Recreation Areas

OUR COMMITMENT TO RECREATIONAL ACCESS

As part of the company’s commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability, FirstLight maintains and operates nature trails and recreation and environmental programs at our facilities in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Numerous opportunities are offered year-round for the public and school groups free of charge.

Choose a recreational area below to learn more about it.

Please use the list below the map to select a location.

massachusetts recreation

Barton Cove and Munn's Ferry Campgrounds
Connecticut River Cruise
Northfield Mountain Recreation & Environmental Center
Turners Falls Fishway

connecticut recreation

Bulls Bridge Recreation Area
Dike Point Interpretive Trail
Falls Village Recreation Area
Scotland Dam Recreation Area
Shepaug Recreational Area
Stevenson Recreation Area

Barton Cove and Munn’s Ferry Campgrounds

Barton Cove and Munn's Ferry campgrounds are situated along the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. Campgrounds now accepting reservations: FirstLight’s campgrounds at Barton Cove and Munns Ferry are now accepting reservations for summer camping, for camping starting May 28th, and we are happy to say that we’ve added online booking this year! Half of the campsites will be left empty to allow for social distancing, and the larger 30-person group sites will remain closed for the time being, in keeping with state public health guidelines. Picnic tables and grills associated with each of the campsites will be available and sanitized upon the departure of the group renting the campsite. Restroom facilities at these parks will be sanitized once a day. Face masks will be required at the site whenever visitors are outside their designated campsite, or until the public health guidance changes. Any other picnic tables and grills will not be open to the public, and there will be no drinking water available at the campsite – all campers must bring their own drinking water. For further questions, call 413-863-9300. Please reserve your site by clicking 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 will be taken beginning Wednesday, April 21st, 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: Group Sites Unavailable due to covid-19

Tent Sites	Group Site #1 50 people maximum	Group Site #2 30 people maximum
$22 / night	$60 / night	$40 / night

Book Campsite Now

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.

Book Campsite Now

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.

Click here for Paddlesport Rental Waiver Form.

Rental Fees:

Canoes / Kayaks 0 to 2 hours	Canoes / Kayaks Canoes / Kayaks Up to 4 hours 4 to 8 hours
$25	$40 $50

Book Paddle Craft Now

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 27, 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

In accordance with the Department of Public Health recommendations to maintain social distancing, Firstlight cannot provide portage services through Turners Falls. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and we hope to resume this service soon.

Portage Procedure:

Portages have been suspended until further notice

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

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