The Campsite
The Barton Cove campground is situated on a mile-long peninsula almost surrounded by the Connecticut River. Campsites are wooded and sit high and dry above and near the river. The Cove is located off Route 2 about halfway between Interstate 91 and the Northfield Mountain meeting site. Visit the campground website.
The group campsite has large picnic tables, hibachis, a fire pit, running water, and pit toilets. Showers and flush toilets are less than 300 yards away. You will park your vehicle a short walk from your tent. Click the image to the left for a large (232 KB), printable map of Barton Cove campgrounds.
Although the public camping season at Barton Cove ends with the Labor Day weekend, management of Northfield Mountain has generously opened the facility to our sole use without charge.
There is no daytime security patrol. Do not leave equipment unattended while away from camp. You may wish to take down and store tents and other gear in your vehicle.
Mapping Software and GPS Coordinates
Use 120 French King Highway, Gill, MA as the address with mapping software. The campground may not show on digital maps and does not appear on USGS topos. The GPS coordinates for the campground entrance are N42.60765, W072.53269.
Route 2 in this area is also known as the “Mohawk Trail.” Near the Barton Cove campsite, Route 2 is called the “French King Highway.”
Directions
From I-91
The campground is 4 miles from I-91 and Greenfield. Take Exit 27 from I-91 (a lefthand exit if southbound!) and continue on Route 2 East through two traffic lights. After the second light, pass “PUBLIC BOAT RAMP” and “BARTON COVE RECREATION AREA” signs on your right. Just after a green “BARTON COVE” sign, turn right (3.9 mi) at a sign reading, “Barton Cove, First Light Hydro Generating Company” opposite Chappell’s Auto Sales, a white building. Drive 0.3 mi. through a parking lot and continue to a “CAMPING” sign pointing to the right at 0.45 mi from the highway. Turn right.
From Northfield Mountain
Return to Route 63 in front of the mountain and turn left. In almost 2 miles, pass Erving Elementary School and Weatherhead Storage on the right. Just past a sign, “TO 2 WEST&rdquo, turn right into Semb Drive. Turn right at the stop sign onto Route 2 West and follow directions for “From Route 2 East” (following).
From Route 2 East
Follow Route 2 westbound through Erving. Cross the French King Bridge over the Connecticut River. 2.7 miles later, pass American Modular Homes on your right. Brake and put on your left turn signal. In about 100 yards, opposite Chappell’s Auto Sales, turn left sharply (135° turn) into entrance marked “Barton Cove, First Light Hydro Generating Company” Drive 0.3 mi. through a parking lot and continue to a “CAMPING” sign pointing to the right at 0.45 mi from the highway. Turn right.
To Northfield Mountain
Return to Route 2 and turn right (East). Cross the French King Bridge (2.4 mi.). Enter construction zone. At 3.3 miles turn left between the defunct Jillian’s Restaurant and the Entertainment Center onto Semb Drive. Drive one long block and make a left at the stop sign onto Moore Street (Route 63 North). 2.0 miles later, turn right at the “Northfield Mountain” sign and proceed to Visitor Parking.
Groceries & Supplies
The campground office will be
closed, so bring your own food, ice, charcoal, and firewood. You’ll find a supermarket and a convenience store in Turners Falls, about 2 miles from the campground entrance.
Images
To see larger images, click any of the thumbnails below.
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