The best river, stream, or creek camping in Massachusetts

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Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate destination for all your camping needs in Massachusetts! Whether you're a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or just looking for a weekend getaway, we've got you covered. With over 120 options specifically tailored to your preference for camping by the river, you'll find the perfect spot to relax and reconnect with nature. Need some recommendations? Check out our top-rated campsites: Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat (194 reviews), Rosy Goat Farm (114 reviews), and Cozie Nook Homestead (107 reviews). Plus, we offer a range of popular amenities like showers, pet-friendly sites, and trash disposal. And with activities like swimming, boating, and wildlife watching, you'll have plenty to do during your stay. So book your riverside retreat today and experience the great outdoors like never before!

96% (1.7K) 1,197 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Massachusetts

Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

1. Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

100%
(571)
Warwick, MA · 5 sites
Best HipCamp Massachusetts 2023 Best HipCamp USA Finalist 2023 Best HipCamp Massachusetts Finalist 2022 THERE IS WIFI, PRIVATE HOT SHOWER and FLUSH TOILET. EXCEPT FOR THE RECENTLY ADDED TULLY 'THOREAU' ISLAND. Salamander Hollow is a private, evolving honeybee and human being sanctuary on 17 acres of land abutting Massachusetts State Forest. We currently have a one-room, wood stove warmed, cozy sleeping loft for one or two - with two benches below on either side of room - for two sleeping bags; plus, a separate 22 foot Sioux tipi with two cots. There are two chairs in the tipi, which if removed at night, make floor room for four other sleeping bags. 'Forest Bathing' for miles! If you're a larger group booking Salamander Hollow main camp with its Sleeping Library, Tipi & Slovenian Beehive House, you might consider renting this additional Tiny Cabin want to entertain all in glamping style, utilizing its amenities; as well, providing another bathroom/shower and guest bedroom for those who prefer being indoors while in the great outdoors. Note that Kula Bata Tiny Cabin abuts the wheelchair accessible larger bathroom/shower which is available to those at the Salamander Hollow main camp, yet you are secluded with your own private entry points and private bathroom. A ten minute drive takes you to the parking area to hike up Tully Mountain. There is a grill, wood fired pizza oven, two fire pits and a hygienic Incinolet electric toilet on the property for night convenience, with small camp sinks for washing & teeth brushing. Take a short hike off the property to organic Chase Hill Farm for milk, eggs, seasonal veggies, grass fed meat and other goodies. Say hello to their cows, chickens, pigs, goats, pups and kids. Nestled across the road from Salamander Hollow is Timber Haven Farm, where you can schedule your pickup of bacon and eggs, while loading up on delicious Owl Energy Bars for your adventurous excursions. For those interested in the glamping side of camping, you will enjoy a remote rustic experience with a few creature comforts to keep you well read, clean and fed. Please bring your own bedding - pillows, sleeping bags, comforter, teddy bears.There is a wall mounted blue tooth car radio/CD player in Sleeping Library, so bring your pre-digital favorites. Classical CDs to listen to. Lots of eclectic books to peruse.Walkie talkies, a set of 4, are available upon request. Chess & poker sets, too. Electric 2-burner stovetop and griddle upon request. Bring fire-starters/newspaper for tinder. We suggest if you are staying more than a night or two in winter, you bring supplemental wood or we can direct you to a nearby stand. Next season, our own cut and split wood will be seasoned and available on site. We ask that you carry out trash and recyclables. An established Western facing four point sacred Medicine Wheel site being established on Askari Ridge - our name for the slope starting with the two fire pits - 'Askari' being Swahili for night guard. Here is where we envision a great touch-point area for those leading groups to be for a base-camp by day or night, where eventually a multi-use tenting platform/performance stage will be constructed for outdoor entertainment, creating an authentic 'stadium style' seating on the hill. You will see on your way up to Salamander Hollow main clearing - the Kula Bata Tiny Kabin on the left of the dirt road- now available to rent with its small guest room for two, infrared sauna, hot shower, kitchenette, dishwasher and laundry.
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Poor-Sleeper Camp

