The best camping in C.M. Gardner State Park, MA

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Discover the serene beauty of C.M. Gardner State Park. 

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next C.M. Gardner State Park adventure.

Top-rated campsites near C.M. Gardner State Park

Blueberry Orchard By The Pond

1. Blueberry Orchard By The Pond

99%
(177)
3.9mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
We can accommodate tents, cars, vans and RV's! Map of the property is in the photos. Drive down a gravel road to reach the blueberry patch, pull into the site, close the gate and you have 20+ acres for yourself, with great hiking, mushroom foraging and trails to explore nearby. There are several Falls and other water spots nearby (20 min drive)
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Turtle Bend Farm

2. Turtle Bend Farm

94%
(172)
4.7mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
30 acres of cozy, south-facing slope nestled in the Berkshire foothills of Western MA. Right along the Westfield River, glorious views of rolling hills and wide open sky. This mid-century horse farm is being transitioned into a perennial plant nursery with a focus on delicious fruits, pollinator flowers and medicinal herbs. Some seasons, we raise Thanksgiving turkeys as well, but are taking a few years off from cows and sheep as we work on the pasture.
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Moss Hill Farm

3. Moss Hill Farm

96%
(89)
5.7mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
Moss HIll Farm has been lovingly cared for in the family since 1965.
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Atland Artist Residency

4. Atland Artist Residency

100%
(123)
9.3mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
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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Maple Corner Farm

5. Maple Corner Farm

98%
(58)
11mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Eighth generation farm in continuous since 1812. 200 acres of open fields, forest and streams. We have many trails on the property as well as a waterfall. There is fishing, kayaking and the Appalachian trail all within 30 minutes. Farm store is open with maple syrup, maple products, beef, pork, eggs and specialty products.
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Sunflower Retreat

6. Sunflower Retreat

99%
(109)
11mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 1 site
A humble, 2-acre vegetarian family micro farm. Home to our family of five, 2 cats, 2 rabbits and nineteen chickens. Beautiful, established flower gardens, fruit trees and veggies. This is also home to Sunflower Yoga & Mindfulness where yoga and meditation are taught. The cabin is nestled in the 1 acre of woods behind our home, protected by large old pines and surrounding acres of forest. Home to many songbirds, woodpeckers, raven, deer, porcupine and the occasional black bear. A true retreat. Small, rustic cabin with electricity in the woods behind our home in the hilltowns of Western Massachusetts. You are just 300 feet from the house, but while in the woods you will have complete privacy. The woods are filled with songbirds and there is a small platform for meditation. There is no wifi in the cabin, so enjoy the ability to disconnect from it all while connecting within. The hilltown region is rich with rivers and lakes for swimming, boating and fishing and forests for hiking. We are just 30 min to Northampton and 45min-1hour from the many cultural offerings of the Berkshires.
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Magical Yurt in the Woods

7. Magical Yurt in the Woods

100%
(11)
13mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 1 site
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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Forest Hut in Western Mass

8. Forest Hut in Western Mass

94%
(32)
18mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 1 site
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. BRING YOUR OWN BEDDING AND SLEEPING PADS as there is no mattress or bedding in the shelter. Photo is only for demo. 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.
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Quentins Treehouse

9. Quentins Treehouse

98%
(160)
18mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 1 site
About the Space Welcome to our lakeside treehouse retreat on the shores of historic Lake Garfield—named after President Garfield, who once summered here. This unique stay is tucked away in the beautiful Berkshires at 1,200 feet elevation, making for cool, crisp nights and star-filled skies. Originally the boatshed for the President’s summer home, the treehouse was built 15 years ago as a cozy sleepout perfect for stargazing and unwinding in nature. The Treehouse Perched in the trees and draped in wisteria, the treehouse features a clear corrugated roof, full flyscreening, and canvas blinds—keeping it breezy and bug-free. There’s a comfy hanging double bed with a high-quality mattress. Please note: guests need to bring their own sheets, bedding, and pillows. Amenities Portable camp toilet located beneath the treehouse Weber BBQ Wifi access Floating jetty & dock Two paddleboards for guests to enjoy Crystal-clear lake water (great for swimming, fishing, and boating) Things to Do We’re just a 15-minute drive from Great Barrington or Lee—ideal for dining, shopping, or exploring local culture. Incredible hiking trails are scattered throughout the surrounding area. Good to Know Please respect the natural surroundings—no damaging trees or leaving litter. Firewood bundles are available at nearby gas stations or directly from me. I look forward to welcoming you to this peaceful, magical space in the Berkshires.
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Cozie Nook Homestead

