The best camping in Tolland State Forest, MA

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100% (7)

Discover the natural allure of Tolland State Forest.  

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Top-rated campgrounds

Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

100%
(238)
24mi from Tolland State Forest · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hillsdale, NY
The Upper Shire Private Campsites in the Hudson Valley are on a gorgeous hill with a small pond surrounded by 22 acres of an old horse ranch. It is located in Columbia County near the Massachusetts and New York border. There are currently 5 unique camping areas located here. Each one is special due to its location on the hill. Check out our map and enjoy our spacious yet secluded campsites and our new off-grid double shower shack with hot and cold water on demand. This place has a relaxed atmosphere and is located near Catamount Ski Resort, Bash Bish Falls, Taconic State Park, Hudson NY, and Great Barrington, MA. If you plan on bringing a pet please be sure to add that fee to your booking under "extras" ($25) If you have additional guest(s) that would like to join you that fee is ($25 a night per person) and you will need to message us about how to arrange that. We have extra easy pop-up two-person tents available to rent ($15 for two nights) you can also find that option under "extras" along with bundles of firewood ($15)
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$90
 / night

Laurel Ridge Farm

30mi from Tolland State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Litchfield, CT
Laurel Ridge Farm is Litchfield's largest estate, a working grass-fed beef farm, and the site of a well-loved tourist attraction that appears every spring: the Laurel Ridge Daffodils. Guests will have access to a large, flat pasture with easy road access—an open field of about 50 acres where you can roam freely. We do not grant access to the entire property because it is a working farm with livestock and farm dogs, but the guest-accessible field is grand and gorgeous. You can also enjoy farm-to-table beef and pork products with a visit to our farmstand in an old converted windmill just down the road. This setting is well known for its elevated outlook, ten-mile views, and stunning sunrises and sunsets. If you wish to leave the farm and explore the area, you can sample the restaurants and shops of Litchfield County, a country haven that is quickly growing in popularity. Visit the serene beaches of Bantam Lake or Lake Waramaug, or hike through White Memorial’s thousands of acres of nature preserve or one of the many nearby state parks—there are dozens of beautiful spots within reach. For culture buffs, visit the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, the Historical Society in Litchfield, or the art galleries in Kent. You can also enjoy lively family-friendly events at several local farms during the summer, featuring live music, food trucks, and more. Take a stroll through historic Litchfield town center (a 5-minute drive) to admire the 18th- and 19th-century mansions and majestic old trees. The charming town also features top-rated shopping and restaurants for every taste and budget—from pizza by the slice to Michelin-starred cuisine. A general store is conveniently located just a mile down the road from our farm. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful family farm in Litchfield.
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$63
 / night

Goodfield Farm Rustic Camping

100%
(21)
44mi from Tolland 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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$24
 / night

Atland Artist Residency

100%
(110)
20mi from Tolland State Forest · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging · West Chesterfield, MA
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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$45
 / night

Wyomanock Farm

97%
(844)
31mi from Tolland State Forest · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Stephentown, NY
Our 75 acres is a wonderful, diverse mix of habitat, harmoniously integrated with our small farm. This land was the homestead of the very first non native settler of the area, John Wiley, in 1787. Before that, it was the land of the Mahican native Americans. They named it "valley of the butternut trees", or Wyomanock. The Wyomanock Creek is the backbone of this little valley. Beaver have dammed the creek at several points to create ponds and other wetland features that support a diversity of wildlife including otter, moose and a myriad of birds, from osprey to herons. This sanctuary is host to many uncommon native plants and plant communities. We would love to share it with you! Your host, Thom, invites you to property to explore 75 acres of meadows, woods and water. Choose one of several sites either in the woods or open areas. You are also free to use our outdoor solar shower or take a dip in the cold pond or artesian spring fed pool. Our location is convenient to the Berkshire Mountains, state parks, hiking and other attractions, including Ramble Wild tree to tree adventures and Jiminy Peak. There are a few miles of rail trail access just down the road.
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$32
 / night

Magical Yurt in the Woods

100%
(5)
26mi from Tolland State Forest · 1 site · Lodging · Williamsburg, MA
A magical place in the woods inviting a return to your essential nature located amongst watershed land in Williamsburg, MA. Simple, quiet, and cozy. The space works in many wonderful ways, especially as a vessel for nurturing self-directed retreats like writing or meditation retreats. Many local trails including The Holyoke Range, The Berkshires Mountains, Graves Brothers Loop Trail, and Petticoat Hill Trail Loop. Experience nature, trails, starry nights, and hooting owls. The Yurt is located a twenty-minute drive from the vibrant downtown of Northampton, MA. The Yurt is a wonderful place for parents to stay when your kid graduates from one of the Five Colleges: Smith College, Amherst, Mt.Holyoke, Hampshire, and U. MASS. The Yurt is a short drive from MASS MoCA, Green River music festival, Tanglewood music festival, and Jacob’s Pillow. What have previous Yurtlings said about this space? "We came to celebrate a birthday and, within that, generate a shared transcendent experience. The yurt is the ideal container to hold such a ceremonial and sacred journey. The weekend was more than we could have hoped for! Thank you Carolyn! In Unity + Gratitude, Sara + Pete" "At night we heard barred owls calling out, it reminded that quiet isn't silent, and the darkness has layers, it is never just one thing. ❤️Cate and Em" We are extremely blessed to live in the woods amongst watershed land and hooting owls. With nothing but star-lit skies, I’m delighted to extend this sliver of natural beauty to you.
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$125
 / night

