Tent, RV, and yurt camping near Falls Village, Connecticut centers around the eastern edge of the Berkshires, where elevations range from 500-2,000 feet. The area experiences cooler temperatures than nearby coastal regions, with summer evenings often dropping into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October with limited facilities during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Hiking on scenic trails: Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park offers a network of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," notes one camper at Taconic State Park.
Fishing in local ponds: The region provides multiple fishing opportunities on small lakes. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring. Wish I would have brought my fishing pole."
Wildlife viewing: Campers regularly report wildlife encounters throughout the region. "We had several species of frogs and toads wandering about in the evening, giant millipedes were plenty, and even found a newt on our hike," reports a visitor to Taconic State Park.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Despite the rustic setting, many campgrounds maintain good bathroom facilities. At October Mountain State Forest Campground, "The bathrooms were very clean. I felt safe in this campground," notes one reviewer.
Waterfront activities: Swimming areas provide relief during warm summer days. "Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails," reports a visitor to Lake Taghkanic State Park. Another adds, "Late night stargazing over the lake is a great pastime because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking shelter without tents, yurt camping near Falls Village offers a comfortable alternative. White Pines Campsites provides yurt accommodations that are "great for a group! It was easy to coordinate with the staff to get a few tent sites and a cabin in close distance," according to one guest.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds and even within individual camping areas. At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, "Sites are HUGE. Bathrooms, water, showers are close by. You will almost always have a view of the water," though the same reviewer notes some drawbacks: "There is ONLY swimming and biking on a somewhat busy road, no playground."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" reports a visitor to Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in some areas. At Lake Waramaug, "Yes, cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years. Actually we were a bit disappointed because this camp ground is a great place to disconnect and relax."
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Family-friendly campgrounds often provide structured entertainment. At Lone Oak Camp Sites, "There are many ways to camp at Lone Oaks. Tenting to a RV, very family friendly. There's a full bar with adult only dancing up stairs in the lounge Saturday nights, and a DJ playing dance music for the younger crowed down stairs."
Consider wildlife encounters: Wildlife sightings can be educational but require supervision. A camper at White Pines Campsites reported, "We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours. I'm sure they are fed well."
Inquire about playground facilities: Not all campgrounds have equal child-friendly amenities. "We love this campground. It is a small family/dog friendly campground. Large clean pool my kids loved swimming in. Staff is super nice. Small arcade," notes a visitor to White Pines Campsites.
Tips from RVers
Check hookup details: Electric options vary between campgrounds. At Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, "We had a back in site and was having problems with my camper, and they were able to change to a pull through at time of check in," though the reviewer notes this flexibility may have been due to visiting "in early May and before the summer crowds."
Site leveling considerations: Terrain challenges can affect larger rigs. "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are," reports a Spacious Skies Woodland Hills camper. Another adds, "The site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow."
Seasonal availability: Most RV sites in the region have limited availability. As one camper at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills noted, "This area has a large seasonal population but they are super friendly and it was a pleasure to see the kids (and adults) fishing, paddling on the lake, swimming in the designated area and sitting/playing on the nice beach."
