The best camping near Western Gateway Heritage State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Western Gateway Heritage State Park adventure.

Discover the historic allure of Western Gateway Heritage State Park.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Western Gateway Heritage State Park

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Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

5 sites · Lodging17 acres · 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.

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Sunrise Farm

9 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Dover, VT

Voted 3rd in Vermont by Hip Camp 2022 6 Sites are on Sunrise Farms 75 acre Conservation land with 50 mile view for Sites 1 and 2. Very quiet area with lots of wildlife and ponds and disc golf. Very quiet with great swimming and lots of hikes right from your sites. 2 of the Brookside Sites (Wishbone Left and Right) are close by (2.7 miles) where we have another 1/2 mile of river frontage and can handle bigger groups as Conservation land on Sunrise Farm only allows 4 campers per site. Sunrise Farm Sites 1 and 2 have oodles of space and Spectacular 50 mile views of Mount Monadnock with no house lights out there in the evening except the party string lights we provide. Site 1 (with entrance 70 yards south of the farmhouse) is best for camping in with up to 20 foot trailers or multiple tents …on the large flat spaces in the 25 acre field to choose from. Great Well water available near farmhouse. Biodegradable soaps Only if used in the ponds. Double Olympic sized Swim Pond we stock with Rainbow Trout to keep clear. We have been advised Not to allow imported firewood (can import Wood Beetle dangerous for our forest). - PLEASE use the Firewood bundle tubs we provide ($11) - pick up at the farmhouse or pull wood from the woods (and make it safer for use). Beautiful and plenty of wildlife nearby... as well as Port a Potties are marked on Map we provide with solar lights marking them at night. Do Not Leave food out when camping or away from site. Bears are rarely seen but it is wild country. Sites have locking garbage lids. Unique and lovely as well as being next to trails and roads to miles of remote spots with very few if any ... people. In Winter we request only AWD vehicles go down to this site or park up by farmhouse and hike in so you can easily get out. When wet park up by the road if you have 2 wheel drive. Always WISE to arrive When LIGHT out as we do not live at the site and are not able to show guests to their sites as a result.

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Turtle Bend Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents32 acres · Russell, MA

30+ Acres of coy south-facing slope nestled in the Berkshire foothills of Western MA. Right along the Westfield River, glorious views of rolling hills and cows and sheep frolicking in their pasture abound! This mid-century horse farm property is being transitioned into a perennial plant nursery with a focus on delicious fruits, pollinator flowers and medicinal herbs - with silvopasture cows, sheep and more under

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Cozie Nook Homestead

2 sites · Tents110 acres · Ashfield, MA

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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Quarry Brook

4 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · 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!

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Magic Forest Farm

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents225 acres · Coeymans Hollow, NY

**Please confirm you have read our property description and rules before booking** Our slice of paradise consists of 225 acres of forested land nestled in the foothills of the Catskills near Albany. We are a homestead and small campground devoted to the principles of organic farming and self-reliance. Modern agriculture and big business are unsustainable, destroying farmland at an accelerating pace. It is important for us to teach the next generation, there is an alternative. We produce much of our own food. We have friendly goats, chickens, ducks, peacocks, donkeys and horses the guests can pet and feed. There are no swimming holes on our property, but many waterfalls and swimming spots within a short drive (see list below). A quick 5 minute drive will get you to one of the best disc golf courses in the north east. For the truly adventurous, Clarksville Cave is a short drive away. Visit their website for list of proper gear and rules. We do rent some of the equipment needed. Nearby Hiking Spots: Holt Preserve - 1.2 miles away Thatcher State Park- 9.4 miles Huyck Preserve- 11 miles Hannacroix Creek Preserrve- 8.4 miles Nearby Swimming Spots: Hannacroix Creek Preserve- 8.4 miles Kaaterskill Falls- 24 miles Thompsons Lake- 10 miles North-South Lake- 24 miles Parking: multiple car parking are available at each site.

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Grateful Acres Vermont

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · West Dover, VT

Learn more about this land: Welcome to Grateful Acres Vermont, a 420 friendly, Grateful Dead inspired camping destination in the heart of the Green Mountains. We have space available for tents, campers, and trailers. Kayaks available to rent for use at the reservoir located just up the road. WE ARE NOT A COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE, just a family with some land in Vermont that we would.like to share. PLEASE OBSERVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT

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Wyomanock Farm

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Stephentown, NY

PLEASE Note! All water will be shut off after October 13 until the 2025 season. 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 caucasian 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! 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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Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · 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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Amazing Creekside Camping

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Catskill, NY

An incredibly secluded campsite with several options for groups tucked into the woods, right next to your own private swimming hole, just ten minutes from the highway on a dead-end private road with no other homes from our property onward. Enjoy hiking through the woods, swimming in the creek and the nearby swimming holes, or trying your hand at fishing. There's enough space for 2-3 tents, a picnic table, solar-powered string lights and a rock The area is full of stuff to do with the towns of Catskill and Saugerties minutes away, Hunter Mountain and Phonecia only 30 minutes away.

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Blueberry Orchard By The Pond

1 site · RV, Tent35 acres · Chester, MA

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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Hammock Hallows

1 site · Tent2 acres · Belchertown, MA

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!

The best camping near Western Gateway Heritage State Park guide

Overview

About

Camping near Western Gateway Heritage State Park offers campers a unique blend of nature and history. This urban park, once a bustling railroad yard, now stands as a testament to the engineering marvels of the past. The story of the Hoosac Tunnel, a project filled with challenges and controversies, unfolds here, capturing the essence of 19th-century innovation. The park is not just about the past; it's a gateway to the present. Amidst the historical artifacts and exhibits, the green spaces beckon campers to relax and rejuvenate. The sounds of nature harmoniously blend with the whispers of history, creating an ambiance that's both serene and stimulating. One of the highlights of the park is the Visitors Center, operated diligently by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. It's a treasure trove of information, especially for those keen on exploring the state forests and parks nearby. And for those intrigued by the tales of the Hoosac Tunnel, the documentary film showcased here offers a deep dive into its construction and legacy. It's fascinating to realize that this engineering wonder, crafted in the 19th century, still serves its purpose today. For campers, a Western Gateway Heritage State Park camping experience is an opportunity to be amidst nature while being enveloped in history. It's a chance to appreciate the feats of the past while enjoying the present's tranquility. So, campers, gear up for a journey that promises both adventure and enlightenment.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Western Gateway Heritage State Park is during the spring and fall, when mild temperatures complement your historical exploration. Summer offers longer days, but expect more visitors. Winter can be harsh, with the park's facilities, including the Visitor Museum, subject to seasonal closures.

Know before you go

Check the park's official website for updates on museum hours and any temporary closures before planning your visit.
Accessible facilities, including restrooms, ensure a comfortable visit for guests with disabilities.
While the park itself does not offer camping, nearby state parks such as Clarksburg and Mount Greylock provide accommodations.
Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing to enhance your park experience.
For a comprehensive visit, consider exploring related parks such as Natural Bridge State Park to enrich your historical journey.