Situated within October Mountain State Forest outside Lee, Massachusetts, this state-managed campground occupies a hillside divided into three distinct tiers: a lower loop with open RV sites near the entrance, a mid-level tent area with more tree cover and privacy, and a small cluster of yurts at the top. The layout is compact. Sites across the campground sit close together, and campers in the lower loop in particular report feeling exposed, with little vegetative buffer between neighbors.
The campground comes with a notable quirk worth knowing before arrival: a large power station directly across from the entrance emits a constant low hum, audible day and night at the lower sites. A freight train also passes nearby and has been known to idle for extended periods in the early morning hours. Reviewers consistently recommend requesting sites further up the hill to put distance between yourself and both noise sources. Justin P. notes, "to avoid that sound, I would suggest sites further up the road." Sites 33, 37, and 39-40 come up repeatedly as better options for reduced noise and more wooded surroundings. Ticks are also worth preparing for, with at least one camper reporting significant encounters over a five-night stay.
On the practical side, the campground holds up well on cleanliness. Multiple reviewers across different seasons describe the bathrooms and showers as consistently well-maintained. Every site includes a concrete fire pit with a built-in grill grate and a picnic table. Full hookups are available for RVs up to 35 feet, and a dump station is on-site. The Housatonic River is close by for fly fishing, catch-and-release only. Trails connect directly from the campground into the state forest, including access to the Appalachian Trail, and Alan describes the hiking as "most excellent," with well-maintained tread and boardwalks over wet sections.
The campground runs mid-May through mid-October, with reservations available. Non-Massachusetts residents pay higher nightly rates, up to $55. Some upper tent sites sit on noticeable slopes, so a sleeping pad or leveling gear is worth packing. Nearby alternatives include Canyon Ranch Resort - Lenox and Bissellville Campground for campers who want to compare options in the region. October Mountain works best as a base for hikers and anglers who prioritize clean facilities and trail access over site seclusion, and who go in knowing the noise tradeoffs and choose their site accordingly.
Description
October Mountain campground includes 44 campsites and three yurts with a three-tiered layout. Visitors can camp, hike and enjoy the outdoors, while visiting nearby Tanglewood and other cultural and scenic attractions of the Central Berkshires.
<u>Please read the important information below, prior to making a reservation.</u>
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. NO WALK-IN CAMPING ALLOWED.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Massachusetts state parks and campgrounds.
<font color="blue">Campsite Fees at October Mountain State Forest $17 for MA resident / $54 for non-resident. THERE IS A $4.50 NON-REFUNDABLE TRANSACTION CHARGE FOR EACH RESERVATION MADE.</font>
Please be advised there is an electric power station across the street from the Campground entrance. Patrons may notice a low frequency humming noise.
Massachusetts prohibits the transportation of firewood into or out of any DCR campground. Firewood must be purchased at the campground. Transportation of firewood or other wood products, may result in eviction. PLEASE NOTE THAT FIREWOOD SALES ARE BY CREDIT CARD ONLY. EFFECTIVE 2021, THE COST IS $7 PER BUNDLE.
Check-in time is 1:00 to 9:00 pm; check out by 11:00 am. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 7:00 am. The use of generators is not permitted during quiet hours except for the purpose of operating a medical device.
Reservation and Occupancy:
Campers and/or camping equipment are limited to 14 cumulative days occupancy in any one park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Violators of the 14-day limit may have their reservation cancelled and be asked to leave the park.
Reservations must be in the name of the primary occupant, who is at least 18 years of age. A photo ID is required at check- in and must match the name on the reservation. Campsite occupancy is limited to four adults, or two adults and the children in their care. Campsites are limited to two tents, or one tent and one trailer or RV, and two vehicles maximum (including tow trailers) per site.
Reservations with departure dates outside the 4-month maximum window cannot be changed or cancelled until 18 days after the reservation was made. Cancellations and changes will incur a $10 fee. <u>Day of arrival cancellations</u> require a phone call to the campground and will result in the loss of the first night's camping fee, plus the $10 cancellation fee. Reserved campsites will be held until 8:00 am on the day after your scheduled arrival date. If we are not contacted, your reservation will be no-showed resulting in no refund.
Camping with Pets:
Pets are permitted at most campgrounds and there is a limit of four pets per campsite. A current rabies certificate must be presented at check-in. Pets must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended. Pets are not permitted in state buildings or when camping in a yurt or cabin.
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Please note that firewood sales are by credit card only, and effective 2021, the cost of firewood is $7 per bundle. Massachusetts prohibits the transportation of firewood or any wood products into or out of any DCR campground.
April 1 through Labor Day Monday, the booking window will be open for new inventory at 8 am ET daily. During the off season, inventory opens at 9 am on weekdays and 10 am on weekends.
**Walk-in Registrations are not permitted. Advance Reservations can be made same day up until 2 pm on date of arrival.**
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOctober Mountain State Forest Campground is located in Massachusetts near Lenox Dale
Directions
**From the East or West/Mass Pike (I-90):** Take Exit 10 (old Exit 2) for Lee. Follow U.S. Rte. 20 West 1.1 miles through downtown Lee to Center St. Turn right onto Center St. (following the brown lead-in signs) bear left onto Columbia St. which then turns into Bradley St. Turn right and then an immediate left onto Bradley St. which after a few minutes becomes Woodland Rd. Stay on Woodland Rd. (past the electric sub-station, on the left) to the campground entrance on the right. **From the North or South/Rte. 7:** (In Lenox Rte. 7 merged with U.S. Rte.20). At Walker St. stoplight turn left from north, or right from south and continue into Lenox Dale for 1 mile. Turn right onto Mill St., cross bridge and continue for 0.5 mile to Bradley St. Turn left then an immediate left onto Bradley St. which after a few minutes becomes Woodland Rd. Stay on Woodland Rd. (past the electric sub-station, on the left) to the campground entrance on the right. **Campground Address:** 256 Woodland Road Lee, MA 01238 **Campground Phone Number:** 413-243-1778
Address
256 Woodland Road
Lee, MA 01238
Coordinates
42.33600023 N
73.23400054 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 11 min from Pittsfield, MA
- 43 min from Springfield, MA
- 44 min from Albany, NY
- 59 min from Amherst Center, MA
