Glamping options near Wilbraham, Massachusetts typically operate from spring through fall, with most sites closing by mid-October. The region sits at the edge of the Connecticut River Valley, averaging 25 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forested settings for camping. Most campgrounds in this area are situated within a 30-mile radius of Wilbraham, making day trips convenient while staying at nearby sites.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Wells State Park Campground offers a popular disc golf course on property. According to one visitor, "There are a lot of choices for hiking including a disc golf course," making it a versatile recreation option during your stay.
Lake activities: At Wilderness Lake Park, campers can enjoy complimentary watercraft. "They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake," noted one camper, adding convenience for water-based recreation without additional rental costs.
Historic exploration: West Thompson Lake Campground provides easy access to regional attractions. "This part of CT is very rural and quiet, but there is a large grocery store less than 2 miles away for anything you need. And there's Riverside Pizza less than a mile away, I highly recommend it!" shared one visitor, highlighting the blend of outdoor recreation with nearby conveniences.
Trail systems: Prospect Mountain Campground offers hiking opportunities through wooded areas. The campground features "hiking on well-maintained trails," perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking day hikes without traveling far from their glamping site.
What campers like
Peaceful water settings: Charlie Brown Campground features riverside sites that enhance the glamping experience. One reviewer noted, "Had a beautiful river side site. Oversized and nicely unkept. Grey dump only due to river so no biggie. Staff was friendly and there was some stuff to do."
Clean facilities: Brialee Family Campground maintains high standards for their facilities. "The cabin was absolutely beautiful and clean. The staff were friendly and helpful. The activities were great and kept my grand children busy. Swimming and the lake were fun," shared a satisfied guest who immediately booked another stay.
Privacy between sites: At Wilderness Lake Park, many campers appreciate the thoughtful site layout. "The campground is lovely and very well maintained. Sites are wooded and private and the lake is beautiful," noted one camper, highlighting the balance between amenities and natural setting.
Entertainment options: Sunset View Farms offers scheduled activities that appeal to various age groups. "Great location kids had a blast just wished they had more activities for them to do for the weekend we stay it poured everyday and they only had one craft and then an arcade to entertain them," mentioned one visitor, suggesting the value of indoor entertainment options during inclement weather.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping close to Wilbraham, Massachusetts operates within specific date ranges. West Thompson Lake Campground is typically open "May 16 to September 6," while Wells State Park has a slightly longer season from "May to October."
Payment policies: Some locations have specific payment requirements. One camper at Wilderness Lake Park advised, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared."
Site selection strategy: When booking at Wells State Park Campground, consider site location carefully. One visitor explained, "We booked site #39 online, based on proximity to bath house. No pictures of individual campsites on the ReserveAmerica booking site, so we were kind of winging it," highlighting the importance of calling ahead for site-specific details.
Weather impact: Rain can affect the glamping experience at some locations. A camper at Sunset View Farms shared, "We booked last minute (2 hours before we arrived) and were met with the friendliest staff ready to help us at 7:30PM and get us checked in," suggesting the value of flexible booking options during unpredictable weather periods.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Prospect Mountain Campground offers family-friendly programming. A visitor reported, "Prospects mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing."
Bathroom proximity: When glamping with children, consider facilities access. At Charlie Brown Campground, a visitor appreciated "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids! The grounds were clean, the playground was nice, and the people were all friendly."
Entertainment options during inclement weather: Look for campgrounds with indoor alternatives. At Brialee Family Campground, activities continue regardless of weather: "Saturday night entertainment, pond, pool, clean," making it suitable for families needing contingency plans.
Site spacing considerations: With children, site space becomes important. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, one camper noted, "It is a nice campground, no complaints. I was in the seasonal section, which has some interesting folks staying there. The site was very nice and felt private."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Some glamping sites have restrictions on utility connections. At Wells State Park Campground, a camper advised, "Tucked away just outside Sturbridge on the road to Spencer (rt-49) is on of Mass State Parks nicest little gems. There are no hook-ups here, but the sites are large, well spaced, and shaded."
Seasonal occupancy factors: Many campgrounds near Wilbraham have significant seasonal resident populations. At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, a reviewer observed it was "Not my favorite place" and "It wasn't too loud here in October. Had site B1, which was water and electric. Close to the pond. Not directly at the pond, though."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for terrain variations. One RVer at Wells State Park Campground shared, "We unexpectedly arrived at the campground around 10pm, after a long and grueling day on the road. The site (or what we could see of it) seemed nice, but was very un-level, with a steep, narrow driveway," highlighting the importance of arriving during daylight hours.
