Looking for tent camping near Whately? Find the best tent camping sites near Whately. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to come relax at Tully Lake. There are a variety of outdoor recreation activities for you and you family. Although the dam was built primarily to reduce flood damages on the Millers and Connecticut Rivers, the 1,300-acre reservoir area provides a place for you to get away from it all and connect with nature.
Tully Lake offers many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Activities in and around the lake include mountain biking, camping, disc golf, hiking, picnicking, boating, and fishing and hunting in the appropriate seasons.
The Tully Lake Pavilion is located in the recreation area and offers picnic tables and grills. Maximum group size is 50 people with parking for 25 passenger vehicles at the upper gravel lot. The recreation area has a small playground for young children, volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. Bathrooms are provided, but there is no running water.
The 1,262-acre Tully Lake property is managed to sustain a healthy ecosystem for future generations. The thriving biodiversity of the Tully River Valley and the interconnections of our forests, wetlands, waters, and wildlife are valued and managed for the long term. Tully Lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from tiny insects and song birds, to large mammals such as deer and moose. Fifty-five percent of the reservoir area is wetlands, providing habitat for fish, waterfowl, song birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as beaver, mink and otter. The rest of the property provides habitat for upland species such as deer, coyote, fisher, owl, fox, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, rabbit, and squirrel. The forest within Tully Dam's reservoir area is composed primarily of white pine, providing habitat for owls and woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks, and white-tailed deer.
When visiting Tully Lake there are several opportunities for visitors to explore in the surrounding area. At the north end of the lake there is a tent only campground run by the Trustees of the Reservations which provides a perfect launching point to enjoy the outdoor attractions nearby. Ten miles away is the Birch Hill Dam, another Army Corps project that provides miles of trails and river to explore. The Quabbin Reservoir is also within a short ten mile drive of Tully Lake and serves the city of Boston as its water supply. The Quabbin is a unique area; there were four towns flooded to create it, and it has some of the most interesting blends of human and natural history in the region.
Please review the cancellation and refund policy at the bottom of the webpage. In general, we will require at least two weeks prior to your reservation to consider a request.
$40 / night
Barton Cove specializes in rustic tent-only camping. The campground is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Each campsite has a picnic table, grills and campfire ring. Vehicle use in the campground is restricted to unloading during arrival and loading during departure. Showers are available near the ranger station, and there are two group sites available for larger parties interested in camping together. Two sites suitable for pop-up trailers or class C camper vans are also available. The sites have no utility hookups. Scout groups can camp by special arrangement through November.
$22 - $30 / night
Caboose Camper Rental! Camp in an authentic 1919 railroad caboose! Drive right to the site. Electricity available. Outdoor cooking/eating facilities. Camp beside the busy CSX Boston Line. Need more room? Set up tents on the lawn.
$50 - $100 / night
$25 - $30 / night
This town-owned park consists of 190 acres of wooded, rocky mountainside. Trails here are relatively easy on the flat but significantly more difficult on the hillside. The ground can be very wet after rains. Onion Mountain Park is accessed on the west side of West Mountain Rd. just south of Shingle Mill Rd. Visitors will find a good size parking lot.
Traveler
Mohawk campground and restaurant is my favorite spot to tent camp. 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! There is a pub and restaurant right on the premises.
This Campground is located just down the street from Mohawk Trail and other sightseeing areas. 10 minutes down the road in Charlemont, MA, you can check out the Bridge of Flowers or the glacial potholes, they are really cool!
Legend
I tent camped here in night while exploring the fishing in Western Massachusetts.
The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside.
I did see the electrical station at the entrance but the sound didn’t reach where I was staying at site 33. To avoid that sound, I would suggest sites further up the road.
The sites offered medium privacy. Site 33 was built into a slope in the hill, so it required walking up a short set of stairs, but the tent site was level.
I didn’t explore the hiking trails but it seems very convenient that you could leave into the trails right from the campground.
For any fly fishing folks, this campground is very close to the Housatonic (catch and release only!)