2. Poor-Sleeper Camp

91%
(27)
Orange, MA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
We purchased land it is a dream come true ! We would love to share our dream land with others to enjoy the serenity and peacefulness of the land and what it has to offer others! Interested in staying Memorial Day can rent tents to you eight dollars a night come enjoy hiking fishing kayaking close to Tully pond and enjoy a stay near our river freshly stalked with trout.Can stay one night or as many as you would like to book Learn more about this land: 39 acres of open space, running river, stocked with trout, swimming in river, hiking, tents for rent relaxing hammock. 17 acres on other side of river to hike camp can kayak on river There is wetlands in areas there are meadows There is a mountain access across from property for hiking called Tully mountain There is a pond in walking distance can swim fish and boating. Directly across from pond across the street general store called Nana’s and a restaurant with Great food Bar called the Boiler!! It is a Peaceful land so much serenity to enjoy!! It is our dream to have such beautiful land !! We want others to enjoy it also!!
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Winimusett Brook Farm Retreat

3. Winimusett Brook Farm Retreat

100%
(50)
New Braintree, MA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Enjoy a tranquil weekend at Winimusett Farm, a 28 acre retreat on a flower farm with 4 ponds, many streams and rolling fields. Stay in an off grid cozy cabin in the woods that can accommodate 2 people. Additional tent space available. The cabin includes a queen mattress, wood stove, outdoor fire pit, deck and a private outhouse. Hike up to the cabin, it’s a 5 minute walk from where you park. We provide a gorilla cart for use in hauling your supplies up to the cabin. During dry or frozen conditions guests with four wheel drive may be permitted to drive up to park closer to the cabin. In addition to our cozy cabin we also offer a stay in the bunk house attached to the barn. This space offers 3 rooms, a wood stove, microwave, 2 queen beds and 2 twin bed, a spacious living room and dining area. The bunk house is on the lower part of the pond, making it more accessible as parking is right at the door. There are private camp sites for guests who prefer to pitch a tent or park their van or RV. There's a portable toilet on site seasonally for guests staying on the lower half of the farm. We can accommodated small respectful groups of campers looking for a quiet stay in nature. It's a great spot for local Scout Troops to pitch their tents and explore nature. Message for more information. To help you prepare for a visit to the farm please see the document linked below. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G1PtVhwHHmG3WJqRrbSnhKTLpiwHaDbPwez164OAGF4/edit?usp=drivesdk
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Otter River State Forest

4. Otter River State Forest

100%
(4)
State forest in Massachusetts · 75 sites
Discover the natural charm of Otter River State Forest.
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Mohawk Trail State Forest

5. Mohawk Trail State Forest

100%
(4)
State forest in Massachusetts · 50 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Mohawk Trail State Forest.
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Western Mass Equine Therapy

6. Western Mass Equine Therapy

Conway, MA · 1 site
Overlook our equine therapy horse farm from your private wooded campsite, 50 yards from the cabin where you can use a shared full bath, well equipped kitchen and fire pit. There is also a large sun deck for outdoor relaxing in the trees overlooking the horses, dining outside, and doing your daily practice. We also offer yoga and reiki with horses. Learn more about our services and pricing at www.ginambarrett.com The farm is on a 1.5 acre lot with no neighbors on one side. The grazing pasture, arena and campsite are on the off grid side of the property. We are located in a wooded neighborhood where all properties have a few acres and are surrounded by woods. We all enjoy the trees here in Conway. You may hear some yard work sounds from neighbors on weekends. A 5 min drive to historic Shelburne Falls. Just a few miles to swimming holes on streams. Guest access to the Conway pond. A 10 min drive. Water sport options on the nearby Deerfield River. Plenty of hiking options in the area as well.
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Peaceful Convenience

7. Peaceful Convenience

100%
(53)
Bolton, MA · 2 sites
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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Atland Artist Residency

