Indian Hollow Campground

- Chesterfield, MA 01012

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Massachusetts seeking an authentic, nature-immersed camping experience tailored for groups and family gatherings, Indian Hollow Campground in Chesterfield, MA, provides an idyllic retreat. Located in the picturesque foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, this campground is uniquely situated alongside the East Branch of the nationally recognized Westfield River. It operates primarily as a group campground under the management of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Knightville Dam), making it an ideal venue for scout troops, community organizations, and, as one satisfied customer noted, unforgettable "family reunion."

The entire atmosphere is defined by its beautiful natural setting and direct river access, which provides endless recreational opportunities. This is not just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it is a dedicated base camp for outdoor adventure. Visitors consistently praise the experience of having the river "right there," offering a perfect "distraction" for all ages. It combines the rugged charm of a New England wilderness area with the convenience of clean, managed facilities, creating a truly memorable escape from the fast pace of urban and suburban Massachusetts life.

Location and Accessibility

Indian Hollow Campground is located in Chesterfield, MA 01012, specifically along the Indian Hollow Road, which is situated near the Knightville Dam and Reservoir area in the Western Massachusetts Hilltowns. This location offers locals from across Massachusetts a relatively easy drive to a true mountain and river escape, placing it far enough from city lights to offer clear, starry nights, but close enough for weekend travel. For key pick-up and drop-off related to the group sites, the site directs visitors to the nearby Knightville Dam Ranger Headquarters in Huntington, MA.

Crucially, the campground’s setting alongside the East Branch of the Westfield River—a federally protected National Wild and Scenic River—ensures a high-quality natural environment. The accessibility of this specific stretch of the river is a huge draw, allowing campers to easily step from their site to the water's edge. Furthermore, the campground serves as a trailhead for several local recreational paths, including the 2-mile long Claude M. Hill Horse Trail, which connects directly to the Knightville Dam area, and the 6-mile East Branch Trail, enhancing its role as a regional outdoor hub.

Services Offered

As a group-focused campground managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Indian Hollow provides the necessary infrastructure to support large gatherings and comfortable, yet rustic, stays:

• Group Camping Capacity: The sites are specifically designed to accommodate large groups, with some sites able to host up to 100 people and multiple tents or RVs, making it perfect for events.
• Diverse Site Accommodation: The wide, open spaces allow for a blend of camping styles, accommodating tents, RVs (up to 35 feet), trailers, and pop-ups within the designated group areas.
• Comfortable Facilities: The campground provides essential modern amenities, including accessible flush toilets and hot showers, ensuring a comfortable experience for all participants in a group setting.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available on-site, a critical service for extended group stays.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Areas: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring for campfires and grilling, as well as picnic tables, supporting easy group meal preparation and traditional campfire gatherings.
• Dedicated Space for Activities: The sites are noted to have "plenty of space... for activities of all kinds," suggesting large open areas—like the grass circle mentioned in a review—perfect for sports, games, and large communal gatherings.

Features / Highlights

Indian Hollow Campground’s most compelling highlights are intrinsically linked to its river environment and its role as a secluded group destination in the scenic Massachusetts hill country:

• Direct River Access for Water Play: The presence of the "very shallow" river right next to the sites is the prime feature. This allows for enjoyable, family-friendly water activities like "tubing down the river" and taking a dip to "cool off," as noted by delighted visitors.
• Exceptional Trout Fishing: The East Branch of the Westfield River is a renowned trout stream. The area is regularly stocked with brown, brook, and rainbow trout in the spring and fall, offering excellent fishing opportunities right from the riverbank.
• Trail System Access: Campers have direct access to miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, connecting the campground to the scenic Knightville Dam area and Chesterfield Gorge.
• Watchable Wildlife Area: Located within a Massachusetts Watchable Wildlife site, the natural surroundings offer chances to observe local fauna, including deer, beavers, waterfowl, and various species of songbirds and butterflies among the open areas of wildflowers.
• Family Reunion and Group Focus: The ability to rent a large, private group campsite for up to 100 people is a unique feature in Massachusetts, providing a secluded space for creating "irreplaceable memories" with extended family or club members.
• Managed by US Army Corps of Engineers: This management ensures well-maintained, federally-managed land dedicated to recreation, providing confidence in the preservation and quality of the natural surroundings.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about group site availability, or more details on accessing the Indian Hollow Group Campground, please use the following contact information. Note that reservations are handled through the federal Recreation.gov system, but the on-site office can be reached as follows:

Address (Physical Location):

Chesterfield, MA 01012, USA (Access via Indian Hollow Road)

Phone (Knightville Dam Ranger Headquarters for inquiries):

(413) 667-3430 or +1 413-667-3430

Note: For driving directions and key pickup, visitors are generally directed to the Knightville Dam office located at 49 Knightville Dam Road, Huntington, MA 01050-9742.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Indian Hollow Campground is uniquely suitable for Massachusetts residents because it offers a centralized, accessible, and high-quality destination for essential group and family outings. For Bay Staters, securing a large, private space for a family reunion, a scout retreat, or a club event on a federally protected scenic river is a valuable commodity. This campground provides direct, shallow-water river access for tubing and cooling off, which is a major, unique recreational draw in the region. It’s a place that fosters community, outdoor education, and shared memories, supported by clean facilities and surrounded by the trout-stocked waters and scenic trails of the Berkshire foothills. For any Massachusetts local looking to disconnect, enjoy group fellowship, and experience the best of the Commonwealth’s natural beauty, Indian Hollow Campground is a premier choice.

Indian Hollow Campground

Chesterfield, MA 01012, USA