The best camping near Upton State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Upton State Forest adventure.

Discover Upton State Forest's historic charm and outdoor adventures.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Upton State Forest

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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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Holiday Hill

3 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Mansfield, CT

A century old chicken farm that was turned into a summer day-camp and outdoor recreation center in 1958. Currently it hosts about 500 happy campers every summer and events on the weekends.

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Cozy Wooded Nook

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Carver, MA

A cozy 3 acres near Cranberry Bogs. We have 5 campsites available to choose from. 1 RV (& multi tent) site and 4 onsite trailers. There are additional various locations tucked into nooks for small tent and hammock camping. Short wooded trails for dog walks. Build a fire for enjoyment, or swivel the 30” grill top over, to cook. Campfires permitted. Wood for sale on-site is $5 per bundle — mix of pine, oak, maple, ash, and poplar. The randomly dispersed hammocks are perfect for relaxing, watching sunsets through the tree line or reading a book with the morning birds. Pet friendly. 25-foot tie-out cable available for use anywhere on the property. No dump stations or bathrooms on site. [Luggable Loo Bucket Toilet available for rent for $1] Well water fill up available. Absolutely no use of liquid fire accelerants, please. We will provide endless fire starter logs and cardboard to get you going. 15 AMP ELECTRICITY AVAILABLE FOR AN ADDITIONAL $5/PER NIGHT 5 miles to Plymouth 25 miles to Cape Cod 45 miles to Boston

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Souhegan Shores

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Merrimack, NH

March Update: WE'VE GOT A RESIDENT OTTER!!! So cool. After fresh snow falls we see their tracks across the ice between open patches of water, with occasional belly slides. (check out photo annotated with blue slide arrows) Trails are plowed and passable to a four wheel drive vehicle. In a hard freeze likely open to 2WD vehicle. Conditions can change with a thaw or more snow, so check ahead with your host. Getting in is the easier part, but confirm your vehicle won't have difficulty getting back up the slight rise to exit the sites. (back to our regularly scheduled campsite description...) Site-1 is located under the trees adjacent to a 3 acre meadow and Christmas Tree farm. Camp near the bank of the Souhegan River in the shade of white pine, shag bark hickory and blue birch while listening to the river tumble over the ledges upstream. In season, enjoy the chest deep swimming hole 100 feet from your campsite. On the other side of the privacy fence is a pasture where two horses graze. If you don't like friendly dogs then you'll be better off on site 2 where we have a better chance of keeping our dog Wilson from dropping in to visit. He loves people too much not to want to greet folks on Site 1. Site-2 is located at the farthest most downstream end of the property and from mid-May to mid-October it is totally screened by foliage. From your site you only see trees and the river. If you don't like other dogs, this is the site you want. Still no guarantee Wilson won't visit, but it's easier to keep Wilson away from this corner of the property. The other side of the river is town conservation land so the only people you're likely to see will be passing by in kayaks or on paddleboards. In dry season, both sites are a great place to start a float trip and you'll likely have the next 1.5 miles all to yourself since rapids up stream become impassable in July and August. If planning a winter trip, check ahead to ensure Bob has cleared the access roads. If southern NH gets clobbered with snow, check about the possibility of constructing snow shelters. Bob's been known to mound up snow with the tractor. You are only two traffic lights away from the Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall if you need something to do during inclement weather.

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Hole 15 Camping

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · North Dighton, MA

Located right off the Segregansett Country Club golf course, we offer a perfect stop over point for anyone heading to RI or Cape Cod. The site is about 2 minutes from the nearest gas station and less than 10 from a grocery store and other shopping. Best suited for van life or small drive-able campers or talented travel trailer drivers as the site will require you to back in from the main road between a gate. Seen in photos. 30amp and 15amp electric and water hydrant/spigot are at the campsite. The dump station is located closer to the house, away from the site. Nearby: Gulf Gas Station - 1 Minute Under the Sun Farm (Local Farm Stand) - 2 Minutes Anawan Rock (Short Trail) - 3 Minutes Honey Dew Donuts - 5 Minutes Rehoboth State Forest - 5 Minutes Boyden Park - 6 Minutes Dollar Tree - 6 Minutes AutoZone - 6 Minutes Hannafords - 7 Minutes Walmart - 20 Minutes I495 - 20 Minutes Providence, RI - 28 Minutes Bourne, MA - 49 Minutes

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Poor-Sleeper Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents39 acres · Orange, MA

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!!

