Best Camping in and Near Willard Brook State Forest

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Top-rated campgrounds near Willard Brook 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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Someday Farm and Forest

16 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Canterbury, NH

Once this property was part of a large chicken farm, the fields were hayed and still are. There are 12 sites, although this indicates 15- Site 1, 5 and 12 are also insta book (giving 15) so please check availability before insta booking. Be sure to see Calendar at bottom of this page. The meadow filled with water after some logging occurred about 70 years ago creating the swamp. Recently, a small farm has been built here that includes some alpacas, a llama, ducks, chickens, kitties and a rescue dog named Miss Oklahoma from her home state, commonly called 'Oakie', Beautiful farmland with livestock, including alpacas! An open field, forest, walking trails and a peaceful swamp with wildlife is all at your disposal while you are here at Someday Farm! We have a total of 12 sites for your enjoyment, there are a few sites here (Site 1, 5 and Site 12) that allow campers and tow behinds. Others may work but no guarantee's. We are in central NH only an hour from Boston off of I 93, and less than 30 miles away from the famous Lake Winnipesaukee, we are perched on a picturesque dirt road in the beautiful country town of Canterbury New Hampshire. Whether you are up for just hanging at your campsite, exploring the swamp, picnic in the field overlooking the swamp, visiting the animals, or visiting around town, hiking nearby trials, we are here for your stay! We have easy-to-access rustic style camping accommodations for all sized parties traveling with tents, travel trailers or small campers. All of our sites offer potable water, solar shower bags, parking, fire pits, and a picnic table. NEW THIS YEAR...We have a new Welcome Center! It will be complete with a game section, dry firewood bundles, replenished shower bags and camp showers, water, fire starter kits, also, extra supplies for purchase such as drinking water, bug spray and some homemade items, eggs, toiletries and some other items to purchase with cash (honor system) or Venmo or PayPal. Check it out! You don't need to purchase extras online if you'd rather pay here with a cost savings for you :) Onsite also, is a small library inside the Carraige House, let me know if you need a book. The old greenhouse bldg has with extra firewood available for your needs, located between 8 and 9 - also some items for you, to use, rent or purchase. Blackberry picking Aug-Sept. New to campers this year. 1 pint free and then $5.00 a pint-honor system. Also, New this year is Site 11, was complete last July, Under the Stars, across from 9 and 10. And the new Common Area-Strickly foot traffic only, this is a space to enjoy the open sky with a table, firepit and a grill for anyone's use. If you don't want to bring a grill and don't want to cook on grates. It is a first come first serve basis. But maybe your neighbors' will all come and cook with you? New too! Cornhole!! Setup on weekends along the drive and next to the Common Area, find the bags in Welcome Center. The Shelf has many games, please return when not in use. Once you are confirmed an email is sent offering 30 places around this beautiful town that you may visit at your leisure, including Shaker Village, Canterbury Ale works, Canterbury Woods Golf course, Hackleboro Orchards, our own Canterbury Country Store-1 mile away, Cold Garden Sprits is a new small distillery that is fascinating! If you need more city life amenities like grocery stores or restaurants, the capitol city of Concord to the south, and the town of Tilton and Laconia to the north, are a breeze to access and are less than 20 minutes away. Direct bookings and advanced reservations are no problem, and we also try to accommodate last minute bookings whenever we can. Feel free to msg me or call for questions and information. Checkout our onsite shop (Someday Farm Market) at the barn for our own handmade/homemade items and some Alpaca products also for sale May - Nov. Also, be sure to check out all the extras (you have to review the extras. to purchase firewood) offered here while you are booking your stay! You can also msg me to purchase firewood and other items once you are on site. There is firewood in each site for your arrival, but if you use it, you pay the $8.00, if you order it online, no worries it's there for you already, and extra can be bought and delivered during your stay. CALENDAR 2024 Happenings... March 17 - St Patty's Day March 19 - 1st Day of Spring. March 25 - Worm Moon. April 15 - May 15 Bookings during this time is 5% off. April 22 - Earth Day - Make a booking on this day for 10% off - cash rebate! April 24 - Pink Moon. May 15 - ends the 5% off bookings. May 23 - Flower Moon. May 27 - Memorial Day - Free bundle of firewood on this day only. June - 1st Sat - Kayaking on local pond. June 16 - Fathers Day - Dads get free coffee with Alpacas with 1 coffee purchase. June 22 - Strawberry Moon July 4 - Stay for the 4th and attend the Canterbury Festivities. July 21 - Buck Moon. July 27 - Canterbury Fair - biggest one day country fair. Aug 11-17 - Book this week and join the Meteor Shower viewing Aug 12 10:00 p.m. Takes Place in the field with a personal touch for each group. Aug-Sept - Blackberry picking, New to campers this year, First pint free, $5.00 each pint after that. Aug 19 - Sturgeon Moon. Aug - last week - Haying hands-on farm experience. Sep 2 - Labor Day - Free Glass of wine to relax on your day off for campers here on this day- afternoon pouring. Sept 18 - Harvest Moon. Sept 22 - First day of Fall - Free bundle of Firewood on this day only. Sept - end of Blackberry season. Oct 14 - Columbus Day Oct - 17 Hunters Moon Nov 11 - Veterans Day 10% of for anyone who has served our Country and a free coffee with animals with a coffee purchase. Nov - 15 Beaver Moon Dec - 15 Cold Moon Happy Camping!

