The best camping near Tolland State Forest

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

100% (7 reviews)

Discover the natural allure of Tolland State Forest.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Tolland State Forest

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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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Freedom Farm Homestead Campground

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · New Milford, CT

Welcome to Freedom Farm Homestead Campground! Nestled on 12 acres of picturesque landscapes, including open fields, tranquil trails, and a rejuvenating creek, our campground is a serene oasis. Immerse yourself in nature and reconnect with your spirit as you explore our grounds. We offer the perfect setting for spiritual renewal and self-reflection. Whether you prefer to pitch your own tent under the starlit sky or indulge in the comforts of our furnished tents, you'll find solace and serenity amidst our verdant surroundings. As stewards of the land, we embrace self-sustainability and holistic living. Wander through our organic gardens, visit our resident chickens, or simply bask in the tranquility of nature's rhythms. Amenities include a private half bathroom, our newest addition: an outdoor portable camping shower inside a privacy tent, WiFi, and a swimming pool. We invite you to unwind and recharge in our rustic yet comfortable retreat. RV and car camping options are also available for those seeking a simpler, more nomadic experience. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embark on a journey of self-discovery at Freedom Farm Homestead Campground. Come, explore, and find your inner peace amidst the beauty of nature.

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Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

6 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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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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Private campsites miles of trails!

5 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Adams, MA

Aisling Mountain Farm campgrounds are located in Adams MA, is directly connected to Mount Greylock state park and its miles of trails. We currently have four tent campsites throughout the year with one that will accommodate trailers up to 16' without backing up! Enjoy the view, our cascading waterfall brook, and spend some time with our horses. Please see our FB page at Aisling Mountain Farm for more info. Your campsites are only a few minutes' walk to the Gould trailhead public parking lot sand many trails. Also, you have direct access to some amazing single bike paths running all through the state forest. We are located in the Berkshires, with many attractions like, Mass MoCa, Williamstown theater, and many other places of interest.

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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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Greener Pastures Camp

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Rockfall, CT

Spend some time away at our small but growing homestead located on 2 acres of pastures, within minutes of Wadsworth Falls, downtown Middletown full of cute shops and restaurants, and local walking/hiking trails. Come experience country life while being close to new places to explore, as well as being centrally located in CT, aka easy to get to wherever you need to go! Dogs are welcome.

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Berkshire Beech House

2 sites · Lodging6 acres · Monroe, MA

This tiny A frame is proudly nestled in a truly secluded camp in the Berkshires and Vermont border of Monroe, MA. Features an off grid heated and lightly electrified solar power. Enjoy the near silence in the forest with the convenience of being only 15 minutes from the town of North Adams. Relax around the cook top fire pit, go on a white water rafting adventure, hike the Appalachian trail, see Mass MoCA art, and the necessary visit to maple sugar shacks. Explore the area and you will find breathtaking views, especially if you make it up here at prime leaf peeping days.

