The best camping in Wendell State Forest, MA

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Discover Wendell State Forest's scenic trails and diverse activities.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Wendell State Forest

Streamside Camping in Leverett!

91%
(32)
7.4mi from Wendell State Forest · 3 sites · Tents
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

Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

100%
(537)
11mi from Wendell State Forest · 5 sites · Lodging
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

Poor-Sleeper Camp

91%
(27)
11mi from Wendell State Forest · 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
from 
$14
 / night

Hickory Ridge

94%
(54)
11mi from Wendell State Forest · 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$55
 / night

Conway Natives Nursery

96%
(134)
15mi from Wendell State Forest · 2 sites · Tents
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

Hammock Hallows

90%
(41)
16mi from Wendell State Forest · 1 site · Tent
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

90%
(109)
16mi from Wendell State Forest · 3 sites · Lodging
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

The Moose Caboose Country Farm

95%
(77)
17mi from Wendell State Forest · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
🌻 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

Maple Ridge Farm

98%
(496)
18mi from Wendell State Forest · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Thank you for a great 2025 season, as our 6th season closes, we still maintain a few sites for late Fall/early Winter (tent & van/camper sites)! Enjoy the Vermont Countryside year round. Our farm is nestled along a country road between several other farms, mostly horses and a special needs/therapy farm, we are hobby farmers/homesteaders. We have three sites open anytime, during camping season (depending on weather), either all three tent camping sites or a mix of one or two for camper vans & small trailers (into late Fall/early Winter). If there is any question please ask, we can modify the schedule but are only able to accommodate three sites at any given time. Thanks and PLEASE email if you have any questions! The Guilford Fairgrounds is less than 1/4 mile away and has many hiking and biking trails. The land was originally part of a colonial Glebe Trust with the Church of England and divided up, the original 100+ year farmhouse and barn can be seen from many of the campsites. Guilford, Vermont is located in the southeast of Windham County, resting along the Massachusetts border to the south and New Hampshire not far to the east. A community with a long and interesting history, Guilford was actually Vermont’s largest town as long ago as 1790. Now, with a population of about 2,100, its by no means considered a large community yet with its beautiful old covered bridges, churches, and one-room schoolhouse, Guilford maintains an unmistakable sense of history while at the same time having a reputation as one of the truly unique small communities in southern Vermont. Guilford has some of the most quintessential small town landmarks in all of Vermont. Sites like the Christ Church, Broad Brook House, and Guilford Center Meeting House were all built in the early 19th Century and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings are found in what is considered the historic Center; shop for great local products at the Guilford Country Store, visit the charming Free Library, or even see some of the exhibits at the Historical Society Museum to learn more about the area and its history. Beyond the town center, venturing through the rest of Guilford will enable you to see the beautiful Vermont landscape.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night

The Sky Perch

92%
(12)
18mi from Wendell State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled at the crown of the mountain, this private campsite offers a front-row seat to the sky. Surrounded by jagged ridgelines and windswept pines, it sits just above the tree line where the air is thin, crisp, and electric with silence. On clear days, you can see for miles — rolling valleys, distant peaks, and winding rivers far below — a panoramic view that feels like the edge of the world. It is the perfect basecamp for day hikes, wildlife spotting, and stargazing. Trails wind down into lush forests or up to even higher viewpoints for the daring explorer. Hike to a breathtaking swimming hole with all natural running water and waterfalls, then grab a bite to eat at the Guilford Country Deli with organic handmade sandwiches and desserts. Guests are welcome to relax by the pond and grab eggs from the chicken coop. Many breweries and restaurants in the area as well as berry picking farms and apple orchards. Guest can also enjoy renting a canoe and spending the day on the Connecticut river or attending local events in Brattleboro like first Friday (a monthly gathering of local craft makers, food trucks, and music). We are only 5 minutes from I-91 and the Massachusetts border. As the sun sets, golden light spills across the rocks and wildflowers, and the sky deepens to hues of lavender and ember. At night, stars emerge in dazzling clarity, unobscured by city lights or canopy, with the Milky Way streaking overhead like a celestial river. It’s a place where time slows down, and the world below feels very far away.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$20
 / night

The best camping in Wendell State Forest, MA guide

Overview

About

Camping near Wendell State Forest is an invitation to immerse oneself in the embrace of nature's tranquility. This expansive forest, covering 7,566 acres, is a tapestry of rolling hills, shimmering ponds, and meandering streams, waiting to be explored. Wendell State Forest's rich history is evident in its well-preserved landscapes, a testament to the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Ruggles Pond stands as the heart of the day-use area in the forest. This 10-acre water haven is not only a delight for those looking to take a refreshing swim but also a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. The pond's crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding verdant beauty, making it a picturesque spot for relaxation. Nearby, campers can find picnic sites to enjoy a meal amidst nature and a ball field for some fun activities. The pavilion adds a touch of convenience for gatherings. For those with a penchant for boating, Wickett Pond offers a launching ramp, ensuring a smooth start to your water adventures. And for the avid hikers, the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail winds its way through the forest, promising captivating views and encounters with diverse flora and fauna. An added bonus for trail users is the Adirondack shelter, a cozy spot to rest and rejuvenate. A Wendell State Forest camping experience is all about reconnecting with nature, indulging in recreational activities, and creating stories that last a lifetime. So, campers, gear up and set out on an exploration like no other!

When to go

The best time to visit Wendell State Forest is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is ideal for exploring the outdoors. Enjoy the forest's full splendor from sunrise to sunset. Winter offers a snowy retreat for cross-country skiing, though travel may be limited after significant snowfall until the end of mud season.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather and prepare accordingly, as the forest is open from sunrise to sunset.
  • Free parking is available, but internal forest road gates close seasonally after snowfall.
  • Accessibility is a priority, with paved trails and adaptive programs for inclusive enjoyment.
  • Remember, no alcohol is permitted, and all litter must be packed out to preserve the park's beauty.
  • Dogs are welcome but must remain on-leash to ensure the safety of all visitors and wildlife.

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