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Secluded Stays At Quill Nook Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents262 acres · Brattleboro, VT

Welcome to our quiet 262-acre farmstead! We offer an immersive rural Green Mountain experience, yet only 25 minutes from the lively, artsy towns of Brattleboro and Wilmington. Enjoy a private campsite nestled next to a tranquil pond. Soar over our gardens on epic tree swings. Hidden trails bring you through dense forests, past ancient hemlock trees to secluded swimming holes. Ancient stone structures and newer stacked boulders and flower gardens add to the natural beauty all around you. We have one friendly off-leash dog, Oliver, and two kitties, Lupine and Lavender, that roam freely and may want to make friends with you. (And if you ignore them, they will leave you alone). We have laying hens, goats, and piglets that you are welcome to visit! We love animals -- as you can tell -- but are unable to host campers with dogs. While cozing up to a campfire, you might hear the calls of birds of the deep forest like the hermit thrush and the barred owl, or the call of coyotes on the far ridge. We are surrounded by hundreds of acres of unbroken forest that offer habitat to moose, bear, and deer, and numerous other wildlife. (Don't worry -- these animals are very shy and likely to run in the other direction if they see you.) Pitch your tent on Thistledew campsite and enjoy a cedar tent platform, fire ring, rustic picnic table, and direct access to the beautiful forest and miles of walking trails. The campsite is a gentle 25-foot walk from the parking spot. We offer a bathroom with sink and composting toilet, which is across the driveway from the campsite, attached to the "Moonhouse." Enjoy the Moonhouse, your own standalone two-story cottage sitting in its own private corner the homestead. Quill Nook Farm is 25 minutes from artsy, outdoorsy Brattleboro, VT and I-91, and 25 minutes from the quaint village of Wilmington, with restaurants, breweries, and shopping. Mount Snow is 40 minutes away via Routes 9 and 100, and we’re only 45 minutes from the Mass MoCA art museum in North Adams, Mass. The Harriman Reservoir is located 20 minutes away and provides a variety of spaces for boats, kayakers, swimmers, picnic areas with grills and more! Do you want an “off the beaten path” hike or swimming hole with rocks for sunbathing? We can direct you to several secluded spots on our property or within 15 minutes. The Green River covered bridge and log dam is 10 minutes down the road, and you can sample from several farmsteads and art galleries in the area. Interested in homesteading or farming? Would you like a historic walking tour of ancient stone structures on the land? We love to share our expertise — ask about our tours and experiences.

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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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Crooked Creek Hollow Farm

9 sites · Lodging, Tents85 acres · Richmond, NH

We are a small southern New Hampshire farm nestled away in Richmond, specializing in forest-fed pork and free range poultry. We take pride in our commitment to raise wholesome, nutritious food for our community and neighbors while protecting and nurturing the land we call home. We strive to create a beautiful and diverse farm environment, and have fun doing it. We are the stewards of an 85 acre farm which is mostly covered by forest with some pasture and several running brooks. The pigs are rotated through movable paddocks which allows them to be pigs. We have a ton of wildlife on the property. We have a ton of wild turkey, deer, moose, fox, mink, beaver, raccoon, porcupine, and the occasional bear. If you bring your dog, please be aware of the wildlife and other dogs. During certain season there are wild currants, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, mountain sorrel and more. Please enjoy. ***We currently do not have any animals (except our dogs) on the farm this season as we are concentrating on a few other things at the moment.***

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Camp in the woods

4 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Fremont, NH

Grandfather once lived on the property of a popular local restaurant owner original well and foundation still on site right on conservation trails with plenty of hiking biking and wildlifeLearn more about this land:3 acres private with hundreds of acres of hiking or biking abutting conservation land and 20 minutes from Hampton beach located 5 min from rt 101 and 125 new England dragway is 10 minutes away entrance can be muddy no low car access you need to walk in 500' or have AWD small building on property for fall hunting

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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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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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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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Souhegan Shores

