October Mountain State Forest offers camping options beyond the yurts, including tent sites with varying degrees of privacy and wooded seclusion. Sites are organized on different tiers, with the lower level designated for RVs, middle tier for tent sites, and upper area containing the yurts. Each campground level has its own bathhouse facilities. The forest sits within Massachusetts' largest state forest at 16,500 acres, with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,200 feet and temperatures that can drop significantly at night even during summer months.
What to do
Explore nearby waterways: Anglers can find ample fishing opportunities at the Taconic State Park where visitors can access both lakes and streams. "There are plenty of hiking and driving trails around the area to keep yourselves occupied. The whole area is a really nice area," notes Jackie G., who visited the park.
Take advantage of morning hikes: Savoy Mountain State Forest offers extensive trail systems that connect directly from the campground. "There are some nice trails nearby, so all-in-all a good place," says Kris M. The forest features multiple ponds suitable for swimming and kayaking, with one camper mentioning "a small pond with swimming beach and a couple was just pulling their kayak out when I arrived."
Visit Bash Bish Falls: This impressive waterfall is accessible from several nearby campgrounds and makes for a memorable day trip. "A short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls," writes Erin B. about Taconic State Park, while another camper noted that during low water periods, "we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible."
What campers like
Varied site options: Many campgrounds offer a range of site types to match preferences. At Prospect Mountain Campground, "Lots of trees and shade. Great pool. The sites on the water looked nice—hoping to try for that next time!" according to Stephanie. This variety allows campers to choose between sunny open spaces or sheltered wooded areas.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention facility cleanliness as a key positive. At Savoy Mountain State Forest, "The bathrooms, including showers, are clean and checked a couple of times/day," according to Jean C., while at Prospect Mountain, one reviewer noted the "grounds were absolutely beautiful and very well maintained!"
Family-friendly amenities: White Pines Campsites receives praise for its recreational options. "Large clean pool my kids loved swimming in. Staff is super nice. Small arcade," reports Kim T. Many campers appreciate the structured activities for children, with another visitor mentioning "The Gaga ball pit was great. The pool was nice" as highlights.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds have strict policies about advance booking. At October Mountain, one camper reported, "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed," and many campgrounds in the region have similar restrictions, especially during peak seasons.
Noise considerations: Several campsites in the region have ambient noise issues. "There is a power station nearby that has a hum all day & night—makes for great white noise when sleeping," noted Tiff H. about October Mountain. Similarly, at Savoy Mountain, a camper mentioned "at night, there was a lot of traffic noise nearby."
Site quality varies significantly: At Northampton/Springfield KOA, "We were able to book site 112 at the last minute and the staff waited for us to arrive," but the same camper cautioned that "a lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped—I would recommend a drive though if you can beforehand."
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Country Aire Campgrounds provides structured entertainment for children. "This campground is family oriented. They have a pool they have games we even have a hayride pulled by a tractor," writes Jason A. These scheduled events help keep children engaged throughout your stay.
Consider campgrounds with recreational facilities: Prospect Mountain Campground offers multiple amenities for families with young children. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," notes Sandra S., adding that "They also have a nice little store and snack bar."
Seek out campgrounds with spacious play areas: White Pines provides room for children to burn energy. "Great place for family to get together, we used to have family reunions here," explains Michelle D. Another camper mentioned the campground has "a seemingly well maintained playground/pool" that provides entertainment options.
Tips from RVers
Check power requirements carefully: At Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, visitors appreciate the full hookup options but note terrain challenges. "Flat ground area for camper was very narrow. Tricky footing for older folks like my wife and I," writes Ray P., cautioning about site grading issues.
Verify site dimensions before booking: Some campgrounds have tight spaces for larger rigs. "Our site 1A was a quick back in site with full hookups and a perfect view day or night, right on their pond," shares a reviewer about Woodland Hills, but other campers mention limitations for larger vehicles at various sites.
Look for dedicated RV sections: October Mountain's tiered layout places RVs in a specific area. "The campground has 3 sections, located on different tiers of a hill. The lower level has RV sites," explains one reviewer, noting this organization helps create appropriate camping zones based on equipment needs.
