Barton Cove Campground and Canoe Rental

- 82 French King Hwy, Gill, MA 01354

For Massachusetts residents seeking a true escape into the Commonwealth's stunning natural landscape, the Barton Cove Campground and Canoe Rental offers an experience steeped in rustic charm and riverside beauty. Located in the picturesque town of Gill, this facility provides a unique and authentic tent-only camping environment along the tranquil waters of Barton Cove, a serene section of the Connecticut River. It is a destination that appeals directly to those who value a back-to-basics approach to camping, complemented by the unparalleled opportunity for paddling and exploring the Western Massachusetts riverfront.

Owned and operated by FirstLight Power, the campground is managed with a commitment to environmental stewardship, providing a clean, well-maintained area for visitors. While the environment is intended to be rustic—meaning fewer modern amenities—the focus is squarely on the spectacular natural setting and the access it provides to water activities. This blend of simplicity and stunning scenery makes Barton Cove a favored spot, earning recognition, including the prestigious "Best Tent Camping" award from Yankee Magazine in the past. It serves as an essential local outdoor resource for Massachusetts families, friends, and solo adventurers looking to unplug and rejuvenate.

Barton Cove Campground specializes in rustic, tent-only camping, offering a refreshing alternative to the typical RV park experience. Situated on a beautiful, rocky peninsula that juts into the Connecticut River, the campground is characterized by its heavily wooded sites and scenic river views through the trees. Each of the approximately 28 campsites is designed for simplicity and comfort, featuring a sand-filled platform for comfortable tent placement, a picnic table, an elevated charcoal grill, and a campfire ring. The entire setup encourages a traditional camping lifestyle, where campfires, cooking outdoors, and the sounds of nature replace the hum of generators and electronics. The adjacent Canoe Rental facility ensures that guests have immediate access to the Connecticut River for paddling adventures, which is arguably the main draw of the entire area. The campground is typically open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with special arrangements sometimes made for group camping into the fall.

Barton Cove Campground is perfectly positioned for a convenient weekend escape or extended vacation for Massachusetts locals. It is located in the town of Gill, MA, within Franklin County, placing it in the heart of the beautiful Pioneer Valley and along the historic Mohawk Trail (US Route 2).

The official address is:

82 French King Hwy, Gill, MA 01354, USA

Accessibility is straightforward via major routes. The location is approximately 95 miles from Boston and 36 miles north of Springfield, making it easily reachable by car for most residents across the state. The campground’s setting along the French King Highway (Route 2) is convenient, though guests should note the campground's unique vehicle policy: only one vehicle is allowed at the campsite during your stay, and vehicle access is limited to dropping off and picking up gear to maintain the tranquility and rustic feel of the site. This policy greatly enhances the peaceful atmosphere once camp is set up. The nearby village of Turners Falls offers local shops and services, while Greenfield, a slightly larger town, is a short drive away for any forgotten essentials.

Barton Cove intentionally provides minimal amenities to maintain its rustic nature, but it ensures that essential comforts are available for all campers.

• Campsites: Dedicated tent-only sites, with sand-filled tent platforms, picnic tables, elevated charcoal grills, and fire rings.
• Camper-Van Sites: Two designated sites (Site 30 and 31) are available for pop-up trailers or Class C camper vans, though they do not include utility hookups.
• Restroom Facilities: Clean and well-maintained port-a-potties and vault toilets are located throughout the campground.
• Showers: Showers are available for camper use near the Ranger Station, a welcome amenity after a day on the river or trail.
• Group Sites: Two group sites are available for larger parties by reservation.
• Canoe and Kayak Rentals: On-site rentals of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available, typically for two-hour, four-hour, or full-day durations, complete with required safety gear (PFDs and paddles).
• Boat Launch: A designated canoe and kayak launch point within the rental area.
• Potable Water: Central water taps are available near the entrance, and campers are often advised to bring their own drinking water, especially for the more remote Munn's Ferry sister site.
• Staff Assistance: Friendly and helpful staff are available at the office for reservations, guidance, and assistance with any issues.

The most compelling features of Barton Cove are centered around the unique river environment and the variety of ways to explore it.

• Connecticut River Paddling: The cove provides sheltered, calm waters perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Paddlers can explore the coves, view local wildlife, and even paddle past the historic Schell Bridge or into the French King Gorge area.
• Munn's Ferry Campground Access: For the truly adventurous, Barton Cove is a launch point for accessing Munn's Ferry, a sister campground accessible only by water, offering an even more remote camping experience.
• Dinosaur Tracks and Nature Trail: A one-mile interpretive nature trail near the campground leads past an abandoned quarry where dinosaur footprints were once found, blending natural history with recreation.
• Bald Eagle Sightings: Barton Cove is a known spot for bald eagle viewing, particularly during certain seasons, offering spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities for patient campers and paddlers.
• Scenic Views and Geology: The campground is situated on a rocky bluff, offering scenic overlooks of the Connecticut River and the interesting geology of the French King Gorge area.
• Auto-Restricted Tranquility: The policy limiting vehicle access to the actual campsites (after unloading) ensures a quieter, more peaceful camping experience, allowing the sounds of the river and nature to prevail.

For reservations, information on watercraft rentals, or general inquiries:

Address: 82 French King Hwy, Gill, MA 01354, USA

Phone: (413) 863-9300

Mobile Phone: +1 413-863-9300

Email: barton.cove@firstlight.energy (as listed by management)

Barton Cove Campground is perfectly suited for Massachusetts locals who crave a convenient, affordable, and deeply authentic outdoor experience. It's a short, scenic drive from most parts of the state, eliminating the need for long, complicated travel plans. The tent-only focus, combined with the limited vehicle traffic within the camping area, ensures a quieter, more traditional camping atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere. Unlike large commercial campgrounds, Barton Cove offers seclusion and a direct connection to a major natural resource—the Connecticut River. For the Massachusetts-based family or weekend warrior, it serves as an excellent basecamp for paddling, hiking along the Mohawk Trail, and exploring the historic and geological treasures of the Pioneer Valley. Despite the occasional noise from boaters on the river, as noted in some reviews, the staff is routinely praised for being "wonderful" and polite, reflecting the quality management of this highly valued local gem. Booking a site here means embracing a simpler, more nature-focused getaway, which is exactly the refreshing break that busy Massachusetts life often requires.

Barton Cove Campground and Canoe Rental

82 French King Hwy, Gill, MA 01354, USA