Amherst College Tailgating
Take a trip to New England to see an exciting football game at Amherst College. Stay on a few days and explore this famously picturesque region.
Event information
Planning a road trip to see the gorgeous New England states? Make Massachusets one of your stops and experience the fun of tailgating at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts. Join the Mammoths football team in calling, “tusks up,” and plan for a super game day.
Amherst College was founded in 1821. Located in Western Massachusetts, the school has a 1,000-acre campus that includes 500 acres dedicated to a wildlife sanctuary. Environmental sustainability and diversity of the school population are top of the list on the college’s many acclaimed mandates.
Feel the Amherst pride. Known as The Singing College, the school boasts several student-run a capella groups. Tradition abounds, with activities like the Homecoming bonfire an annual event. Graduate students all receive a Conway Cane, said to be theirs to lean on when needed throughout life.
Come feel the unique vibe of this famous school and cheer the Amherst College Mammoths to a win. But first, wear your purple and join the tailgating for pre-game fun. Tailgating activities tend to be somewhat informal and fan-generated in the designated areas.
Amherst is the perfect place for picnicking, museum hopping, and the pursuit of outdoor recreation. Hone your mountain biking skills at Mount Holyoke Range State Park, or swim at Puffer’s Pond. New England Falconry offers bird enthusiasts a unique experience with the opportunity to handle a trained hawk.
Tickets
Enjoy an Amherst Mammoths Football game by simply attending and cheering the team on in your best form. The Department of Athletics welcomes you to come to this sprawling campus and see exciting college football at its best. Join the party that is Amherst proud and spur on the Mammoths to victory.
Explore Amherst College Tailgating RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Amherst College is located a little over three hours from New York City and about two hours from Boston. I-91 and I-90 are the major routes for making your way to campus. If you have time, make a point to stop at Brickyard Conservation Area for a brief hike. Mass511 will keep you informed of the road conditions and weather-related incidents. Before leaving home, sign up for alerts.
Parking areas
Several parking options serve football fans arriving to see the Mammoths play, but these options may be best suited for tow vehicles and smaller campervans. Among the choices are the Orr Rink parking lot and a section in front of the Alumni Gym. Multiple accessible spots are available. Have your placard visible in your window in the event it is required for entry. If you plan to travel in a larger rig, consider bringing a tow vehicle to campus and leaving your RV at your campground during the game.
Public Transportation
Pioneer Valley Transit Authority is the primary mode of travel for public transit for students and visitors to Amherst. UMass Transit partners with them to provide service for the five main schools in the area as well as the public. Ride sharing and taxi cabs are also good options.
Where to stay
Onsite
The busy campus of Amherst College does not allow for camping or parking of RVs. Take the opportunity to explore the area surrounding Amherst and stay in a KOA, state park, or privately owned campground or RV resort.
Nearby
Head to the Northampton / Springfield KOA to take advantage of large, pull-through sites. It’s a pet-friendly campground that offers a doggy run where your pup can stretch their legs after a long drive. Daughters of the Revolution State Forest is the ideal spot for those who enjoy lakeside picnics and swimming. Mohawk State Forest offers winter camping if you are considering a late-season football game. This park is a “bear beware” park, so be sure to follow the rules for the storage of food and other goods.
Getting around
Accessibility parking is in abundance at Amherst College, so if you have the need, you can park near the football field in one of the designated spots. Have your placard in the window at all times. The terrain includes sidewalks and grass, making the pushing of strollers and the pulling of wagons an easy task. Wear running shoes for all-day comfort.
What to pack
Clothing
Wear anything purple to support the Amherst College team, as this is the signature color for the Mammoths. Layer your clothing to ensure that you are neither too hot or cold. If you are tailgating in the cooler months, a wool hat and jacket are recommended. Rubber boots are a must for the packing list in case game day is rainy.
Gear
Stock the camper with all the essentials like pots and pans, oven-proof dishes, cleanup supplies, and biodegradable dish soap. Bring a lantern for the picnic table if late-night star-gazing is a plan. Charcoal briquets come in handy when a barbecue is on the menu. Extra batteries and a portable radio round out the packing list. For the tailgate party, bring lawn chairs and a picnic.
Health & Safety
Do not bring your own firewood to the campground you choose. Restrictions are typically in place to avoid the transfer of insects from one area of the state to another. Keep a clean kitchen by storing raw and cooked foods separately and washing surfaces often to remove germs and bacteria. Bear-proof your site if necessary by keeping food in the fridge and non-perishables in the trunk or a secure food locker provided by the campsite.
Where to eat
Cooking
Whether cooking on the stove or around the campfire, be sure to cook foods to the proper internal temperature. Bring along a handy digital thermometer to check as you cook. When the meal is done, clean up and store food promptly. Pack the food in waterproof containers if you are using a cooler.
Restaurants
Explore the food scene in Amherst. It’s a busy one, sure to satisfy every member of the family. Try home-baked goods at the local deli, or give your taste buds a new treat by visiting a restaurant that specializes in African dishes. Mediterranean food is another option, as are Thai and Vietnamese.
Vendors
Visit the campus store for collegiate merchandise like hats, sweatshirts, and mugs. If you have room in your motorhome, buy an Amherst Armchair to bring home. You can also purchase CD’s of Amherst Music, sure to make long road trips even more enjoyable. If you can’t make it to the store, do some online shopping.
Safety
Security
The Amherst College Police are on hand to ensure the safety of everyone on campus, whether studying or attending an athletic event. Tailgating must take place in the area designated by the college. Alcohol is not permitted in the stands, and kegs are not allowed in the tailgate area. Grills cannot be used, and all tailgating activity must end 15 minutes before kickoff.
Weather
Tailgating activities and the following game will go on rain or shine. Dress for all weather occasions by toting a rain poncho in your gear bag. Temperatures can be cool in the fall, so ensure that the Airstream is stocked with extra blankets. Leave the blinds open during the day to warm up the inside of your motorhome while in Massachusetts.
Medical
A first-aid kit is a must for the RV medicine cabinet. While taking inventory of supplies before leaving home, buy extra items to make a miniature kit for hiking expeditions and trips to the beach. Don’t forget to include supplies like gauze, tape, scissors, pain relief, after-sun cream, and peroxide.
