The best camping near John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

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Estate of Mind

13 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Whitinsville, MA

We are a collaborative creative coliving community restoring a historic estate. The property has 20 acres of forest and 5 acres of buildings, lawns, parking, gardens, etc. The forest is split by a small stream, with a few trails including some that lead to adjacent public forest. Our onsite activities tend to focus on art projects, musical events, crafty and creative endeavors, etc. We often have group dinners, open to the public on at least Sundays.

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Peaceful Convenience

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Bolton, MA

Come experience New England, embrace the silence, enjoy this 2.5 Acres property Abutting over 100 acres of protected wetlands with access to a private Home; bathroom, screened in porch, use of kitchen for coffee etc. all to enjoy. A babbling brook, hammock trees, peaceful, and serene. The surrounding area is a right to farm community with local beautiful farms within five minutes in every direction property is on a known bike route (2 bikes available for use) The town host a wonderful winery local coffee shop and hiking trails (map book on site) multiple area conservation lands. Bolton is known for its apple farms in the fall for picking and spring time blossoms. August through September harvest (my favorite) plenty of pick your own everything! We have great historic towns surrounding us like concord, Harvard and Hudson voted best small town in America, so much history, dinning etc. cross country skiing. Convenient location to Boston. If looking for an stress free escape the home also offers 2 guest rooms available for rent within a meditative shared space. Fire pit outdoors, fireplace in doors.

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Turtle Path Camping Site

1 site · RV3 acres · Hopkinton, MA

Our driveway is located about 3 miles from the start of the Boston Marathon, 8 minutes from 495, but, down a country road. We find our property to be quite peaceful. We do have crickets to lull you to sleep and early birds (and sometimes a neighborhood rooster) to greet you in the morning. Keep an eye out for turtles! We are a few hundred yards from either Upton State Forest or Lake Whitehall. Lake Whitehall is popular with boaters (speed limit enforced) and is stocked with fish. No swimming. There is a public boat ramp on the other side of the lake. We often put in our kayaks at the entrance close to our house. We hike, mountain bike and picnic in these parks. It's really beautiful. There is a 24-hour grocery store 2 miles down the road. The gravel campsite is located at the barn end of our driveway in front of the red barn. There is a little privacy from the house, but, we may need to get into the barn from time to time. We have a 30amp and water hookup at the barn. If planning on using electric please add one "electric hookup" extra to each night of your stay BEFORE finishing the request to book, it's really difficult to add it after. Please plan to bring 50' of hose and/or 25ft of electrical cord if using hookups. There is wifi, BUT, it's pretty weak at the barn. Definitely not strong enough for streaming! Our Ibex camper may or may not be parked next to the barn depending on if we are out camping! We do not accept car campers. Turtle Path also has a Guest Suite. Find us on that other website! Shortly after we moved in we discovered a large snapping turtle on his way from Lake Whitehall to the creek at the back of our property. Our neighbor told us that's the turtle's usual route. Turtle won our hearts that day.

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Hammock Hallows

1 site · Tent2 acres · Belchertown, MA

Your private campsite is on the edge of a mixed-wood forest. Deer roam free and you will surely hear the call of coyotes and owls at night. Centrally located within 10 minutes of downtown Amherst, 15 minutes to downtown Northampton, this tent is the perfect base camp to access all that this region has to offer. Flea markets and farmers markets on the weekends, malls, museums and numerous restaurants in the area should you decide to venture out for a bite to eat. Holland Glen, a popular hiking spot with waterfalls and swimming holes is a quick 3-minute drive to the trail head. It is an easy 1-mile ride to the start of the Norwotuck Rail Trail a paved bike path through wetlands and rolling farmland. Or simply stay put, unplug, and relax in one of the hammocks or enjoy our one of a kind wood-fired hot tubs! Our guests are welcome to wander around our little homestead have your coffee in the pollinator patch and watch the hummingbirds, butterflies and bees do their thing. Feed the chickens, then nibble your way through our berry patches, fruit trees and gardens and experience what it is like to live simply in New England. Cook a meal over the fire, relax in the hammock and listen to the sounds of nature!