8. Atland Artist Residency

100%
(117)
West Chesterfield, MA · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
We're named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024 and 2023! Over 40 acres of solitude tucked in the hilltowns of the western Massachusetts Berkshires -- boasting warm sunrises over the distant hills, lush forest for hiking and meandering river frontage on Bronson Brook and walking distance to the Westfield River to wade and soak in the cool mountain water or fish for native trout! The cabin and camping sites are located in beautiful trails that were created around the main home -- an architect designed masterpiece boasting a wonderful asian influence yet handcrafted from the very timberstock off the land on which it sits lending a refined rustic twist. 25 Min to Northampton and 10 min to the Berkshires! You can hike or bike to the best swimming holes around and camp within our beautiful forested hills of hemlock, birch, maple, and wildflower meadow. If you're into kayaking/canoeing/tubing/hiking/fishing, then this is the perfect space for you. Come escape and breathe in our cool clean mountain air :)
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Magpie and Jaebird's Little A-frame

9. Magpie and Jaebird's Little A-frame

97%
(158)
Bellingham, MA · 1 site
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. 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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DAR State Forest

10. DAR State Forest

100%
(3)
State forest in Massachusetts · 49 sites
Discover the natural charm of DAR State Forest.
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Pittsfield State Forest

11. Pittsfield State Forest

100%
(2)
State forest in Massachusetts · 39 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Pittsfield State Forest.
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Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

12. Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

100%
(1)
State park in Massachusetts · 10 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
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Erving State Forest

13. Erving State Forest

State forest in Massachusetts · 28 sites
Erving State Forest: A Natural Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
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Cozie Nook Homestead

14. Cozie Nook Homestead

98%
(263)
Ashfield, MA · 2 sites
A small family farm that has been in Dennis's family since 1914. The old county road once existed in front of our house. Where horses and wagons would stop to off load part of their load to continue up the hill. They would return to pick up the rest and continue on. Since inheriting the farm, we have moved towards sustainable farming. We follow grass fed measures while raising our sheep the poultry free ranges to control the flea and tick population on the farm. Our vegetables are grown organically. We harvest only what is needed to heat our home from the forest leaving under growth alone. Last fall almost a hundred acres, of our farm, went into land conservation protecting it from urban sprawl.
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Moon In The Pond Farm

15. Moon In The Pond Farm

94%
(249)
Sheffield, MA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Well off the beaten track, it's scenic, private and peaceful. Camping at Moon In The Pond Farm is a bit of heaven. There are separate sites to choose. Around the farm, you have your own secluded spot to enjoy. (Though you may be in a field next to our Scottish Highland cattle!) Two are tent sites: the PondSide and the FieldEdge. There's one site for small/tiny RVs or Campervan. And finally there's the HiddenCabin--a bed a roof and convenience. Each has a firepit with a small grill to cook over the fire. (all firewood provided) Our campsites are in quieter areas of the farm. One overlooks the pond, others are on the edges of different farm fields, one a cabin nearer the farmstead. All require a beautiful, bucolic trek of 150-350 yards from the roadside parking--ensuring the quiet, natural experience. During the day times, you may see or hear farm work. At night it's lusciously dark and serenely quiet. You'll hear owls hoot, frogs croak, crickets chirp, foxes yowl and coyotes howl! In June and July the fields and trees light up like Christmas with fireflies, and you'll see the stars. During the week is the absolute best time--the local hot spots (or cooling down spots!) are much quieter, and all our campsites have reduced weekday rates. If you can, take advantage by adding a Thursday or Sunday night to a weekend stay. We've got an awesome, easy hiking trail on adjacent Nature Conservancy land. It meanders through woodlands, around rock ledges, through wetlands (on a 600' of boardwalk) and ends at a beautiful stream and pond with a gigantic beaver dam. Not far from here are numerous well-marked hiking trails (including the Appalachian Trail (with famous Bash Bish Falls) and several offshoots (Sage's Ravine, Race Brook Falls), Bartholomew's Cobble, Umpacheenee Falls, and others). Also in the neighborhood are opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, gavel-road and country-road biking, and pretty much any outdoor activity/adventure opportunity. Or... you can just chill and relax, sleep, or read the day away! Love food? This is Farm-to-Table for real! Never so close--the table's AT the farm! Bring your cooking gear and get some of our wicked fresh organic food--veggies, chops, sausages, eggs, bacon, granola, yogurt, etc. Sear yourself up a real treat! Very nearby, as the Berkshires is a cultural mecca, there are also numerous opportunities from many great restaurants to art, dance, music, spas, galleries, antique shops, museums, cafes and much more. It's still amazingly quiet at the farm where the Milky Way is clearly visible.
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Maple Corner Farm

