The best camping in Quabbin Reservoir, MA

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Discover the serene beauty of Quabbin Reservoir, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.  

The best camping in Quabbin Reservoir, MA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Goodfield Farm Rustic Camping

1. Goodfield Farm Rustic Camping

100%
(22)
7.6mi from Quabbin Reservoir · 1 site · Tent, RV · Hardwick, MA
In the rolling hills of central Massachusetts, along the wandering path of the Ware River our farm is situated above the quaint village of Gilbertville. Our farm is walking distance from the Lost Towns Brewery, the Whistle Stop Diner, and Rose 32 bakery for all of your food needs. We are 15 minutes from the Quabbin Reservoir where you can walk or take your bike along the trails, and 15 minutes from the Swift River where there is world class trout fishing. Our farm boasts a large meadow, previously farmed by the Goodfield family for generations, overlooking a western hill range with long beautiful sunsets. We provide rustic camping on site, equipped with a fire pit and wood to use at your convenience. Consider us for a weekend getaway in the peaceful hills of central Mass, or reach out to us for longer stays. Park at the bottom of the hill and walk your way up to the campsite where a picnic table will be awaiting you.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$24
 / night
Camp stew with fresh lamb meat from a nearby farm....

2. Rosy Goat Farm

99%
(231)
7.6mi from Quabbin Reservoir · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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 13-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 wild roses. 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 Hardwick History: Rev. Timothy Ruggles bought this land from the Native Americans for his family to live on, and to 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 last 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. Speaking of railroads, did you know that The Mass Central Rail Trail runs through Gilbertville! Rose 32, is 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 9 hole golf course), it has a restaurant with a full-service bar, gorgeous scenery! Its a 3 minute drive from here Mimi’s for your morning coffee and lunch, yum! And it overlooks our beautiful Common! 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, Bellies Barnyard 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, they have all kinds of events, (find them on facebook) 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, on River Run Rd. The East Quabbin Land Trust has birdwatching and fabulous views, and the Mass Central Rail 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. The Leicester, and Mendon movie drive-in’s. Old Sturbridge village is 30 minutes away. Lake Lashaway has a swimming area in East Brookfield, right off of Rte 9. It’s about 20 minutes from here. Lake Siog in Holland has a lovely picnic area and beach for swimming. (30 mins South from here) Is this area great or what?!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$62
 / night
Hammock Hallows

5. Hammock Hallows

90%
(41)
9mi from Quabbin Reservoir · 1 site · Tent · 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 campsite 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 the hammock 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!
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$44
 / night
Woodland's Edge Glamping & Hot Tubs

6. Woodland's Edge Glamping & Hot Tubs

90%
(109)
9mi from Quabbin Reservoir · 3 sites · Lodging · Belchertown, MA
Choose between 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. Or our sweet-as-can-be tiny A-frame cabin. Our private site is in the middle 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!
Toilets
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
$77
 / night
Streamside Camping in Leverett!

7. Streamside Camping in Leverett!

91%
(32)
11mi from Quabbin Reservoir · 3 sites · Tents · Leverett, MA
Our 2 acre property and home is located in the center of the small town of Leverett. We have a private camping spot located down by the stream. We are near a paved road with moderate traffic. The property abuts many acres of woods and there are a number of great walking trails nearby. A half-mile walk behind the house takes you through the forest to an outlook on Leverett Pond. The Peace Pagoda is just a few miles up the road. Other nearby destinations include Cushman Market and Cafe, the Montague Bookmill, and Mt. Toby waterfall, caves, and lookout tower. Leverett Pond has a public boat launch nearby. We have canoes, paddles, and lifejackets available for rent--inquire for details! The area has excellent bike riding as well. We enjoy all these activities and are happy to share further destinations, routes, and suggestions!
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$55
 / night
The Moose Caboose Country Farm

