Managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers, Knightville Dam is located in Huntington, MA. Nestled among the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, the dam was built to control the flow of the Westfield River, allowing a significant amount of water to be stored. This is then dramatically released once a year for the annual Westfield River Wildwater Canoe Race.
The area around the dam is one of significant natural beauty, with the vast majority of the 2430 acres being left untouched. Providing you with the opportunity to hike amongst the rolling hills and enjoy an expanse of natural beauty and lush greenery, this is a park for all seasons. The Knightville Dam provides some of the best hiking trails in the state, as well as horse riding, mountain biking, hunting, and fishing. When winter comes, you can enjoy cross country skiing and snowmobiling, with trails suitable for a range of ages and abilities. This is also a Massachusetts Watchable Wildlife site, and you can spot the native wildlife in abundance, with the chance to see deer, coyotes, beavers, turkeys, grouse and more. Plus, migratory birds make this a popular spot among birdwatchers in the area.
If you are looking to get back to nature in Massachusetts, a camping trip to the Knightville Dam promises fun for the whole family. Providing an idyllic location to camp with a group, the Indian Hollow Ground Campsite has all the amenities you will require.
A trip to Knightville Dam promises the opportunity to relax, unwind and become at one with Mother Nature. The address for the campground is 200 Indian Hollow Rd, Chesterfield, MA 01012, and getting to this wildlife management and recreation area is relatively simple by car. Take the US Route 20 towards Huntington, before heading north on route 112 for around three miles. From Route 112 head towards Huntington Centre, until you see the signpost at the access road. When you are at Knightville Dam Road, turn right into the recreation area. Parking is available at the dam’s upper lot or you can drive directly to the campgrounds.
There is some public transport in the area, including both intercity and regional buses, but service is limited. You will need to head to Huntington center and then take a taxi to the campgrounds. The nearest airports are Albany NY Airport (ALB) and Bradley Airport at Windsor Locks.
If you are thinking about taking a break from city life and becoming at one with nature, camping at Knightville Dam provides the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle. The miles of open meadows, fast-paced rivers, and diversity of flora and fauna provide a picturesque camp location.
Camping is available at the Knightville Dam at the Indian Hollow Group Use Campground. This is available by reservation for community groups, such as churches, schools, and scout groups. Although basic, Indian Hollow offers a comfortable camping experience in the stunning outdoors and has everything you need for your trip. Check-in time is at 2 pm and check-out time is at 11 am and you can make reservations online or via phone. There are universally accessible restrooms and showers are on site. Pets are allowed on the campgrounds but should be leashed and supervised at all times.
There is nothing quite like getting around a campfire, and they are permitted at this campsite. However, you must take your own firewood and always remember to practice fire safety. With plenty of shaded areas as well as open ones and lots of picnic tables, there are plenty of spots to enjoy dining alfresco. However, if the weather isn’t great, there is also a picnic shelter available, which can be reserved for a small fee.
Camping at Indian Hollow is limited to groups and clubs only, and if you are looking for a campsite for a family or group of friends, it is not possible. Luckily, there are a number of different campsites in the region, with varying amenities and facilities. Whether you want to get back to basics or would prefer to stay at a site that has it all, there are at least four different campsites within driving distance.
If you are not camping with a group, you could consider the Northampton/ Springfield KOA. Situated in the heart of the Pioneer Valley, this campground is 6.8 miles away from the Dam. Offering fun for the whole family, it is an award-winning site that has just about everything that you need for an excellent trip. Enjoy fully hooked up campsites, Wi-Fi, entertainment, two swimming pools, and so much more. Consider an RV rental for the perfect opportunity to experience the great outdoors in Massachusetts whilst enjoying all of the comforts of home.
One of the biggest events at the Knightville Dam has to be the annual Westfield River Wildwater Canoe Race, but boating is available at the site throughout the summer months.
The Westfield Race is one of the longest-held white water races in the states and it is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Once a year, water is released from the dam to provide challenging flows for the race, and it really is an impressive sight!
The Knightville Dam incorporates miles upon miles of rivers and streams, with some excellent fishing to be had. The East Branch is a classic trout stream, and twice a year, brown, brook and rainbow trout are stocked by the state.
Moreover, in recent years, the area has seen the first natural spawning of Atlantic salmon in Massachusetts for over 150 years. However, it is important to remember that all fishing must be in accordance with current restrictions and Massachusetts law.
The area surrounding the Knightville Dam offers an idyllic spot for horse riding. The Claude M. Hill Horse Trail provides a three-mile-long track that connects the campground to the Knightville Dam.
Named after Claude M. Hill, a long-time rider in the Hampshire County Riding Club and the old Mohawk riding club, this is a gentle trail amongst lush natural beauty. There are several designated horse trails around the area, some of which are ridden regularly by the equestrian community at the Westfield Riding Club.
With miles upon miles of trails into underdeveloped land, hiking is available throughout the year at Knightville Dam. If you plan on hiking during your trip, many choose to head to Chesterfield George which is just three miles upstream of the camping ground. The gorge is a natural phenomenon that has been created by thousands of years of glacier action, and the naturally made rock sculptures that have been shaped and polished by the force of the river are a beautiful sight.
Once winter hits and a decent snowpack has built up, hit the piste and enjoy cross country trails with excellent snow at the Knightville Dam.
The nearby Mt. Tom Ski Area has an ascent of 78 feet and is 430 feet high. It is suitable for all levels of skiers, with the average slope being at around a 2% gradient. Skiing is limited to the west side of the river, but there are clearly marked trails to follow.
This is also a population location for snowmobiling, but all winter sports are limited to the west side of the river only. There is an eighteen-mile trail for snowmobiling which goes all the way, or just nine miles one way. If you would like to get involved with winter sports, check out the Chesterfield Four Seasons Club who are members of the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts (SAM). The clubhouse is located just across from the Chesterfield State Gorge.