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Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground

100 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Littleton, MA

Escape the bustle without sacrificing convenience at Spacious Skies Minute Man. Nestled in historic Littleton’s pine forests, our campground offers a peaceful retreat steps away from iconic National Historic Parks and Walden Pond. Choose wooded or open sites for your RV or tent, enjoy modern amenities like our heated pool and rec hall, and let the kids and pups run free in the playground and dog runs. Need a break from cooking? Our camp store has you covered, plus local restaurants deliver! Cozy cabins are also available. Don’t miss out on this unique blend of nature and city access – book your stay today! Relax in the heart of history at Spacious Skies Minute Man. Our campground’s tranquil, wooded setting near legendary Walden Pond and National Historic Parks offers the perfect escape from everyday life. Whether you’re in an RV, tent, or one of our cozy cabins, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable adventure: picnic tables, fire rings, full hookups, plus a heated pool, playground, rec hall, and even dog runs for your furry companions. Need a break from camp cooking? Our well-stocked camp store has essentials, and nearby restaurants offer takeout and delivery options for those lazy campground evenings. Explore the rich history of the region, immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility, or take a quick trip into Boston – the choice is yours! Spacious Skies Minute Man provides a unique blend of outdoor adventure and urban access. Don’t miss your chance to experience the best of both worlds! Our prime location and fantastic amenities mean sites fill up quickly. Book your getaway today and create memories that will last a lifetime at Spacious Skies Minute Man.

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The Moose Caboose Country Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Phillipston, MA

12.5 acres of beautiful fields, stonewalls with rolling hills and apple trees. privacy and with a peaceful country setting. Free raspberries from raspberry bushes when in season. Enjoy the multiple activities at near by Pristine Queen Lake with a sandy beach and swimming. Brooks woodland preserve Hiking Trails. Harvard Forest hiking trails. Nearby Red Apple Farm country store and Brew Barn. Nearby Petersham Country store is great store for coffee, breakfast, lunch, baked goods, and many other great items. Free fire wood for onsite campfires.

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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!

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Bakers Island Light Campsite

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Beverly, MA

Bakers Island Light Station is located on Bakers Island in Salem Sound, a 60-acre island with a large summer colony. The lighthouse stands at 59 feet tall and continues to guide ships in and out of Salem Harbor with an alternating 20-second white-red light. The 10-acre light station, which includes six historic structures such as two keepers houses, an oil house, and a lantern room (now operating as a gift shop), is located in the northwest quadrant of the island and was formally owned and operated by the US Coast Guard. The rest of the island is in private ownership including the Bakers Island Wharf. The deed to historic Bakers Island Light Station was transferred on August 27, 2014, from the United States government to the Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage). Learn more about this land: Rated #1 Hipcamp site in Massachusetts by Outdoor Magazine in 2020! Enjoy the sights and sounds of off-the-grid coastal living at the Bakers Island Light Station Campsite. Set up your tent on a raised platform and take in the beauty of Salem Sound. Meet the summer lighthouse keepers, stroll through island trails, and unwind...just three miles off the coast of Salem! Getting to camp: PLEASE READ - the only way to get to Bakers Island Light Campsite is by boat. You have three options: 1) Use your own kayaks and paddle out to our beach (this is recommended for advanced kayakers only). 2) Take our landing craft, Naumkeag, out to the island for $70 per person. (Boat departs from Blaney Street dock on Friday at noon and picks you up from the Island on Sunday at noon). FREE overnight parking is available there. 3) Take your own boat, and rent a mooring for $59 a night (you will need your own dinghy to get ashore). Essex Heritage is the non-profit organization that operates and maintains the 10-acre light station at Bakers Island, with the mission of public access and preservation. IMPORTANT: The $60 per night fee covers 4 people per site. The absolute capacity for each site is 4 people, and you must provide us the name of each guest prior to arrival. TRANSPORTATION: Bakers Island Light Station is a remote island located in Salem Sound. There are a few ways to get there, including taking the Essex Heritage landing craft (additional fee per person) from Salem, renting a mooring at the light station for your own boat, or kayaking. ALL CAMPERS MUST ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION AFTER BOOKING. DETAILS WILL BE SENT FOLLOWING CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING.