Dharma Bums Eco Lodge

93%
(106)
43mi from Tolland State Forest · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Castleton On Hudson, NY
We have three different sites to choose from: Tiny House, Glamping, and Camp Site. Each is unique and private from each other! The bathroom is shared with the other sites, but it is covered and well maintained. Enjoy our private outdoor shower and toilet! Extras are available to purchase: firewood bundle, wine tasting and farm fresh eggs. All of our sites are animal friendly! Let your dog roam here! Our property sits on the foothills of the Adirondack's on 45 beautiful acres just 15 minutes east of Albany. Choose to explore our vineyard and winery on site and opt into our wine tasting next door. Open April-October, Friday-Sunday, 10-4pm Trails and walking paths are throughout the property and you may even catch our horses and honey bees that roam our beautiful community! Across the street is the Empire Foot/Rail Trails which is special for walking and biking. Local landmarks nearby and easy access to HWYs. Waterfalls and nice parks nearby Just a short distance away, our special community area that hosts yoga classes, and gathering sites: picnic tables, fire pits, gardens etc! We are just a short distance away from Troy and Albany
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$45
 / night

The Awakening Garden

100%
(10)
49mi from Tolland State Forest · 4 sites · Lodging · Saugerties, NY
This piece of land was developed by my mother, and named after my grandmother: The Awakening Garden is a translation of her name in Chinese. It is tucked in between the Hudson River (8 miles to the East) and the Catskill Mountains (10 miles to the west). It is just 6 miles from the Village of Saugerties and 14 miles to Woodstock, NY. The piece available for camping is 10 acres, but the entire Garden is comprised of 98 acres of rolling land (most of it in a forestry protection plan) bordered on the west by acres of marshland. Many trails criss-cross the Garden and lead one to pretty or interesting vistas including a large mountain laurel patch, ancient graveyard, and different stands of mixed wood forests. There’s lots of wildlife both on land and in the marshes.
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$93
 / night

Pegasus Farms LLC

100%
(44)
33mi from Tolland State Forest · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Terryville, CT
Hello and welcome we offer a private camping area that’s heavily wooded with some fields small pond lots of wildlife you can explore the property and enjoy good times and make memories we offer horse back lessons and we also do trail rides. No power no water yet whatever you bring in you must bring out. We do have a spot to fill up your water tanks. If you have any questions feel free to ask. And please let us know the time of your arrival at least a day ahead or the day of so we can be here to bring you to the campsites. Three Years of Campfires, Stories, and Friendships 🔥⛺ As I look back on the past three years since opening the campground, I’m filled with gratitude. What started as a dream has turned into something so much more thanks to each and every one of you who has stayed here, shared your stories, and brought your energy to this little piece of the outdoors. I’ve had the joy of meeting people from all walks of life travelers passing through, families on vacation, solo adventurers chasing peace, and seasoned RVers with tales from the road. Whether you’re here for one night or one season, getting to know where you’re from, where you’re going, and the stories in between has been the most rewarding part of running this campground. It’s not just about providing a place to park or pitch a tent it’s about building a community, even if it’s just for a weekend. The laughs around the fire, the kindness between strangers, and the shared love of the outdoors have made this journey incredibly special. Thank you for being part of it. Here’s to many more years of connection, conversation, and campfire memories. 🌲 Sincerely, Ronald Markeveys Pegasus Farms LLC
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$60
 / night

The best camping in Tolland State Forest, MA guide

Overview

About

Ease your lakeside needs at Tolland State Forest. Smack dab in the middle lies the Otis Reservoir, a 1,065 acre lake ideal for spendin’ a lazy day on the boat fishing ‘til the sun goes down. For those that like to put on their game face, hunting for turkey, bear, and deer is also available in season. For daytrippers check out the wooded picnic area equipped with public boat launch, a sandy beach, and the promise of a good freakin’ day! If you enjoy sleeping under tented roof then you’ll want to experience their unique campground on a lakeside peninsula. Many sites are waterfront so come stay the night or a bunch! Can’t beat overlooking a foggy lake while sippin’ your espresso in the A.M.!

Notable campgrounds

  • Lakeside Campground: Wake up to the serene views of Otis Reservoir and enjoy easy access to water activities.
  • Forest Campsites: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the woods with spacious sites for tents and RVs.
  • Beachside Sites: Relax on the sandy shores with campsites that offer a perfect blend of sun and shade.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak summer weekends, as spots fill up quickly.
  • Consider mid-week camping for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Have flexible dates ready to increase your chances of securing a reservation.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your adventure in the Massachusetts wilderness.

When to go

The prime time to visit Tolland State Forest is from mid-May to mid-October, aligning with the camping season. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, while fall brings a spectacular display of foliage. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, though some facilities may be limited.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and prepare for New England's variable conditions.
  • Remember, no alcohol is permitted, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Keep dogs on-leash and note that they are not allowed on the beach.
  • Be aware that there are no ADA accessible facilities currently available.
  • Secure a parking pass in advance, especially if visiting between May 14 and Labor Day.
100%
7 ratings · 1 review