cool places to camp near the deerfield

[rustyspinner]

anyone know a good state run campground, preferably free, near the deerfield? I don't need running water or
extras.

Also, I'm trying to remember where the catch and release area is. I've only been on this river once, to kayak. I think it's near Zoar?
Thanks. Also wondering if there are decent smallmouth in the lower, warmer stretches.

[Uplander]

You can't get much closer than www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/mhwk.htm.

When I was a kid we called it the "State Auto Park" and would go up, cook some burgers and dogs, and swim in the Cold River looking for glass slag from the old mills....

The Deerfield's catch and release is prescribed as follows: "From Fife Brook Dam to Hoosac Tunnel and the section extending from Pelham Brook to the Mohawk Campground: Artificial flies and Lures only, all trout must be immediately returned to the water. No trout are allowed in your possession. "

The Deerfield is chuck full of bass....