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Rosy Goat Farm

1 site · RV, Tent13 acres · Gilbertville, MA

Welcome to Rosy Goat Farm!! We are the quintessential family farm/homestead, our farmhouse was built in the 1840’s Bill and I bought this 15-acre property in 2012, It was overgrown with wild roses. We have worked with a limited budget, and used animals to clear the land. The goats love the roses, but they only eat the leaves. The pigs dig the roses up. Chickens rake it clean. Win win! Very interesting place here- lots to tell you, there’s quite a list of things to do and see around here! Did you know that Gilbertville has a covered bridge? It is one of the last covered bridges still in use in Massachusetts! First- a touch of History: Rev. Timothy Ruggles bought this land from the Native Americans for his family to live on, and work the land. His son, Brigadeer General Timothy Ruggles became unpopular after he introduced the Stamp Act, and was banished to Nova Scotia. His daughter Bathsheba became the first woman executed in the United States for the murder of her husband Joshua Spooner. (There’s a book about it called Murdered by his wife by Deborah Navas.) Want to know local eateries? For breakfasts and lunch there is The Whistle Stop diner, it was a former Boston & Albany Railroad station and now, The Mass Central Rail Trail runs through here; and Rose 32, a well known bakery that serves tea, coffee and sandwiches. There’s Hardwick house of Pizza- for tasty pizza and subs, which also serves beer. Feeling fancy? Try Hardwick Crossing Country Club (features a golf course), it has a restaurant with a full-service bar, gorgeous scenery! Its a 3 minute drive from hereMimi’s for your morning coffee and lunch, yum!Also check out Stone Cow Brewery in Barre -has a kids play area while you wait for your meal!Ware has Mexicali Grill, Theresa’s Restaurant for Italian foods, Hanna Devine’s for traditional American cuisine, and, Pig Park BBQ for comfort food! Farmer Mat in North Brookfield has take out meals- there are picnic tables available, beautiful views. Things to do: You can kayak, and fish, at Swift River in Belchertown.Hardwick is the home of the oldest agricultural fair in the US, held every year in August, and, every Sunday there’s a small farmers market on the common.Hardwick also has a winery- Hardwick Vineyard and Winery, and, check out Lost Towns brewery- the name is a throwback to the 4 towns that were submerged to create the Quabbin Reservoir!Medicine River Pow Wow is in August here in Gilbertville. River Run.The East Quabbin Land Trust has birdwatching and fabulous views, and the Central Mass Bike trail entrance is located here. Bike it or hike it! Quabbin Reservoir is close by for boating and fishing.There are free concerts in Grenville Park in Ware, (check for dates).Ware also has Janine’s Frostee ice cream and fast foods- and live music on weekend nights!Also check out these on line: Ragged Hill orchard and Rock House Reservation in West Brookfield, and Carter and Stevens farm in Barre, and the Leicester, and Mendon movie drive-in’s.Old Sturbridge village is 30 minutes away.Lake Siog in Holland has a lovely picnic area and beach for swimming. (30 mins South from here) Is this area great or what?!

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Rinconcito Wildcat

1 site · Tent2 acres · Littleton, MA

Campsites are situated in the wooded area on our property land that integrates into hundreds of acres of conservation land with hiking trails that are also great for XC skiing, kettle ponds, and wetlands. The property is surrounded on 3 sides by conservation land with trails, 45 minutes - 1 hour from Boston and 10 minute drive to groceries, stores and restaurants. The house is right off a country road with our property and conservation land both across the street and behind our house. The area is in the heart of New England and is beautiful at all times of year. Minutes from Rte 495 and 2, we are along a popular bike route, 10 minutes from Carlson Orchards and the bistro/cafe Harvard General Store.

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Woodland's Edge Glamping & Hot Tubs

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Belchertown, MA

Our extra large tent can hold a family/friend group of up to 8 comfortably, but is also cozy enough for a couple's getaway. Your private campsite is on the edge of a mixed-wood forest. Deer roam free and you will surely hear the call of coyotes and owls at night. Centrally located within 10 minutes of downtown Amherst, 15 minutes to downtown Northampton, this tent is the perfect base camp to access all that this region has to offer. Flea markets and farmers markets on the weekends, malls, museums and numerous restaurants in the area should you decide to venture out for a bite to eat. Holland Glen, a popular hiking spot with waterfalls and swimming holes is a quick 3-minute drive to the trail head. It is an easy 1-mile ride to the start of the Norwotuck Rail Trail a paved bike path through wetlands and rolling farmland. Or simply stay put, unplug, and relax in one of the hammocks or enjoy our one of a kind wood-fired hot tubs! Our guests are welcome to wander around our little homestead have your coffee in the pollinator patch and watch the hummingbirds, butterflies and bees do their thing. Feed the chickens, then nibble your way through our berry patches, fruit trees and gardens and experience what it is like to live simply in New England. Cook a meal over the fire - we will provide the cast iron pans and dishes if needed. Learn more about this land: A private campsite on the edge of a woodland forest. Deer roam free and you will surely hear the coyotes call at night. Centrally located within minutes of Amherst and Northampton, this tent is the perfect base camp to this vibrant region. Relax in the hammock with a good book, play a rowdy game of corn hole, sip your coffee in our pollinator patch, tell stories by the campfire or rent our projector for the night for a fun in-tent movie!

