiring bookings 1-3 days in advance during peak season.

What to do

Geocaching adventures: At Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest Campground, visitors can explore the extensive trail network while searching for hidden caches. A camper noted, "We spent some time on the hiking trails and found plenty of geocaches, which was awesome."

Kayaking and river activities: The Deerfield River provides numerous water recreation opportunities. Visitors at Mohawk Park Campground & Restaurant appreciate its direct river access. "Tent sites are located right on the Deerfield River... literally. It is so relaxing to wake up to the sound of the river and you can even head to a local park and tube down the river right back to your site!"

Hiking to scenic viewpoints: Mount Greylock State Reservation offers trails with elevation gains of 500-2,000 feet. A reviewer staying at Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground mentioned, "Hiking is beautiful and there is a fire tower you could climb to get a great view." Another camper specifically recommended, "The hike from site 44 to the fire tower is only 0.6 miles and gets you a great view. Hike back via the Long Trail and it's 1.6 Miles back."

What campers like

Spacious, wooded sites: Mt. Greylock Campsite Park receives consistent praise for its site design. A camper explained, "The sites were wooded and large. Really looking forward to going back once COVID travel restrictions are lifted." Another visitor noted, "It's got so many different nooks and crannies and so many different levels up and down the hill and valley and just a beautiful peaceful place in the woods."

Clean facilities: Campers frequently comment on bathroom cleanliness as a deciding factor. At Northampton / Springfield KOA, a visitor appreciated the reliable standards: "The shower houses and toilets are very dated. I like the proximity to the city of North Hampton. We had great meals in town." DAR State Forest earns similar praise: "Campground facilities are very clean. Only 1 shower station which isn't always convenient. Staff is great."

Weekend activities: Family-oriented programming enhances many campers' experiences. Country Aire Campgrounds schedules regular events throughout the season. "This campground is family oriented. They have a pool they have games we even have a hayride pulled by a tractor," shared one reviewer. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, a camper mentioned, "They had Halloween/trick or treat night, fire truck rides it's very kid friendly."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At Erving State Forest Campground, campers should prepare for complete disconnection: "There is also zero cell service (there is an operational pay phone at the showers) which is fine... but wished we knew ahead of time." Similarly, at DAR State Forest: "This campground is in an area that has no cell reception for most carriers and there is no wi-fi."

Bear safety protocols: Several campgrounds in western Massachusetts require proper food storage. At Mohawk Trail State Forest, "There are lots of black bears so keeping food in the bear lockers or locked in the car at all times is a must!" DAR State Forest also implements precautions: "There might be bears, so there's a bear box to store all your stuff in when you are not using it."

Non-resident fee structure: Massachusetts state parks charge significantly higher rates for out-of-state visitors. A recent visitor to DAR State Forest expressed frustration: "I don't mind paying a little extra some places because of being out of state, but paying $54 a night for not even any hookups when MA residents pay $17 is insane." State parks typically charge 2-3 times more for non-residents.

Tips for camping with families

Playground accessibility: Peppermint Park Camping Resort offers kid-friendly amenities. A visitor noted, "It's family and dog friendly, has a pool, hot tub, newer playground with a sandbox, camp store with large lodge attached, horseshoe, volleyball and other outdoor game areas." Activities are regularly scheduled: "There were several activities planned for father's day weekend including a BBQ food truck, BINGO, corn hole, horseshoes, and kids crafts."

Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with designated swim areas during summer months. At Erving State Forest, "The big draw here is the pond, with the public beach on one side and lined with private cabins on the other. Swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking will keep you busy." DAR State Forest features "campers only beach, great trails (including accessible), nature center, staff were present and circulated often."

Quiet hour enforcement: Campground management varies in enforcing nighttime noise regulations. One visitor to Northampton/Springfield KOA reported: "After midnight I called the office and emergency line but got only the office answering machine. There was a host in a site 2 down from the party and nobody came to address the noise." In contrast, DAR State Forest receives praise: "Most fellow campers respect the quiet hours, and each other. This is our go to campground."

Tips from RVers

Parking challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have tricky access roads. At Mohawk Park, "Layout of road can be challenging. Big trailers may have some extra trouble backing in but most people don't mind a few attempts." Site selection matters: "Some of the sites are up hills and might be difficult for some to park their trailers."

Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. A visitor to DAR State Forest cautioned, "Not sure I'd try a really big rig here, but our little 16' trailer fit in great. I don't see any pull through sites, but I didn't see them all." At Mt. Greylock, "Our site was big and, while not completely level, was workable."

Seasonal options: Several campgrounds accommodate longer-term stays. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, "This is a residential park with older travel trailer residences." Similarly, Peppermint Park has "a large number of seasonal's and everyone we interacted with was very friendly. My 11 year old granddaughter quickly made friends with some of the seasonal children."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Whately, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Whately, MA offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Whately, MA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Whately, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Whately, MA is Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Whately, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Whately, MA.

What parks are near Whately, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Whately, MA that allow camping, notably Tully Lake and Westville Lake.