16. Maple Corner Farm

98%
(54)
Granville, MA · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Eighth generation farm in continuous since 1812. 200 acres of open fields, forest and streams. We have many trails on the property as well as a waterfall. There is fishing, kayaking and the Appalachian trail all within 30 minutes. Farm store is open with maple syrup, maple products, beef, pork, eggs and specialty products.
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Rosy Goat Farm

17. Rosy Goat Farm

99%
(237)
Gilbertville, MA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Rosy Goat Farm! We are a quintessential family farm and homestead — our farmhouse dates to the 1840s. Bill and I bought this 13-acre property in 2012, overgrown with wild roses. The animals did the clearing: goats ate the roses, pigs dug up the roots, chickens raked it clean. Win win! A Touch of Hardwick History In 1686, Captain Samuel Ruggles and seven men purchased this land from the Nipmuck people for twenty British pounds. His grandson, Brigadier General Timothy Ruggles, became a notorious Loyalist — driven from Hardwick at dawn by his own brother Benjamin, who warned him: “Cross today and you will never cross again alive.” His daughter Bathsheba became the first woman executed in the newly independent United States, for murdering her husband — told in Murdered by His Wife by Deborah Navas. Local Eats Whistle Stop Diner (former railroad station) for breakfast and lunch. Mimi’s overlooks the Common. Rose 32 is a lovely bakery. Hardwick House of Pizza, Hardwick Crossing Country Club (full bar, 3 mins away), Stone Cow Brewery in Barre (kids area). In Ware: Mexicali Grill, Theresa’s, Hanna’s on Main, Pig Park BBQ. Farmer Matt, North Brookfield: takeout with picnic tables and views. Things to Do Gilbertville has one of the last covered bridges still in use in Massachusetts! Mass Central Rail Trail: 1-mile section through Gilbertville from the covered bridge; separate 3-mile section (East Quabbin Land Trust) from Creamery Road to Wheelwright — park at former New Braintree train station on Hardwick Road. East Quabbin Land Trust also has birdwatching trails. Hardwick hosts the oldest agricultural fair in the US every August, plus a Sunday farmers market on the Common. Hardwick Vineyard and Winery and nearby Lost Towns Brewery, named for towns submerged to create the Quabbin Reservoir. Medicine River Pow Wow every August, River Run Road. Quabbin Reservoir: boating and fishing. Swift River, Belchertown: kayaking. Lake Lashaway, East Brookfield: swimming 20 mins. Lake Siog, Holland: beach 30 mins south. Free concerts Grenville Park, Ware; live music weekends at Janine’s Frostee. Old Sturbridge Village 30 mins. Also: Ragged Hill Orchard, Rock House Reservation, Carter and Stevens Farm, Leicester and Mendon drive-ins. Is this area great or what?!
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Conway Natives Nursery

18. Conway Natives Nursery

96%
(134)
Conway, MA · 2 sites
Conway Natives Nursery is a beautiful working farm/plant nursery devoted to the propagation of native plant species, using sustainable methods. With pristine water from our well and forests all around, you will camp amid our gardens and orchards. Visit the chickens and pick fresh, organic fruit in season. Walk down the country road to the Bear River for a dip or explore nearby Shelburne Falls. We have a newly built outhouse. Enjoy our brand new outdoor shower with HOT AND COLD WATER, while looking over the wooded hillsides. Wilder Hill Gardens is very peaceful, guaranteed you will be greeted by bird song every morning and the evening sky is bright with stars. We are in a lovely rural neighborhood yet centrally located to any number of natural wonders and cultural activities. On the land, you might see a robust flock of laying hens, pigs in a portable pen cultivating new ground, plantings of medicinal herbs, and gorgeous sun and shade display gardens. A half acre of pick-your-own pears, currants, gooseberries and blueberries yields organic fruit from mid-July through September. Each site has a separate fire pit, Sorry, but we are not accepting pets at this time. There are two farm dogs, Viola and Jackson at Wilder Hill Gardens. They are friendly, well trained and mostly work along side me. But they do have free range of the farm and if anyone in your party has a fear or dislike of dogs this is probably not the best choice for you. We have PYO fresh fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, eggs, and all of our nursery stock for sale in season. There is a newly built garden shop and art gallery with a 12 Ft. Mosaic made of thousands of handmade porcelain pieces. We accept cash or checks or Venmo, but not credit cards. Check out our Extras!
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Forest Hut in Western Mass