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8 Acres Homestead

2 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Tiverton, RI

Enjoy this quaint and tranquil getaway. Close to local beaches, cafes, and shops. Our property is located in the picturesque, New England coastal town of Tiverton, Rhode Island. The property is located on a main road and consists of a family residence, a Christian church, and a small farm that sits high on a hill overlooking the Nanaquaket Pond. Pitch your tent, or park your car/van, in our beautiful backyard woodlands just off the main road with rustic walking paths to the Nannaquacket Pond. Take in the natural wildlife such as deer, groundhogs, songbirds, and our free-range chickens when they are out and about. The beauty of the countryside is right around the corner. Historic Tiverton Four Corners: 4 minutes South Shore Beach: 20 minutes Newport: 30 minutes Providence: 30 minutes

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Glamping with the Wild Horses

11 sites · Lodging, Tents150 acres · Sterling, CT

Enjoy all that our beautiful 150 acres mustang sanctuary has to offer - you can even bring your own horse! 100% of net proceeds go to our 501c3 nonprofit’s mission to promote, train and adopt out America’s wild mustangs. Our property has over five miles of trails, seasonal blueberry and huckleberry picking, and one-of-a-kind experiences like hiking along side our free roaming herd of formerly wild mustangs, exploring the property on our off road safari tours, yoga in our dome and more! Check out our website and sign up for our email list for updates: wildridect.org/email

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Magpie and Jaebird's Little A-frame

2 sites · Lodging1 acres · Bellingham, MA

Follow us on Instagram @shitefootfarms As always we are excited and can't wait to share our place with you! We are a small farmette with goats, chickens, ducks, fruits, veggies, and Irish Wolfhounds. The 1.3 acre parcel across the street from the house and farm has a forested peninsula that the A-frame is located on. Our street ends in a small stream that continues to separate the farmstead from the A-frame site. Come stay in our tiny rustic A frame cabin built of mostly reclaimed materials. Enjoy being across the stream and over the bridge from the main house on a private peninsula. Enjoy the privacy of a "single site" camp! Use the fire pit, grill, outdoor wood stove, single burner butane stove or umm the bathroom :) without having to leave your site! Please be aware we are in town and you may hear road noise, lawn mowers, dogs, ect. You may also see and hear wildlife ex; deer, beavers, ducks, muskrats, rabbits, geese, foxes, and coyotes. We encourage native plants and work to provide a sanctuary for many threatened bird species. The cabin is 100sq. feet with sloping interior walls the flip up side wall is permanently open and screened in. There is no running water or electricity so unplug and unwind. A place to plug in and the water spigot a short stroll from your cabin in the driveway The cabin has a a full size mattress with sheets, blankets, throws and pillows. Lanterns, cooking utensils, camp mugs and camp coffee pot are provided. Please request the cast iron skillet and butane burner, it will not be in the cabin if you do not ask for it. If you want to add a guest we have a tent available for rent that will be set up with a futon, table and lantern at the site for you. You are also welcome to set up your own tent. Please note cleared space is limited and the tent should be a 1-3 person smaller tent. Outside on the deck are tiki torches, woodstove and bistro table. There is a hammock, picnic table, and 2 sets of outdoor chairs at your site. We do not have a swimming hole but the town beach is 5 minutes away and requires a day pass. If you forget something you are a short walk to Cumbies, and several farms, bakeries and a large grocer are a very short drive away. Venture farther (10 minutes) to one of the nearby hiking trails. We are within 15 minutes of the Blackstone Gorge, Southern New England Trunkline Trail, Cornier Woods, Franklin State Forest, Wojcik Farm, Cook's Valley Farm, the New England Bonsai Museum, Diamond Hill Vineyards, Caroline's Cannabis, Shire Conservation Area, New England Country Club, and many stables. The Commuter Rail to Boston, Wrentham Premium Outlets, and a Drive-in Theater are within 30 minutes. Use us as a base to explore Blackstone Valley, Boston and Worcester!! Please let us know if you need something we may have it, we want you to enjoy your stay!! Follow us on Instagram for updates on our favorite local spots for hiking, eating, entertainment and shopping. We Support Black Lives Matter, the LBGTQ+, AAPI and BIPoC communities @shitefootfarms. Visit our Instagram profile, follow and dm for a 15% discount code

