Dispersed camping options surround Ashfield, Massachusetts, at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,700 feet in the western Berkshire foothills. The region offers multiple state forests with varying campsite configurations, from waterfront locations to wooded retreats. Summer high temperatures typically range from 75-85°F with cooler nights at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking at Savoy Mountain: Access the Mohawk Trail system directly from Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground, where trails connect throughout the region. "Went to Tannery Falls, beautiful waterfall. About a 20 minute drive away, worth a visit," notes a camper who appreciated the accessible hiking options.
Fire truck rides for children: Take kids for unique campground activities at Northampton/Springfield KOA, offering seasonal entertainment. "They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through," shares a visitor describing fall activities.
Waterfront recreation: Enjoy swimming and paddling at the mountain ponds and reservoirs. "The reservoir is beautiful—plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming. We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," according to a camper at Woodford State Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of state park bathrooms. "The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen," writes one visitor about Woodford State Park Campground, highlighting their maintenance standards.
Family-friendly environments: Many campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Great playground, pool and pirate ship. We were there with the Scouts and took up a huge grassy area with tents," reports a visitor at Country Aire Campgrounds who appreciated the family amenities.
Local food options: Several campgrounds feature fresh baked goods or food trucks. "Don't forget to buy your homemade donuts and other baked goods. They go fast," advises a repeat camper at Country Aire, noting the popular breakfast treats.
What you should know
Yurt camping availability: Yurt options near Ashfield, Massachusetts require advance booking, especially during peak season. "There are 3 yurts available May-October (no dogs allowed in the yurts). There are several tent sites available. Dogs are welcomed here!" explains a visitor at October Mountain State Forest Campground.
Variable cell service: Prepare for limited connectivity in the mountain regions. "There is also zero cell service (there is an operational pay phone at the showers) which is fine... but wished we knew ahead of time," notes a camper at Erving State Forest.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for specialty accommodations. "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed," reports an October Mountain visitor, highlighting the need for planning.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Look for camps with dedicated swimming zones for safety. "The campground is well-maintained with a nice loop for the kids to bike. North Pond has a small beach for swimming," explains a visitor to Savoy Mountain.
Kid-friendly activities: Choose campgrounds with structured entertainment options. "They have a pool they have games we even have a hayride pulled by a tractor. This place is very quiet even with all the kids," shares a Molly Stark State Park Campground visitor about the family atmosphere.
Site selection: Request sites away from main roads for family safety. "Although he advised against the tricky back-in site 'up on the hill' that we had originally selected, we thought we would at least give it a shot! We are SO glad that we did!" shares a KOA visitor who found a better spot than initially suggested.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: RV campers should verify hookup specifications before booking. "This is a parking lot with grass. There was 30/50 amps, water and electric and WiFi," explains a visitor to the Northampton/Springfield KOA, noting the basic setup.
Site size considerations: Many campgrounds have size restrictions for larger rigs. "I got site #5, it was very private & quiet... the site itself was very small and barely fit my truck and tent," mentions a visitor to Molly Stark, highlighting size limitations that would affect RVs.
Seasonal access: Plan your yurt camping near Ashfield, Massachusetts around seasonal closures. "Season: Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend," applies to multiple campgrounds in the region, with most mountain locations closing by mid-October.