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Merrimack, NH

20Sep2024 Update: The river is near record lows but that exposes the sandbars for setting up your beach chairs and there is ample depth for the swimming hole below the rapids. This also means the fish have congregated to the deeper pools and you can see them from the trail above the riverbank. The wood chip road in to both sites is dry and easily passable by passenger vehicle. If we get a deluge of rain from a hurricane this season, please check in with your host to ensure your type of vehicle won't have difficulty getting out of the site. (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 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 can better keep 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 private. You'll see nothing from your site except for trees and the river. If you or your dog don't like other dogs, this is the site you want. Still no guarantee Wilson won't visit you, 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 the 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 the rapids up stream become unpassable in July and August. If planning a winter trip, just check ahead to ensure your host has finished plowing the access road. If southern NH gets really clobbered with snow, check with your host about the possibility of constructing snow shelters. You are only two traffic lights away from the Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall should you need something to do during inclement weather.

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Peaceful Convenience

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Bolton, MA

Come experience New England, embrace the silence, enjoy this 2.5 Acres property Abutting over 100 acres of protected wetlands with access to a private Home; bathroom, screened in porch, use of kitchen for coffee etc. all to enjoy. A babbling brook, hammock trees, peaceful, and serene. The surrounding area is a right to farm community with local beautiful farms within five minutes in every direction property is on a known bike route (2 bikes available for use) The town host a wonderful winery local coffee shop and hiking trails (map book on site) multiple area conservation lands. Bolton is known for its apple farms in the fall for picking and spring time blossoms. August through September harvest (my favorite) plenty of pick your own everything! We have great historic towns surrounding us like concord, Harvard and Hudson voted best small town in America, so much history, dinning etc. cross country skiing. Convenient location to Boston. If looking for an stress free escape the home also offers 2 guest rooms available for rent within a meditative shared space. Fire pit outdoors, fireplace in doors.

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Ponderings at White Pond

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Concord Ma, MA

Once written about by Henry David Thoreau in Walden. He called it one of the "emerald eyes of the world" . A magical place yet so close to Boston.Learn more about this land:This winter we are offering up our cottage with an additional winterized tent for studio or additional guests. You need to walk about 100 yards down a gravel path to get to our secluded home. It is heated with two pellet stoves. One in the bedroom wing, the other in the livingroom/kitchen. Skating, ice fishing, and crosscountry skiing right outside your door when the weather is right. Peace and calm when the weather is harsh. The house is fully stocked with cooking. linens, and a bathroom. During the summer, glamping in our greenhouse-tent for peace and tranquility. It is under a canopy of trees with a cool pond breeze prevailing. The bed and linens are first rate for a very comfortable stay. There are shelves, potable water and a desk within. It is heated in the cool temps and fan cooled in the warmer days. There is a canoe and paddleboard available to borrow. The main house is attached by decks, the bathroom is shared with the main house and there is a kitchen for you to use. The 40 acre pond is 65 feet deep. It is a kettle pond which is spring fed with no river inlets to pollute it. Access is a little tricky with 100 yard hike from the parking area down a steep slope. The pond is stocked with bass and trout for great fishing. The birds are amazing. Henry David Thoreau wrote about White Pond in his book, Walden as the "emerald eyes of the world." This is a place that magic happens.

The best camping near Willard Brook State Forest guide

Overview

About

Sitting pretty just 50 miles from Boston, Willard Brook State Forest throws down some seriously classic New England woods chock full of tumbling brooks, white birch tress, and all the good times you can handle! Not limited to swimming, hiking, biking, and horseback riding, there’s absolutely no better place to find your self in Mass. And mercy, if you happen to be here in June, you’d best be clad with camera for the spectacular blooming mountain laurel. The campsites are prime time as well spread ideally beneath a shady pine canopy. For a truly unique group camping experience, book 10-12 of your best buds into a yurt. Complete with bunk beds, chairs, tables, water and electricity, you’ll be stylin’ hardcore.

Notable campgrounds

Standard Campsites - Nestled in the forest, these sites offer a classic camping experience surrounded by natural beauty.
Group Yurt - This large, circular tent-like structure provides a unique and communal lodging option for larger parties.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as campsites at Willard Brook are in high demand, especially during peak seasons.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies and check back regularly for newly available sites.
Explore nearby camping options to increase your chances of finding the perfect site.

When to go

The best time to visit Willard Brook State Forest is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Winter offers a snowy wonderland for cross-country skiing, though some facilities may be limited. Avoid peak summer weekends if you prefer a more secluded experience.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly, as conditions can change rapidly in the forest.
Review the park's rules, such as the no alcohol policy and the requirement for dogs to remain on-leash.
Accessible campsites and a beach wheelchair are available for those with mobility challenges.
Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the park's natural beauty.
For a smooth visit, familiarize yourself with the park's hours, which are from sunrise to sunset.