10. Cozie Nook Homestead

98%
(267)
19mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 2 sites
A small family farm that has been in Dennis's family since 1914. The old county road once existed in front of our house. Where horses and wagons would stop to off load part of their load to continue up the hill. They would return to pick up the rest and continue on. Since inheriting the farm, we have moved towards sustainable farming. We follow grass fed measures while raising our sheep the poultry free ranges to control the flea and tick population on the farm. Our vegetables are grown organically. We harvest only what is needed to heat our home from the forest leaving under growth alone. Last fall almost a hundred acres, of our farm, went into land conservation protecting it from urban sprawl.
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Hickory Ridge

11. Hickory Ridge

94%
(57)
20mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 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.
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Conway Natives Nursery

12. Conway Natives Nursery

96%
(135)
21mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 2 sites
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!
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Vernal Heights

13. Vernal Heights

100%
(564)
21mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
The Farm was built in the mid 1700's on the same track of land. Hike in or drive to your campsite.  Site #5 & 6 are accessible with a 4x4.  Site #3 is located in a blueberry field. It's car accessible but in close proximity to the Farm. Site #1 & 2 are Hike in sites(1/2 mile).  The farm is surrounded by thousands of acres of conservancy and preserve land. Enjoy nature at its finest!! Camp in a field of fire flies or a remote site surrounded by old growth trees and Mt laurel blossoms. This is a Nature Preserve!!  Please be kind to the Trees and Wildlife that inhabit the land!!
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Woodland’s Edge Campsite & Hot Tubs

14. Woodland’s Edge Campsite & Hot Tubs

91%
(44)
22mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 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!
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The Cabin

15. The Cabin

100%
(11)
23mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 1 site
You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by over 100 acres of open land, but you're only 2.3 miles from the charming town of Shelburne Falls. The cabin itself is a short walk from our house along path ... down a line of maples and under a garden arch. Solar lights, a cozy woodstove, a comfortable double bed with clean sheets, and a writing table make this the perfect spot for writing your magnum opus. Sit by the campfire, have wine and cheese on the picnic table, , wander along garden paths filled with native plants, relax with a book, or just enjoy the view. You'll see the hills and some great sky, especially on a clear night. The famous Bridge of Flowers and the amazing glacial potholes are just down the road. Adventurous? Head out and explore our lively hilltown community-- rafting, tubing (we have two tubes you can borrow), canoeing, or biking (scenic roads or trails). You can also cool off at one of the many crystal-clear local swimming holes or enjoy a delicious dinner in town.
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Streamside Camping in Leverett!

16. Streamside Camping in Leverett!

92%
(39)
23mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging
Our 2 acre property and house is located in the center of the small town of Leverett. We have two sites, a private camping spot located down by the stream, and a yurt at the edge of the yard. 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!
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Berkshire Basecamp

17. Berkshire Basecamp

100%
(22)
24mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
Direct Access to Berkshire East and Thunder Mountain. The perfect spot to set up camp and take advantage of endless Back Roads, Hiking, Mountain Biking and Rivers and Mountains. Mountain Bike and Ski at Berkshire East, Run the Rapids or Fly fish the Deerfield River or just kick back and chill out under the starry skies. I look forward to welcoming you.
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Papa's Ponderosa in the Berkshires

18. Papa's Ponderosa in the Berkshires

100%
(11)
28mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 1 site
Secluded camping area located in the Berkshires, surrounded by privately owned conserved land. Located minutes from the Deerfield River, Zoar Outdoor Adventures, and Berkshire East, this camping location is right off the road, but nestled behind trees and hedges for maximum privacy, while still providing gorgeous views of the valley and pasture where our neighbor's cows graze. Plenty of shade in the summer (with sun exposure between about 11am and 2pm), and fantastic leaf peeping in the fall. Amenities include a social fire pit, a cooking station with tiers, charcoal grill, folding table, firewood (when available), a restroom area, and 3 platforms to elevate your tent. There is ample room for parking (can accommodate 3 - 5 cars easily).
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Moon In The Pond Farm

