Camping near the New England National Scenic Trail

Explore campsites within 5 miles of the trail.

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Stretching 215 miles across Connecticut and Massachusetts, the New England Trail (NET) traces historic ridgelines, quiet forests, and classic New England countryside. Built from the Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock Trails—known together as the iconic Triple-M route—the NET offers campers everything from quick afternoon rambles to full-blown thru-hikes that run from Long Island Sound all the way to the New Hampshire border.

If you're planning to backpack or take on a longer section, know that official on-trail camping options are limited. That’s where Hipcamp comes in. You’ll find private campsites, cozy cabins, tent platforms, and farm stays all along the corridor, giving you more flexibility, quieter nights, and easier logistics between trail segments.

Along the way, expect the landscapes that make this region unforgettable: hardwood forests that glow at golden hour, rolling farmland dotted with old stone walls, misty river valleys, and rocky cliffs with sweeping views. Two of the most memorable stops include Heublein Tower, a 165-foot lookout perched high above Hartford, and Castle Craig, a stone tower with panoramic views of Hubbard Park and the surrounding hills—perfect for sunrise and sunset.

The best time to camp and hike here? Fall is unbeatable—think fiery reds, warm golds, and crunchy leaf-covered paths. But whether you’re hiking a mellow half-day stretch or chasing a multi-state adventure, the NET delivers year-round beauty, quiet, and classic New England charm.

Stretching 215 miles across Connecticut and Massachusetts, the New England Trail (NET) traces historic ridgelines, quiet forests, and classic New England countryside. Built from the Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock Trails—known together as the iconic Triple-M route—the NET offers campers everything from quick afternoon rambles to full-blown thru-hikes that run from Long Island Sound all the way to the New Hampshire border.

If you're planning to backpack or take on a longer section, know that official on-trail camping options are limited. That’s where Hipcamp comes in. You’ll find private campsites, cozy cabins, tent platforms, and farm stays all along the corridor, giving you more flexibility, quieter nights, and easier logistics between trail segments.

Along the way, expect the landscapes that make this region unforgettable: hardwood forests that glow at golden hour, rolling farmland dotted with old stone walls, misty river valleys, and rocky cliffs with sweeping views. Two of the most memorable stops include Heublein Tower, a 165-foot lookout perched high above Hartford, and Castle Craig, a stone tower with panoramic views of Hubbard Park and the surrounding hills—perfect for sunrise and sunset.

The best time to camp and hike here? Fall is unbeatable—think fiery reds, warm golds, and crunchy leaf-covered paths. But whether you’re hiking a mellow half-day stretch or chasing a multi-state adventure, the NET delivers year-round beauty, quiet, and classic New England charm.

5 campgrounds

Poor-Sleeper Camp

1. 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!!
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Woodland’s Edge Campsite & Hot Tubs

2. Woodland’s Edge Campsite & Hot Tubs

90%
(42)
Belchertown, MA · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Two Herons Farm

3. Two Herons Farm

100%
(9)
Portland, CT · 2 sites
Come stay on our working farm! Relax and enjoy all that our farm has to offer. You can enjoy nature and privacy or opt for a more interactive experience and join our morning or evening farm tour where you can interact with goats, sheep, mini-horses, pigs, chickens, ducks, and more. We are a small family farm where we raise animals and grow flowers/food. Our family home was built in 1739 and is situated near the street entrance. As you enter the property, you will see two cottages, the oldest corn crib in the county, and a beautifully restored 1800s barn. There is a vintage-style camper to the left of the barn, located in an area where you can have privacy overlooking the pastures. We live on the property and can assist guests with anything that they might need. Guests are welcome to stroll around the property and enjoy all it has to offer. We have a farm store and education center opening summer of 2025! Check our website to see classes and offerings that you might take advantage of during your stay. Please note, that we ask that guests do not enter the barn or fenced pasture without one of the farm owners (Molly & Diego). Our animals are accustomed to people, but livestock is unpredictable, especially to people that they do not know. There is plenty of area outside of the pasture that guests can enjoy. If you opt for a farm tour we promise that you will have plenty of interaction with our many animals.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Granby Massachusetts Farmhouse

4. Granby Massachusetts Farmhouse

100%
(3)
Granby, MA · 1 site
Small farm town centrally located to colleges, museums and entertainment. Paved driveway nice for small RVs. A homestead with a garden and chickens. Across the street is apple picking and behind us our neighbor raises cows. Quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Fireflies abound in this pretty setting, all welcome.
FRAGO Farm

5. FRAGO Farm

88%
(8)
Shutesbury, MA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
120 year old sawmill property currently being cleaned up
Pets
Toilets
Campfires