The best camping in Erving State Forest, MA

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Erving State Forest: A Natural Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.  

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Top-rated campgrounds

Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

100%
(529)
7.5mi from Erving State Forest · 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$75
 / night

Peaceful Convenience

100%
(53)
46mi from Erving State Forest · 2 sites · Lodging · 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.
Pets
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from 
$50
 / night

Quarry Brook

97%
(380)
28mi from Erving State Forest · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Putney, VT
It all started on a first date in Boston....Nick had to excuse himself to take a phone call. His cow had fled its pasture. Much to Tara's surprise in that moment, this man she had just met was finishing his engineering degree at Northeastern, but was simultaneously building a homestead in Vermont. Fast forward 7 years, and here we are, building the life we only dreamed of. We yearned for simplicity. Deeper connections to our surroundings and mother nature. A calmer sense of place. The satisfaction that comes from growing food. Creating with our hands. We're a working farm and homestead. Every day at Quarry Brook is a new adventure, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re incredibly excited to share our little corner of southern Vermont and what we’re up to with you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

The Moose Caboose Country Farm

95%
(77)
16mi from Erving State Forest · 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

Goodfield Farm Rustic Camping

100%
(21)
24mi from Erving State Forest · 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.
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Campfires
from 
$24
 / night

The best camping in Erving State Forest, MA guide

Overview

About

With open arms, Erving State Forest welcomes weary city dwellers and outdoor adventurers alike. Here, you will find lush, green foliage dripping from the towering trees—just the forested getaway you have been craving. Surrounding the tranquil waters of Laurel Lake, the campgrounds are the perfect base. Get out on the shimmering water for some invigorating boating or swimming in the long awaited summertime—but don’t be fooled, the other seasons have plenty to offer too. The heavy hued fall will move your soul, wintertime will ignite your sporty spirit, and springtime will have you breathing in the sweet scent of those blooming mountain laurels. There are also plenty of woodland trails begging for your boots to explore them, most offering killer scenic payoffs for the folks willing to do a little trekking. Finish off the day watching the sunset on the picturesque brick-lined lakeshore with a chilled beer in hand.

Notable campgrounds

  • Laurel Lake Campground - A picturesque spot for campers to relax beside the serene Laurel Lake.
  • Mountain Laurel Sites - Ideal for witnessing the spectacular bloom of mountain laurels in mid-June.
  • Lakeview Campsites - Offers stunning views and easy access to water activities on Laurel Lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your spot, as campsites at Erving State Forest are in high demand, especially during peak seasons.
  • Check for cancellations regularly, as last-minute openings can provide unexpected opportunities.
  • Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding the perfect site.

When to go

The best time to visit Erving State Forest is from late May through Labor Day Weekend, when the campground is open and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Winter offers a quiet, snowy retreat for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, though some facilities may be closed.

Know before you go

  • Erving State Forest is open from sunrise to sunset, providing ample time for day activities.
  • Accessible facilities ensure an inclusive experience for all visitors, including beach wheelchairs and accessible camping.
  • Remember, alcohol is prohibited within the park, and visitors are expected to leave no trace by not littering.
  • For a seamless visit, reserve your campsite or pavilion in advance, especially during the busy summer months.
  • Always check the latest park updates for any closures or safety advisories before planning your trip.
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