Camping in America –The State of Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a state ripe with camping opportunities, whether they are in the assorted campgrounds and resorts or along hiking trails and in state parks. A hotspot for tourism and travel, the state is appealing for out-of-staters and gives many great choices for locals too. This article will cover a bunch of information on camping in Massachusetts and we will provide some tips and pointers to assist you in your expedition.
Where to camp in Massachusetts
Tent camping, winter camping, hammock camping and of course Tree Tent camping, all of these variations, and more, are possible in The Codfish State. From beaches to forests, here is a list of places you need to check out.
There are a fair few National Forests and state parks in Massachusetts to choose from, including:
- October Mountain,
- Beartown State Forest,
- Clarksburg State Park,
- Erving State Forest,
- Granville State Dorest,
- Harold Parker State Forest,
- Willard Brook State Forest,
- Burlingame State Park,
- Rocky Neck State Park,
- Pawtuckaway State Park
- Shawme Crowell State Forest.
There are also state reservations that are available to camp in, such as Mount Greylock State Reservation and Salisbury Beach State Reservation.
Each of the state parks and National Forests have campgrounds and campsites (both established and dispersed) scattered around, such as Boston Minuteman Campground and Mt Greylock Campsite Park.
Take a look on google for each of these locations and take your pick depending on the type of camper you are.
What to pack for camping in Massachusetts
Depending on your desired location, and the type of camping you wish to experience, your inventory will differ.
Backpacking & Hiking
For backpackers and hikers, who don’t plan on staying overnight in one place for a long time and are on their feet a lot – a lightweight tent or hammock is essential for ease of your experience and simple set-ups so you can be resting as soon as you lay down your pack.
Tentsile’s 2-Person Double Camping Hammock, the T-mini- is amazing for those who want to take a load off and have a quick rest in any location. And we mean any location! (As long as you have 3 trees to attach to that is).
After all, you deserve a breather after all that hard work, and it’s more comfortable to put your feet up than sit on the hard ground! If you’re planning on sleeping on your journey, the Flite 2-Person Tree Tent is a tried and tested tent that is perfect for those on the move.
Solo Trekking
Are you flying solo? The UNA 1-Person Tree Tent is exactly what you need. Small enough to pop into your backpack, and light enough that you’ll barely notice the extra weight. Don’t believe me? Just take a look yourself!
Experienced Adventurers
Are you a hardened camper that likes to set up a base camp, and stay overnight for an extended period of time?
Tentsile’s heavy-duty Safari range are perfect for any backcountry camper. Depending on the number of campers, the Safari Connect, Safari Vista or Safari Stingray will tick all of your boxes. If you’re car camping or RV camping and have no limit on weight, these models will make for the perfect set up that will last you for years and years to come.
All campers of all types will have items in their inventory that cross over. Such as the essential sleeping bag, portable phone charger, sun glasses, sun lotion, a first aid kit, lighting, and plenty of food and water.
What to consider before camping in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts the camping season starts in mid-April and lasts through to mid-October. As always, preparation is the key to a fun, safe, and comfortable adventure that has minimal impact of the environment. Here are a few things to think about before you hit the trail.
Legalities:
Make sure you’re well prepared by reading up on local rules and regulations. These can vary State to State so it’s best to have a quick refresh before you leave, as the rules might be a little different from your home location. This is a helpful resource: https://www.mass.gov/guides/visiting-massachusetts-state-parks-guide.
It should go without saying that we should always be mindful of our environment on any trip we take, but it’s important to keep this front of mind when heading out into nature. First and foremost, make sure you’re up to speed on the Leave No Trace guidelines which will answer a lot of the questions you might encounter on your way. For example, don’t camp close to a water source, NEVER leave any litter (pack it in, pack it out!), and leave the place as you found it. For more helpful advice, visit the site: https://lnt.org/
Safety:
You also have to ensure that you stay safe! Here are just a couple of the practicalities you should consider to make sure you stay out of danger:
If you make a fire, ensure you keep it a safe distance from surrounding debris and be sure it doesn’t get too large. Keep a large container of water nearby just in case.
When out wild camping, wild animals can be an issue unless you pack the proper equipment, so search for information about your desired location. If you’re heading into Bear Country for example, take the necessary precautions such as a food bag to store food high up and away from your camp site, and Bear Spray for emergencies.
Comfort:
There are two types of campsites in Massachusetts, dispersed campsites and established campsites.
Dispersed Campsites
Dispersed campsites are for staying in the woods without any hookups.
To go into more detail - Check out The Dyrt website.
Established Campsites
Established campsites are for staying on a campsite with hookups but without any amenities. Of course, you have to ensure you have the most comfortable experience, to make it as enjoyable as possible.
Consider where the nearest amenities will be at your chosen recreation area, such as washing facilities for both your own hygiene and clothes, as well as cooking utensils.
Look out for the nearest rubbish bins / waste disposal to ensure you leave no trace and keep your surroundings free from litter and damage.
Discover more of Massachusetts
Pack well! Don’t take more than you need as that just adds extra weight to your backpack, but do make sure you have all the essentials – there’s nowhere to buy a sun hat out in the wilderness! It helps to take a moment to think about the seasonal variations in Temperature – the direst months are from May – October.
So there you have it – our round up of camping in Massachusetts. If you’d like to learn more, here are some handy links to check out before you set off on your next adventure.
https://www.travelinglifestyle.net/best-camping-sites-in-massachusetts/
https://www.visitma.com/things-to-do/outdoors/camping/
https://www.techiecamper.org/states/best-tent-camping-in-massachusetts/
https://gocampingamerica.com/states/camping-in-massachusetts
https://blog.mass.gov/blog/living-in-massachusetts/tips-for-camping-in-the-great-outdoors-2/