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Sly Fox Farm

2 sites · RVs6 acres · Northborough, MA

Located in Central MA, "Sly Fox Farm" has a semi-private parking area near the road suitable for RV dry-camping (boondocking). Despite being only 4 minutes from an interstate, quiet and privacy abounds. Parking is close to the road, off to one side of our driveway. You will need to back into place. We recently (2023) added almost 50 yards of fresh asphalt millings to improve the surface. The area is pretty level, with just enough pitch for water to run off. Not a pull through, but enough room to back in any size rig. If backing is not your strength you might consider another location. Trees have been trimmed back and up to provide clearance for 13 1/2 foot rigs with clearance to make the corners. Easy in and out, semi private, plus room for tow vehicle parking. We have year round outdoor spigots available at the house, and the parking area gets enough sun to support at least some solar power. Well water is available at the house (best to fill on your way in or out, otherwise you need a LOT of hose.) Nearest dump stations are Upper Blackstone Clean Water (50 Route 20, Millbury, MA 01527, https://www.ubcleanwater.org/home/pages/rv-discharge) and Lowell City Waste Water Department (451 First St Blvd, Lowell, MA 01850) Cell phone service is good enough for texts/calls, but data generally leaves something to be desired. If you have Starlink there is plenty of sky view for a solid connection.

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Souhegan Shores

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Merrimack, NH

SPRING '24 NOTE: The late snow and heavy traffic have played havoc with the access road. Please do NOT book the site from our driveway if you don't have 4WD. Best to check first with your host to ensure the access road is passable to your type of vehicle. (back to our regularly scheduled camp description...) Camp alongside the tree lined bank of the Souhegan River. Fall to sleep to the sound of river flowing over the rocks up stream. In season, enjoy the swimming hole 100 feet from your campsite. Site-1 is located under the trees adjacent to a 3 acre meadow and Christmas Tree farm. Camp above the bank of the Souhegan River in the shade of white pine and shag bark hickory and listen to the river tumble over the ledges upstream. In season, enjoy the swimming hole 100 feet from your campsite. On the other side of the fence is a pasture where two horses graze. If you don't like friendly dogs then you'll be better off on site 2 where we can better keep our dog Wilson from dropping in to visit. He loves people too much not to want to greet folks on Site 1. Site-2 is located at the downstream end of the property and is completely private. You'll see nothing from your site but trees and the river. If you or your dog don't like dogs, this is the site you want. It's far easier to keep Wilson away from this corner of the property. The other side of the river is town conservation land so the only people you're likely to see will be passing by in canoes or kayaks. In the dry season, this is a great place to start a float trip and you'll likely have the next 1.5 miles all to yourself since the rapids upstream become unpassable in late July and August. Now that TENTRR has gone bankrupt, Site 2 is available year round. If NH gets clobbered by snow, just check ahead to ensure your host has finished plowing the access road.

The best camping near John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor guide

Overview

About

Float down Rhode Island's only national park in the Blackstone River Valley. This corridor, named after Sen. John H. Chafee, celebrates America's Industrial Revolution in the late 1700s.

Start in Worcester, Massachusetts and follow the river's 46 miles to Providence, Rhode Island. Along the way, you'll see quaint towns and historic sites that depict America's first attempt at modernization. Residents used the Blackstone River Valley to power water mills. Water turned huge wheels that moved machinery inside textile mills. The mills turned wool and cotton into yarn and fabric. These textiles were then exported to Europe.

This river valley brought America to the global stage. It started to move from an agrarian society to a mechanized one. Water wheels started a cavalcade of innovation that led to steam engines, coal-burning engines, and finally internal combustion.

If you don't feel like floating the river, highways connect these vibrant towns. Stop by Slater Mill in Pawtucket to see the birthplace of mechanization. Valley Falls offers a scenic stop on the river that combines an old mill run and gorgeous trees.

Campsites in the area let you enjoy nearby trails. An extensive road network and parks connect more than a dozen communities along the 46-mile heritage corridor.