19. Moon In The Pond Farm

94%
(251)
29mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Well off the beaten track, it's scenic, private and peaceful. Camping at Moon In The Pond Farm is a bit of heaven. There are separate sites to choose. Around the farm, you have your own secluded spot to enjoy. (Though you may be in a field next to our Scottish Highland cattle!) Two are tent sites: the PondSide and the FieldEdge. There's one site for small/tiny RVs or Campervan. And finally there's the HiddenCabin--a bed a roof and convenience. Each has a firepit with a small grill to cook over the fire. (all firewood provided) Our campsites are in quieter areas of the farm. One overlooks the pond, others are on the edges of different farm fields, one a cabin nearer the farmstead. All require a beautiful, bucolic trek of 150-350 yards from the roadside parking--ensuring the quiet, natural experience. During the day times, you may see or hear farm work. At night it's lusciously dark and serenely quiet. You'll hear owls hoot, frogs croak, crickets chirp, foxes yowl and coyotes howl! In June and July the fields and trees light up like Christmas with fireflies, and you'll see the stars. During the week is the absolute best time--the local hot spots (or cooling down spots!) are much quieter, and all our campsites have reduced weekday rates. If you can, take advantage by adding a Thursday or Sunday night to a weekend stay. We've got an awesome, easy hiking trail on adjacent Nature Conservancy land. It meanders through woodlands, around rock ledges, through wetlands (on a 600' of boardwalk) and ends at a beautiful stream and pond with a gigantic beaver dam. Not far from here are numerous well-marked hiking trails (including the Appalachian Trail (with famous Bash Bish Falls) and several offshoots (Sage's Ravine, Race Brook Falls), Bartholomew's Cobble, Umpacheenee Falls, and others). Also in the neighborhood are opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, gavel-road and country-road biking, and pretty much any outdoor activity/adventure opportunity. Or... you can just chill and relax, sleep, or read the day away! Love food? This is Farm-to-Table for real! Never so close--the table's AT the farm! Bring your cooking gear and get some of our wicked fresh organic food--veggies, chops, sausages, eggs, bacon, granola, yogurt, etc. Sear yourself up a real treat! Very nearby, as the Berkshires is a cultural mecca, there are also numerous opportunities from many great restaurants to art, dance, music, spas, galleries, antique shops, museums, cafes and much more. It's still amazingly quiet at the farm where the Milky Way is clearly visible.
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Spacious Skies Woodland Hills

20. Spacious Skies Woodland Hills

93%
(44)
30mi from C.M. Gardner State Park · 157 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
SPACIOUS SKIES WOODLAND HILLS is a family-friendly campground located in upstate New York amidst the Taconic and Berkshire mountain ranges, set between Albany and Pittsfield, MA, and only two hours north of New York City and two hours west of Boston, MA. We offer both wooded and open sites that can accommodate any size trailer. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, water, 30 or 50-amp electrical service, and many offer sewer. Groups and tent campers are welcome. Woodland Hills campground is easily accessed from Interstate 90. The campground’s private pond offers swimming, fishing, and paddle boating. Come in for the classic camp atmosphere and our camp store carries many convenience items and treats. We have three Riverside Retro trailers to rent for campers who don’t have their own rigs but who also don’t want to tent overnight, as beautiful as our wooded tent sites are! * This campground does not have cabin rentals*
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C.M. Gardner State Park camping guide

Overview

About

For campers looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature, camping near C.M. Gardner State Park is a delightful choice. Nestled in the picturesque Berkshire foothills, this park offers a serene escape along the scenic stretches of the Westfield River East Branch. A C.M. Gardner State Park camping trip promises more than just a peaceful riverside retreat. The park's sun-dappled mountain river is an ideal spot to unwind during the summer months. Campers can set up a picnic in the wooded area by the river, taking in the gentle sounds of flowing water and chirping birds. But the allure doesn't stop there. In close proximity to the park are the impressive Knightville Dam and Littleville Dam, both towering over 160 feet high. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, these flood control dams are a testament to human engineering amidst nature's beauty. The park's rich history adds another layer to its charm. Donated in 1959 in memory of Charles M. Gardner, a prominent farmer, writer, and leader of the National Grange, the park stands as a tribute to his legacy. Beyond picnicking, the park beckons with a variety of activities. Hike through its trails, paddle down the river in a canoe or kayak, cast a line for some fishing, or even try your hand at hunting. Whatever your outdoor passion, a C.M. Gardner State Park camping experience is sure to satisfy. So, campers, pack your gear and get ready for an adventure that blends relaxation and recreation seamlessly.

When to go

The ideal time to visit C.M. Gardner State Park is during the summer months, from May 14 to Labor Day, when the park is fully operational from 10am to 5pm. Outside of these times, visitors may find limited access and amenities. The park's popularity peaks in the summer, so plan your visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for a day amid nature's splendor.
  • Remember, no alcohol is permitted, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Bring cash for the parking fee, with Massachusetts residents paying $5 and non-residents $20.
  • While exploring, keep the park pristine by adhering to the 'No littering' policy.
  • Restrooms and picnic areas with grills are available to enhance your visit.

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