Traveler
Tent camped here with my dog for two nights. Was sold absolutely green wood that would not burn (why do campgrounds always do this??). First site I was given was out of view of the river, which was entire reason for visiting. Campground owner was accommodating and found me a spot that overlooked the river (why not do that from the start?). There is no privacy whatsoever to the sites, and sites are one on top of the other (my tent was basically uncomfortably close to neighbor's fire pit, but there was no other option for pitching elsewhere). The nights were very loud with kids screaming and people partying. It's a mishmash of sites too -- my tent was squished in between a permanent trailer and a weekend fifth wheeler. But the river was magnificent and I could hear it babble by all night; very relaxing once the place quieted down. Very close to Townsend State Forest and a beautiful hike up Bald Mountain, which looks to have really nice, spacious and quiet tent sites (already booked for next year).
Scout
We grew up going to Laurel Lake and camping out there. It’s a great place to tent camp and a very relax quiet place to spend a long weekend.
Traveler
We had a wonderful time tent camping. The grounds were beautiful and the sites were a good size. Very happy with the facility and will be returning for sure.
Scout
beautiful place to take the family tent camping. Public beach area is small but you can find your own quiet spot away from the crowd. sites book up quick so reserve early!
Traveler
Man I love his place. Quiet rv and tent site park. Portopotties scattered about and showers and such near the entrance. Tent sites are nice and isolated, but not scary far apart. Lots of wildlife so keep your food sealed... Nice walking trails and free kayaks as available. I always get site 1, it's in its own area with pretty flat terrain. To reserve, fill out the form on the website and you'll get a confirmation. You can pay at the office when you check in. they'll also bring firewood to your site.the kid that works there is really nice but I always forget his name!
Scout
Beautiful campground in a nice central location nearby several nice towns in Central Massachusetts. The hiking is some of the best I have seen from a campground in the area, with a huge system of trails which are all very well marked. These trails vary greatly in terms of difficulty, a few of the trails are doable in less than 15 minutes if you maintain a quick pace. The harder trails, including the one going up to Carpenter's Rocks are more strenuous and feature a good amount of elevation gain, rocky terrain, and very worthwhile views for the trouble.
Not usually too busy on the trails, though expect hordes of people at the parking lot especially during the warmer months. Firewood is easily available, if a bit pricey, and the tent sites are generously sized with plenty of room for multiple shelters. Have spotted beavers deep into some of the water-adjacent trails, as well as many species of birds.
Definitely give this one a try if you're in the area. Rental fees for the tent sites are very reasonable, and it's worthwhile to come for the trails and views alone.
ScoutWe tent camped here with 2 other families in the summer of 2019. Everything was clean, staff was friendly and attentive. Pool was clean, they have a great wiffleball park. We just bought a new RV and will be back.
Ranger
Nice little weekend getaway. Clean bathrooms, roomy tent sites, nice staff. Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls.
Traveler
I pulled in mid week at about 5pm looking for a tent site for the night
I got site #5, it was very private & quiet.
the bathrooms where very clean
i would stay there again without hesitation
Traveler
Although the tent sites are a distance from anything, the main areas of the campground are fantastic. With a full calendar of events (some free, some cost $) you will never be bored. Quiet time is quiet time which is great for families.
Scout
We reserved a groupsite down by a stream and pond. It had a large common area surrounded by little pockets which made great tent sites. Beautiful site! Other campsites were far enough away that we felt like we had the place to ourselves.
Traveler
Fairly large campground. Tent sites available but mostly RV/Campers. WiFi in common areas isn’t great so if you’re planning on working during some down time, this isn’t the place. Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families.
Scout
Mostly seasonal with a back row for short term campers. Used by a lot of offroad bikes on weekends. Great swimming pool! Spent a week plus there and had no problems with the dirt bikes and loved the pool. All sites are full hookups with several primitive tent sites.
Traveler
Absolutely loved this campground, sites are well spaced and the surrounding area is gorgeous! We had a tent site right on the river and couldn’t have been happier with our stay. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table. Facilities were exceptionally clean and the camp store was stunning!
ScoutYou want an easy family camping trip? Go here. They took us last minute, and for 40$ it was everything we needed. Showers, bathrooms, on site water connections, and there’s plenty of seclusion on their tent sites for some easy camping. There’s ATV trails, activities, and for what you get it’s absolutely worth it.
