From the Berkshire hills to the forests of Franklin County, campgrounds dot the Western Massachusetts map.
Camping at DAR State Forest in Goshen.Although many, if not most, U.S. citizens live in an age of unprecedented comfort and digital wonders, there still seems to be some vestigial need among many people to get back to a time when things weren't so easy.
Thus the proliferation of campgrounds across the country, and Western Massachusetts is no exception.
From the Berkshire hills to the forests of Franklin County, campgrounds dot the Western Massachusetts map. Whether you enjoy roughing it with just a tent and sleeping bag, or prefer modern camping in an RV, you'll find plenty of sites here in the 413 area code. Here is a peek at just a few of them.
DAR State Forest
Route 112, Goshen
(413) 268-7098
One of the most popular places for camping in these parts is the D.A.R. State Forest, whose almost 2,000 acres showcase a swimming beach, and 15 miles of mixed-use trails through a northern hardwood-conifer woodland. The campground offers 51 campsites featuring modern comfort stations with showers. Wheelchair accessible campsites are also available.
Bonny Rigg Campground
Routes 8 & 20, Becket
(413) 623-5366, (866) 623-5366
Nestled in the woods, this campground features a babbling brook and seasonal hayrides. Amenities include electricity, running water a pool and bathrooms, that feature free hot water showers. You can show up with a fully loaded RV or just a tent and pets are allowed.
Barton Cove Campground
Route 2, Gill
(413) 863-9300
Sites here include picnic tables, hibachis and fireplaces. Showers are available near the ranger station. While largely a tent site geared toward a more basic and peaceful enjoyment of nature, there are a few areas that can accommodate pop-up trailers or class C camper-vans, but these sites have no utility hookups. Barton Cove is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Country Aire Campgrounds
Route 2, Charlemont
(413) 625-2996
These grounds have 140 sites on 55 acres, including 24 tent sites and 44 RV/tent sites. The grounds are family-owned, featuring numerous recreational activities. Hot showers are available for a fee.
Camp Overflow
700 Tolland Road, East Otis
(413) 269-4036
Right near the Otis Reservoir, you can bring your own boat or rent one on-site.
Chester-Blandford State Forest
Primitive camping area
Route 20, Chester (413) 354-6347
This summer-only area is place for rustic camping, but the beauty of the state forest is worth exploration. There are plenty of hiking trails and a waterfall on Sanderson Brook at the Westfield River.
Laurel Ridge
Camping Area, Inc.
Old Blandford Road, East Otis
(413) 269-4804 or (800) 538-CAMP
Laurel Ridge is a full service campground with activities on site. It's open from the first week of May through Columbus Day.
Mountainview Campground
Route 8, Otis
(413) 269-8928
Another good Otis site open to both tents and RVs. There is a pool and recreation hall, as well as free showers and a store on site. The camp is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
Walker Island Family Campground
27 Route 20, Chester
(413) 354-2295
If you like fishing, this is a great site, with plenty of brooks and streams. There is also a mountain lookout to which you can climb and see beautiful vistas. There are about 90 campsites over the camp's 85 acres, for tents, campers and RVs.