9. The Moose Caboose Country Farm

95%
(77)
15mi from Quabbin Reservoir · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Phillipston, MA
🌻 Roam over twelve acres of beautiful fields and rolling hills with New England stonewalls at The Moose Caboose Country Farm! The land boasts seasonal organic fruits for the plucking—including raspberries, peaches, pears, tomatoes, peppers, and apples! 🪵 Forage free firewood for a campfire in a private peaceful country setting with excellent adventures and conveniences nearby including local farms, grocery stores, breweries with live music, hiking trails, and more! See a list of great places to visit below. ⛺️ All sites are first come first serve and may have a fire pit and/or table. Vivid nature and bright starry skies are unparalleled at The Moose Caboose Country Farm! **ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS** 🧭 The GPS will bring you to my mailbox—drive past it—an orange traffic cone and white wooden arbor structure mark the entrance—drive onto the grass and into the field. 🦋 You are welcome to explore the property; and to move available tables, chairs, and fire pits around as you like. No check in or check out needed—come and go as you please! 🏕️ Please be conscientious that the land is hilly, that camper trailers or RVs will likely need blocking, and tent campers prepare for a bit of a slope on some site locations. **PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY** PHILLIPSTON: 5-15 mins away ⛱️ Queen Lake Beach: 5 minute drive for swimming 🍎 Red Apple Farm: amazing country store, brick oven pizza, burgers and much more PETERSHAM: 15-20 mins away 👣 Brooks Woodland Preserve Hiking Trails: amazing trail hikes 🫐 Petersham Country Store: breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, plus anything you need GARDNER: 10-15 mins away 🍺 Gardner Ale House Restaurant 🛒 Hannaford Grocery Store 🥪 Jersey Mike's Sub Shop 🍔 99 Restaurant 💫 Walmart ATHOL: 10-15 mins away 🛒 Market Basket ☕️ Starbucks ☕️ Dunkin Donuts ERVING: ~20 mins away 🌳 Erving State Forest 💦 Laurel Lake: highly recommend—extremely beautiful!! HUBBARDSTON: ~15 mins away ⛱️ Comet Pond Sandy Beach WESTMINSTER: ~20 mins away 🍺 Wachusett Brewery: amazing beer, food & live music
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$32
 / night
Poor-Sleeper Camp

10. Poor-Sleeper Camp

91%
(27)
17mi from Quabbin Reservoir · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Orange, MA
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!!
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$14
 / night
Hickory Ridge

12. Hickory Ridge

94%
(54)
20mi from Quabbin Reservoir · 1 site · Tent, RV · Deerfield, MA
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.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night
Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

13. Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

100%
(536)
20mi from Quabbin Reservoir · 5 sites · Lodging · Warwick, MA
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$75
 / night
Conway Natives Nursery

17. Conway Natives Nursery

96%
(134)
24mi from Quabbin Reservoir · 2 sites · Tents · Conway, MA
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!
Campfires
Toilets
Showers
from 
$50
 / night
Forest Hut in Western Mass

20. Forest Hut in Western Mass

94%
(31)
27mi from Quabbin Reservoir · 1 site · Lodging · Ashfield, MA
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 gear as there is not mattress or blankets in the shelter. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$70
 / night

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The best camping in Quabbin Reservoir, MA guide

Overview

About

A Quabbin Reservoir camping experience is like stepping into a picturesque painting of New England's finest landscapes. Just a stone's throw from the charming towns of Belchertown and New Salem, campers find themselves surrounded by the serene beauty of one of the largest man-made bodies of water in the United States. With its vast 24,539 acres and a staggering 181 miles of shoreline, the Quabbin Reservoir is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond the shimmering waters, the reservoir offers a plethora of activities to indulge in. Hiking trails weave through the landscape, revealing panoramic views that are sure to captivate any camper's heart. For those who prefer a leisurely day, there are designated areas perfect for picnicking, bicycling, and even fishing. And while fires or grills might not be on the menu, the natural beauty more than makes up for it. But it's not just the scenic vistas that make camping near Quabbin Reservoir special. The area is teeming with wildlife. From the graceful loons to the majestic bald eagles, and even the elusive bobcat or bear, nature's spectacle is always on display. Quabbin Park, conveniently located off Route 9 in Belchertown, serves as the prime gateway to all these wonders. So, campers, if you're seeking a blend of tranquility, scenic beauty, and a touch of wilderness, a Quabbin Reservoir camping adventure awaits. Dive into the heart of New England and let nature's magic unfold around you.

When to go

The best time to visit Quabbin Reservoir is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is stunning. Summer offers warm days perfect for fishing and boating, while winter's snow transforms the landscape into a tranquil, frosty wonderland, ideal for cross-country skiing.

Know before you go

  • Quabbin Reservoir is a protected water supply area, so activities are regulated to ensure safety and preservation.
  • Remember, no dogs are allowed to protect the reservoir's integrity.
  • Facilities like restrooms and picnic areas are available, but plan to bring your own food and water.
  • Check the official website for the latest updates on gate hours and any restrictions due to seasonal changes or wildlife management practices.
  • For a unique experience, explore the reservoir's history and wildlife through the educational programs offered at the Quabbin Visitor Center.

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