19. Forest Hut in Western Mass

94%
(32)
Ashfield, MA · 1 site
Listen to the gentle brook and barred owls while nestled into the woods of Ashfield, MA on a small herbal homestead. The forest hut is a screened in platform that is lovely for camping on a warm summer's night. It has large windows and screens to keep out the bugs while enjoying a cool mountain breeze. There is a newly built composting toilet on site and small fire pit. This is not a cabin, no electricity, running water or plumbing. It is not well suited for winter camping unless you’re well equipped. BYO BEDDING AND SLEEPING PADS as there are no mattress or blankets in the shelter. Photo is only for demo. We have a small farm store near the road filled with herbal teas, tinctures, gifts, chicken eggs, soaps, maple syrup and ghee. Take a swim in the Ashfield lake 1 mile away or visit the enchanting Chapel Falls on Trustees land just down the road in Williamsburg. Sweet Birch Herbals is a community herbal company offering workshops, apprenticeships, wellness consultations and hand crafted products including Full Moon Ghee. We grow organic herbs and ethically forage plants for medicine. Request a farm tour, herbalism class or any of our products for your stay here. Booking Rules and Information: - Check in: 3pm - Check out: 11am - Campers bring their own sleeping pads, pillows, sleeping bags, blankets etc to be warm and comfortable. - Bring all your own camping needs such as cook stoves, camp chairs, food, biodegradable soap etc. - Ideal for a couple or close friends as the space is small about 8x10' dimensions. - 3 gallons of drinking water provided in blue carafe at handwashing station. - No electricity or cell service at the off-grid hut. Wifi is available, but spotty - For cell service, the nearest spot is on route 112 near the school - Wood is provided and if you need more it's under the house deck. - Always put out fires completely with the blue containers of water located under the hut when going to sleep or leaving the site. Never leave fires unattended! - Quiet hours 9pm-8am - No parties or loud music -Pets must be on leash - Pack out all trash - Do not enter the residence - Sound may travel from the house (which is rented on Airbnb) to hut, heads up. - Call or message Hannah with any questions. She lives 30 mins away.
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Hickory Ridge

20. Hickory Ridge

94%
(57)
Deerfield, MA · 1 site · Tent, RV
Our property is 85 very private acres with an open field surrounded by forest and open wooded area with many trails. The forest is very diverse including some old growth maples and birches, as well as hemlock and pine trees. The campsites are at the edge of the field set back into the woods. I have recently added sand and gravel to improve drainage since the heavy rain we have had last year. We have a portable composting toilet outhouse and a hot outdoor shower. Feel free to explore all of the trails on foot or mountain bike. You may see some turkeys or deer out there. There is a small pond with lots of frogs and salamanders near the camping area, and a few seasonal streams on the property. You can hike a one mile loop on our newest trail. It is medium difficulty because of the hillside it is built on so hiking boots are recommended unless you are on a mountain bike. Rock walls built in the mid 1800s circle the property almost entirely so the borders are easy to see. The Deerfield river is a few miles away where you can fish for trout or go for a swim or kayak. The Connecticut river and the green river are about 15 minutes away as well. We have tubes, a canoe, and a kayak that are available to rent for some floating! Historic Deerfield village and Yankee Candle store and factory are about 10 minutes away. We are about 20 minutes from Northampton and Amherst.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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