Erving State Forest RV & Campground Guide
Massachusetts
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Erving State Forest is a small, publicly run forest encompassing 4,000 acres in Central Massachusetts. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed most of the area's hiking trails and laid out what would become the forest's small campground. Laurel Lake covers 170 acres and sits right in the middle of the forest. It gets its name from the mountain laurels that grow on the shores of the lake. Nearby cities include the following: • Erving, MA • Northfield, MA • Amherst, MA • Northampton, MA
Spring 43 - 68 F
Summer 74 - 82 F
Fall 46 - 70 F
Winter 10 - 33 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Erving State Forest
Erving State Forest Campground • Water hookup: No • Electrical hookups: No • Sewer hookup: No • Wi-Fi: No • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 14 feet • Other amenities: fire rings, picnic tables, boat ramp, picnic pavilion, showers, scenic viewing area, and restrooms
Travelers Woods
Travelers Woods is nestled at the base of Berkshire Mountain in the Connecticut River Valley. This pet-friendly campground has level grassy RV sites with full or partial hookups and spacious tent sites. Some amenities offered here are free Wi-Fi, a laundry facility, a playground, and a camp store. The camp is just a short drivable distance from white-water rafting, zip-lining, rock climbing, and recreational water activities. Daily RV rates start at $30 per site.
White Birch Campground
White Birch Campground sits in the beautiful Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts and is nestled at the foot of Berkshire Mountains near the Connecticut River. This pet-friendly campground features tent and RV camping sites with water and electrical hookups at a starting rate of $44 per night for two people. The camp is close to museums, country markets, diverse restaurants, concert venues, and shops.
Lamb City Campground
Lamb City Campground has been owned and operated by the Blake family since 1981. Those looking to stay connected with social media, email, or work will have no problem here with the free Wi-Fi. The campground has well over 150 full-hookup sites that are either in the sun or shade. For fun, take a dip in the swimming pool, relax on the beach, or fish in the quarter-mile pond. The campground also has a fully stocked store that includes a liquor section and an RV center. Pets are welcome! Daily RV rates start at $49 per site.
What to Do at
Erving State Forest
You can hike or bike on the trails in the park, and some of them are even suitable for riding horses. The lake is fantastic for kayaks and canoes, and you can fish from a boat or the shore. Once the snow flies, the area becomes a popular snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing destination. In the right seasons, you can also hunt for deer and small game. Contact the National Forest Service for information about hunting restrictions.
Inside Erving State Forest
Offering a variety of hiking and biking trails for exploring, Erving State Forest is the perfect location to get close to nature. The woodlands are interlaced by eight miles of forest roads, trails, and other scenic interests. The forest offers a wide variety of water recreation like boating, swimming, and fishing at Laurel Lake with its gorgeous brick-lined shoreline. Other things to do inside the forest area are camping, picnicking, hunting, horseback riding, and winter sports.
Hiking
The three main hiking trails in the state forest are the Hermit Cave Loop, the Erving Forest Trail, and the Erving Forest Crossroad Loop, all of which are moderate in difficulty. They range in length from 3.9 to 7.7 miles. All of these trails are good for birdwatching and hiking, so birders should be sure to bring their journals. You never know which species you might see.
Stargazing
Because the forest is away from city lights, the night sky is light pollution-free. Bring a blanket to the beach or set up a telescope at a picnic table to enjoy an evening of gazing at the heavens.
Flora and Fauna
Black bears are common in Erving State Forest, so it's crucial that you keep all your food in the lockable, bear-proof lockers that are provided at each camping site. While hiking, you may spot porcupines, coyotes, and foxes. Near your campsite, you can watch the antics of raccoons, squirrels, and chipmunks. Keep your camera ready to take shots of the colorful wildflowers growing along the trails and around the lake.
Geocaching
The two famous geocaches in the area are the Smokey Bear cache in the forest and the Northfield "Captain Beers's Last Stand" cache a few miles north of Erving State Forest. Once you find one, you can take a memento from the container and sign the logbook. However, remember to bring a family-friendly item to leave for the next treasure hunter.
Fishing
Common catches in the forest are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and pumpkinseed. A trail around Laurel Lake offers secluded spots to fish from shore.
Boating
You can disembark from the boat ramp or the beach. The lake spans 170 acres and is, on average, 20 feet deep. It is suitable for kayaks, canoes, and small boats with electric motors. There is convenient parking available near the launch.
Swimming
There are lifeguards on duty from May to October. During the summer, the water temperature is in the mid-70s, and as fall approaches, it falls to the mid-60s. It is a great place to take kids because the water near the beach is shallow. There is also plenty of room to relax and bask in the sunshine.
How to Get to
Erving State Forest
From Northampton and all points south, take Route 91 north to Greenfield. From there, take Route 2, which is also known as Mohawk Way, east. Route 2 becomes Route 2A, which you'll follow all the way to Erving. At Erving, turn north on North Street. Follow North Street until you reach Swamp Road. Swamp Road becomes Laurel Lake Road, which will take you right to the Erving State Forest Campground. From Northfield and all points north, take Route 63 south to Millers Falls. At Millers Falls, turn east on Route 2A. Follow Route 2A to Erving, and then proceed from Erving as you would if you were coming from the south.
Entering Erving State Forest
Parking is available at the entrance and near the beach and boat ramp area.
Erving State Forest Entry fee per vehicle (Massachusetts residents, 1-4 adults) : $8.0
Erving State Forest Entry fee per vehicle (non-Massachusetts residents, 1-4 adults) : $30.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Erving State Forest
Late summer and early fall are the two best times to visit Erving State Forest because the flowers will still be in bloom, and the leaves will just be beginning to turn colors. This time of year also offers comfortable temperatures for hiking and fishing.
While visiting the forest, you will likely spot black bears, deer, and coyotes. Wading birds like egrets and sandpipers dot the landscape on the shore of the lake, while mergansers, wood ducks, and other waterfowl fish the water for a bite to eat. On occasion, you'll also see swans.
Yes, there are 22 RV-specific campsites at the Erving State Forest Campground. They are small, however, and only suitable for mini-trailers, popup campers, and campervans less than 14 feet long. Some of the sites only accommodate vehicles that are 10 feet long or less.
Yes, reservations are required. Campsites cost $17 per night for Massachusetts residents and $54 for out-of-state residents.
Pets are welcome at Erving State Forest. They are allowed in the campground, and you can take them with you on the hiking trails. However, they must be on a leash, and it is their human's responsibility to clean up after them.
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