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Hudson Getaways @ Leeds, NY

2 sites · Lodging8 acres · Catskill, NY

Two hours from NYC, close to skiing (hunter mountain/ Windham , Kaaterskill falls, Woodstock, Hudson, Saugerties. Book us and make Hudson Getaways your base station for all kinds of adventures. FAQ Is my rental secluded? Our property is 8 acres, exactly the same as seven football fields. From your private deck and the big window, you will not see any other houses as far as eyes can see. We added fence panels to make it even more private. We have attached a satellite picture of the property to give you a better idea. As required by zoning law, there is a larger cabin on the property. But it is far enough and visually isolated enough that you won't feel it's presence (at least from the feedback we got from other guests.) We are located in a rural hamlet and a mile down the road there is a tiny town with two cafes , two bars and two restaurants. But your place is one New York block distance away from the street towards tree filled uninhabited area, adding to the sense of seclusion. I have never been in a tiny house, what can I expect? The "tiny house nation" style tiny houses are around 144 to 250 sqft, ours is 144 sqft. So,we are on the "smaller" side. Our guests have commented that its actually does not feel cramped. You will have heating, AC, hot shower, flushing toilet, kitchenette for basic cooking, small fridge, queen bed etc. You also have a private deck and a private outdoor fireplace to make S'mores and to grill. Are pets allowed? We just require that they should never be left alone and peace pick up after them. Our cleaning company charges a pet fee. If you forgot to pay it or decided to bring a pet last minute, please leave the amount as a tip to the cleaners. That way the cleaners get to keep the money and then they won't report the pet to the cleaning company. This also saves us the hassle of going back and forth with the cleaning company, reviewing the camera footage and ultimately paying it out of our own pockets. Also, please keep in mind that the house is really small at 144 sqft which may be too cramped for some large dogs. I work from home, how is the WiFi? We have had multiple guests who worked from home during the pandemic. Our provider is spectrum (the monopoly in the area). Luckily, outages are very rare and get fixed promptly (you may have to restart the router). Speed is always good for multiple simultaneous video calls and movie streaming. Do you provide firewood? Not yet! You do not need firewood to heat the house. If you want to use the outdoor fireplace, look for 'Campwood' signs and buy from our neighbors.(Also @ Walmart, Stewart gas stations etc.) What about Towels-Soap-Linens-Hot water? Is there heating/cooling? Can we cook? Yes! Yes! Yes! and Yes!. Think of all the amenities a hotel provides plus a tiny kitchen. Hot plate, refrigerator, electric kettle, drip coffee, plates, cutlery - we have all that we could cram into the tiny space. Our guests use the outdoor fireplace for BBQ and smores! Can I check in early? or Check out late? No and Yes. Due to the super strict covid19 cleaning process, we can no longer offer early check in. However, we can offer late checkout up to an hour. Please inform us in advance so that the cleaning crew can adjust accordingly.

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Dharma Bums Eco Lodge

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents45 acres · Castleton On Hudson, NY

We have three different sites to choose from: Tiny House, Glamping, and Camp Site. Each is unique and private from each other! The bathroom is shared with the other sites, but it is covered and well maintained. Enjoy our private outdoor shower and toilet! Extras are available to purchase: firewood bundle, wine tasting and farm fresh eggs. All of our sites are animal friendly! Let your dog roam here! Our property sits on the foothills of the Adirondack's on 45 beautiful acres just 15 minutes east of Albany. Choose to explore our vineyard and winery on site and opt into our wine tasting next door. Open April-October, Friday-Sunday, 10-4pm Trails and walking paths are throughout the property and you may even catch our horses and honey bees that roam our beautiful community! Across the street is the Empire Foot/Rail Trails which is special for walking and biking. Local landmarks nearby and easy access to HWYs. Waterfalls and nice parks nearby Just a short distance away, our special community area that hosts yoga classes, and gathering sites: picnic tables, fire pits, gardens etc! We are just a short distance away from Troy and Albany

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Atland Artist Residency

5 sites · Lodging, Tents41 acres · West Chesterfield, MA

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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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.

The best camping near Tolland State Forest guide

Overview

About

Ease your lakeside needs at Tolland State Forest. Smack dab in the middle lies the Otis Reservoir, a 1,065 acre lake ideal for spendin’ a lazy day on the boat fishing ‘til the sun goes down. For those that like to put on their game face, hunting for turkey, bear, and deer is also available in season. For daytrippers check out the wooded picnic area equipped with public boat launch, a sandy beach, and the promise of a good freakin’ day! If you enjoy sleeping under tented roof then you’ll want to experience their unique campground on a lakeside peninsula. Many sites are waterfront so come stay the night or a bunch! Can’t beat overlooking a foggy lake while sippin’ your espresso in the A.M.!

Notable campgrounds

Lakeside Campground: Wake up to the serene views of Otis Reservoir and enjoy easy access to water activities.
Forest Campsites: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the woods with spacious sites for tents and RVs.
Beachside Sites: Relax on the sandy shores with campsites that offer a perfect blend of sun and shade.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak summer weekends, as spots fill up quickly.
Consider mid-week camping for better availability and a quieter experience.
Have flexible dates ready to increase your chances of securing a reservation.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your adventure in the Massachusetts wilderness.

When to go

The prime time to visit Tolland State Forest is from mid-May to mid-October, aligning with the camping season. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, while fall brings a spectacular display of foliage. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, though some facilities may be limited.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and prepare for New England's variable conditions.
Remember, no alcohol is permitted, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere.
Keep dogs on-leash and note that they are not allowed on the beach.
Be aware that there are no ADA accessible facilities currently available.
Secure a parking pass in advance, especially if visiting between May 14 and Labor Day.