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Gibson Hill Resort & Entertain!

137 sites · RVs, Tents155 acres · Sterling, CT

The Gibson Hill Resort and Entertainment has OVER 100 FULL RV Hookup spots and acres of Camping sites!! This FULL SERVICE RV Resort enjoys a Long History throughout the American Experience. This site and its grounds were used for many Generations for Gatherings, a place to Unite among friends ,Family and an area where the Colonists met, had meetings, events, and planned for the America we Know Today!! There are many acres and trails for miles of hiking, biking, picnics, and private romantic moments. There are a wide variety of animals and wildlife from years of planned animal breeding from PRO ecological planning, environmental plantings, and very exotic plant life!! Learn more about this land: Camping resort has EXCEPTIONAL Management, grounds, and areas for enjoying nature on over 50 acres. There is WEEKLY band and Entertainment events during season and a POOL to ENJOY!!

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Leyden’s Regeneration Sanctuary

8 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · West Greenwich, RI

A third generation tree farmer is trying to regenerate this property to keep it as a land sanctuary. This is a project of my brother and I, to create a healing center / space for people to come connect with the land. We have just built a deck to put a yurt on site for healing sessions. I am a cranio sacral therapist and did my yoga teacher training in India, taught in India, Australia, Hawaii, now RI! If you are interested in sessions please reach out to me. I host women's gatherings here on the land as well as seasonal celebrations (solstice and equinox). Creating common unity. tribe.visionaryfund.com/leydensregeneration All money through hipcamp and visionary fund goes directly towards the land... Regeneration, planting, maintaining, taxes and future projects awaiting to be funded! Thank you. Step 1: get people back on it. Come live off grid for a bit in West Greenwich. Must have your own water, head lamps; respect for the land. 1.5 hour drive from Boston 3 hour drive from NYC 40 minutes to Providence, Newport, Mystic CT. and all RI beaches. ENJOY :)

The best camping near Upton State Forest guide

Overview

About

An Upton State Forest camping adventure is the perfect escape for those seeking a blend of nature's wonders and historical intrigue. This vast 2660-acre expanse is not only rich in diverse flora and fauna but also boasts the remarkable contributions of the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC). Dive deep into the forest's history at 205 Westboro Road in Upton, the heart of this natural haven. Here, campers can explore the grounds and admire the exterior of several CCC structures, each telling tales of a bygone era. As you wander through the trails, you'll be walking the same paths once tread by the dedicated members of the CCC, who played a pivotal role in shaping the forest's landscape. But Upton State Forest isn't just about history. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're into hiking, casual strolls, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling, the forest has something for everyone. The intertwining trails beckon campers to explore every nook and cranny, unveiling the forest's secrets with every step. Remember, Upton State Forest operates on a Carry-In Carry-Out policy, ensuring that its beauty remains untarnished for future generations. While it's an unstaffed facility, its gates are open year-round, welcoming campers at no charge. So, for those yearning for an experience that seamlessly blends nature's splendor with historical insights, camping near Upton State Forest is the answer. It's more than just a forest; it's a journey through time and nature.

When to go

The best time to visit Upton State Forest is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. The forest is open from sunrise to sunset, offering ample daylight for exploration. Winter brings a quiet beauty, perfect for cross-country skiing, though some trails may be less accessible due to snow.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Remember that parking is free, so arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends.
While exploring, keep an eye out for historic structures from the Civilian Conservation Corps era.
Be aware of the 'no grilling' restriction and plan your meals accordingly.
For those interested in hunting, familiarize yourself with the state park hunting rules.