Pittsfield State Forest, near Hancock, Massachusetts, is a fantastic spot for campers looking to unwind in nature. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it offers a laid-back atmosphere where you can kick back and enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms and showers that visitors rave about. Many campers appreciate the spacious sites, which provide a good amount of privacy, especially in the quieter weekdays. One visitor mentioned, “The campsites are spread out over a big area,” making it easy to find your own little slice of peace.

If you’re up for some adventure, there are beautiful hiking trails nearby, and the stunning views at Berry Pond are worth the trek. Campers have enjoyed the scenic sunsets and the tranquility of the woods, with one noting, “It was VERY quiet. No road noise at this campground!” 

With a no-alcohol policy and a pet-friendly environment, it’s a great choice for families and those looking to connect with nature. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Pittsfield State Forest has the charm and amenities to make your camping experience memorable.

This 40-site campground offers a camping area at the base of Berry Mountain with a modern accessible comfort station; and a second primitive area atop the mountain. Miles of hiking trails, a swimming area and 16 miles of ATV and OHV trails ensures there is something for everyone.

Please read the important information below, prior to making a reservation.

 RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. NO WALK-IN CAMPING ALLOWED. 

**ATTENTION: NO DUMP STATION OR ELECTRICAL HOOKUPS!**

**Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Massachusetts state parks and campgrounds.**

 
Campsite Fees at Pittsfield State Forest
$17 for MA resident / $54 for non-resident, and at Limited Service Sites: $14 for MA resident / $40 for non-resident. THERE IS AN $4.50 NON-REFUNDABLE TRANSACTION CHARGE FOR EACH RESERVATION MADE.

This campground has a meeting room that is reservable. The fee is $50. A Special Use permit will be required for anything more than a picnic, such amplified music, use of a caterer, fundraising event, etc. Please no balloons. [Please apply today](https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.mass.gov_how-2Dto_apply-2Dfor-2Da-2Dstate-2Dparks-2Dspecial-2Duse-2Dpermit&d=DwIFAw&c=8phuB5cQQHlkI2lLHrIvhpifJML7AQU49gcTMQttO8k&r=A9uqfmZNMkNa17hR4T4XI_YBVSeuRbdXhNBVtKeaddwu2VhBBWignr9HGFa09V0p&m=4DBwl56kVMUOAmBQzO-Fx5NmgXsB7GxJEZ5SAyN4kLk&s=7on7y_7OVhXRByefU-z55fHln-4ByRTCfRQR1XMWbro&e=) Parking fees, $5 for in state and $20 for non-MA residents are required for each vehicle when renting the ski lodge meeting room.

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. Day of arrival cancellations 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.

Pittsfield State Forest Campground

Looking for the best campgrounds near Hancock, MA? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Hancock, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Hancock

The Best Camping Near Hancock, Massachusetts

We reserved a groupsite down by a stream and pond. It had a large common area surrounded by little pockets which made great tent sites. Beautiful site! Other campsites were far enough away that we felt like we had the place to ourselves.

Family and Pet Friendly Campground

very cool campground that offers a different variety for different people. the peak area is more private but further from showers and would require a drive. enjoy 

great place 

Clean and friendly 

The group site was nice and secluded. Was not a fan of taps being played every night, gave off a very creepy vibe my kids weren't into.  Not much to do. Loved the salamanders though!

It was ok

Stayed in a campsite near the road and the brook. It was clean and quiet. The road was right next to the site, but most drivers were respectful and drove slow. 

The bathrooms and showers were phenomenal. A treat at the end of the day to take a shower before crawling in. 

I appreciated that this state park had pockets of campsites and group sites. We were not all in one place. 

The weekdays seem quieter than the weekends. 

Peace and Quiet 

Once again, we arrived after dark (the days are way too short in the fall)! and although Google Maps guided us correctly to this campground, we also appreciated the very good signage directing us! This campground is set way back in the woods and except for the hooting owl and an occasional barking dog from other campers, it was VERY quiet. No road noise at this campground! 

  

The campsites are spread out over a big area. Sites 1-9 are located near Berry Pond and are serviced by a pit toilet. The rest are about 1.5 miles south on the loop road. We were originally in site 29 but we would have had to walk through a path in the woods to get to the bathroom; since it was dark when we arrived, we were happy to switch to Site 32, much closer. Our site was level but not all of them appeared to be so. Many trees provide privacy. It looked like the restroom/shower building was fairly new and it was very clean. There is also a group campground and day-use areas.

  

The next morning, I set off to walk the loop road, thinking it would be a couple of miles at most. Surprise– it was over four miles and HILLY! I got a good workout, but it was a beautiful walk. The reward was seeing Berry Pond and the view when I finally reached the top of the hill. Wish we had more time to take a hike or explore the area more.

Nice and quiet campground in the woods

Stayed here7/2020.  Great job distancing for Covid.  "Comfort station" well maintained.  Campsites are rocky, had to re arrange tent to get off rock.  Beautiful sunsets up at Pond, you can get primitive campsites there.  Great hiking in forest, saw a few mt. Bikers.  Quick drive to mt.greylock.  Park staff were so friendly! Sorry to hear budget cuts might close this next year.

Great facilities super friendly staff

we camped during the summer of 2020 and due to covid they were only at partial capacity. This was great for us because we had a lot more privacy than we otherwise would, as the sites are mostly in a wide-open field. The bathrooms were very nice and seemed like they were brand new.

Great camping during covid

July 2025. We stayed in site #36.  It had plenty of room for our 4 person tent, kitchen tent and car.  The ground was all gravel to took some time to remove the bigger ones from under the tent.  The sites were close to each other but enough vegetation around to have a little privacy.  The bath house was great.  Four private shower rooms (2 for men, 2 for women).  They also had outdoor showers and a dish washing station.  There was also an information area.   Staff cleaned daily.  There were many hiking trails.  The loop took us to the top where there was a beautiful view.  We will be coming back.

Photos of Pittsfield State Forest Campground

Real photos from real campers