Guide
We never been here. This campground is quite small. But quiet. It’s located off a dead end street . There is a lame right down the street. They have cabins, tent sites and everything sites. Have a small camp store. But downtown Pittsfield very close by. They have a pool. The owners were very professional and friendly . We will return..
Scout$60 cash. Maybe tent sites less but not given the option. Not good value. (State parks in CT and MA requiring 24 hr advance rez.)Water/elec. Some porta potties in tents area. A little swampy lake. Mostly permanent summer residents parked with big rigs and plastic decor. But, almost nobody around mid week August. As prev reviews, woodsy, moderately secluded up in tent area. Visited in the time of COVID. WEAR A MASK!
Traveler
We camped here with a group of friends - about a dozen in all. It was easy to coordinate with the staff to get a few tent sites and a cabin in close distance. Campsites were a bit minimal, and amenities were OK. Overall we were looking for a quiet and clean space and this was excellent for that.
TravelerConnecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country. That being said, it's more rewarding when you find a little gem like Wilderness Lake Campground.
While this is about 60% RVs, the tent sites are great. The host gave us a secluded spot in the back to the point I didn't feel like I was at a campground other than the fire ring. We didn't need bathrooms, water or electricity, but there was a bathroom within walking distance. It also looked like they were building a little outbuilding for Women and Men's bathrooms near the tent sites.
The lake was quiet and we saw kids swimming in it in the morning. There was a hiking trail on the property and the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property. Whether you have an RV, want to Car Glamp or looking to feel deep in the woods, this place checks all the boxes. It's also conveniently located off I-84(exit 70).
Scout
Lovely quiet campground on cove of Manchaug Lake. Great Tent sites in Hollow as well as seasonal RV and visiting RV’s,Canoe-Boat (row or troll) , beach and picnic area for day visits.
Adjacent to an outer lake Family Activity Campground/Sutton Falls
Previous Manager/Owner/Operators had a parent decease a while ago and saddened to see it up for sale
Scout
Beautiful sites with lots of trees, some on a lake for RV or Tent camping. Very helpful and friendly staff. Clean restrooms and showers. Preferred the natural wooded sites vs. the "trailer park" atmosphere where some year round campers lived. We selected this site because we wanted to visit Mass MOCA, which was nearby. We will definitely go there again.https://www.northadams-ma.gov/visit_our_city/historic_valley_campground/index.php
Traveler
I flew up here from Louisiana and met my sister in a primitive tent site. The grounds were absolutely beautiful and very well maintained! Pool was lovely and refreshing. I do wish they had more bathrooms though. Especially by the pool!!! Camp staff was very friendly and helpful. The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around. We are going to make this a yearly thing from now on!!
Traveler
Check-in was super smooth and easy. The gentleman that took care of us was very thorough and informative about the different hiking trails in the area. We had a 2 platform tent site and we fit 5 tents and 2 trucks and there was plenty of room. It didn’t feel cluttered or too tight. We had a very relaxing weekend hanging around the site and staying around the campsite. I will definitely be going back to take part in some hiking
Traveler
I was probably the only person tent camping in the entire resort. The manager was able to give me a great campsite away from all of the RVs and cabins. It was right at the entrance however you did have to hike up a short 50ft hill to get to the site. It had a great new fire ring and the campsite was very clean/cleared. Running showers and flushable bathroom was very close. I dinged a star from this review because I have seen campgrounds with cleaner bathrooms
RangerThe campground has 3 sections, located on different tiers of a hill. The lower level has RV sites, middle has tent sites, and upper has a few yurts. Each level has a bath house (3 toilet stalls and 1 shower in the lower level; it was run-down but clean enough). Outside the entrance station (near the RV sites) is a HUGE power station that emits a hum constantly. Super annoying and an eyesore. You’ll see many vehicles drive-by with boats or ATVs in tow as the state forest also has areas suitable for their use. Accessible from the campground are a few hiking trails. Monument Mountain is a popular hiking spot about 20 minutes away and Bash Bish Falls State Park is about 45 minutes away. Note: Massachusetts does not allow alcohol in their parks.
Tent camping near Whately, Massachusetts offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from private to public campgrounds, there's something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Whately, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Whately, MA is Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Whately, MA?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Whately, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
