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Camping

Firstlight’s campgrounds open for the season on Memorial Day weekend in May. Online only reservations for camping will begin April 10th. Reservations will be accepted by phone (413 863-9300) and in person when the campground opens for the season. All payments will be accepted by Credit Card Only. The Campground Office hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (no canoe/kayak rentals after 3 p.m.) and Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (no canoe/kayak rentals after 4 p.m.) Please reserve your site by clicking the booking link below.

Barton Cove

Barton Cove specializes in rustic tent-only camping.  The campground is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Each campsite has a picnic table, grills and campfire ring. Vehicle use in the campground is restricted to unloading during arrival and loading during departure. Showers are available near the ranger station, and there are two group sites available for larger parties interested in camping together. Two sites suitable for pop-up trailers or class C camper vans are also available. The sites have no utility hookups. Scout groups can camp by special arrangement through November.

 Campground Map and Rules and Regulations.

This year, reservations for Barton Cove and Munn’s Ferry can be made online beginning Wednesday, April 12th or by phone beginning May 26th by calling (413)863-9300. A deposit is required to secure your reservation. Deposits are partially refundable only, with eight days’ notice or 31 days for group sites.

Campground Fees

Tent Sites

$22 / Night

Group Site #1

$60 / Night
(50 People Max)

Group Site #2

$40 / Night
(25 People Max)

Munn’s Ferry

Munn’s Ferry in Northfield is a small camping area for boaters and paddlers only. This campground is only accessible by boat. Tent sites are $22/night and the Adirondack shelter is $30/night. Potable water is not available on site and reservations are required. Munn’s Ferry is open Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day.

Please see Munn’s Ferry Map and Policies for more information.

Canoe / Kayak Rentals

Barton Cove has 50 water craft including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards that can be rented for 2 hours or for the day. Each rental comes complete with personal flotation devices and paddles. Call (413) 863-9300 for more information. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (no canoe/kayak rentals after 3 p.m.) and Saturday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (no canoe/kayak rentals after 4 p.m.)

Click here for Paddlesport Rental Waiver Form.

Rental Fees

Canoes / Kayaks
0 to 2 hours

$25

Canoes / Kayaks
Up to 4 hours

$40

Canoes / Kayaks
4 to 8 hours

$50

Campground and Canoe / Kayak Rental Office Directions

Barton Cove is located on Route 2, in Gill, Massachusetts.

From the North or South via Route 91: Take exit 46, travel East for 3 miles on Route 2, the campground office entrance is on your right.

From the East via Route 2: Cross the Connecticut River on the French King Bridge, go approximately 3 miles, campground office is on your left, one-quarter mile past the campground entrance.

Physical address: 82 French King Highway, Gill, MA 01354. Mail address: 99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, MA 01360

Turners Falls Dam Portage

General Information

Barton Cove is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During closed hours or off-season paddlers need to use their own phones.

Portage Procedure

Call 413-659-4421 when you reach Barton Cove at 82 French King Highway in Gill, MA for portage around Turners Falls Dam.

As you paddle into Barton Cove, look for the colorful rack of rental boats to help you find the Canoe and Kayak Rental area.

Interested in Learning More about Barton Cove?

Read our Quest Brochure.

We welcome inquiries from the media, questions about our projects and recreation spaces, and gladly engage curiosity about our mission, vision, and more.

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