Camping near Becket, Massachusetts offers access to the Berkshire Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 feet throughout the region. The area has moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during the day, with cooler nights in the 50s even during peak season. Summer thunderstorms occur frequently in late afternoon, making sheltered sites valuable during peak camping months.
What to do
Hiking to fire towers: Mount Greylock State Reservation provides excellent vantage points from its summit. "The views along the drive and the hikes were amazing. Once we reached the summit the next day, we were able to watch hang gliders take off which was awesome," notes Jackie G. from Mount Greylock State Reservation.
Kayaking on local lakes: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. At Tolland State Forest, Rebecca D. reports, "We have brought out kayaks and took off right from the site. There are rocks to get into the water but the water is clean and not mucky." Tolland State Forest Campground provides multiple waterfront sites for easy boat launching.
Geocaching adventures: The area has numerous hidden caches. "We spent some time on the hiking trails and found plenty of geocaches, which was awesome," shares Cynthia K. about her experience at Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest. The park maintains over a dozen geocaches throughout its trail system.
Swimming in Highland Lake: DAR State Forest offers a dedicated swimming area. "Amenities include campers only beach, great trails (including accessible), nature center, staff were present and circulated often," according to Kaileigh K., who visited during Memorial Day weekend.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: The region maintains exceptional bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms were very nice and seemed like they were brand new," reports Drew Q. about his stay at Pittsfield State Forest Campground. Many campgrounds have renovated their facilities in recent years.
Spacious, private sites: Campers appreciate the room between sites at certain campgrounds. At Fernwood Forest Campground, Rebecca B. found "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy. Very clean sites and facilities are cleaned to meet COVID requirements. Very quiet."
Easy access to multiple hiking trails: The interconnected trail systems are a major draw. Alan at DAR State Forest noted, "Hiking is pretty awesome from the campsite. The hike from site 44 to the fire tower is only 0.6 miles and gets you a great view. Hike back via the Long Trail and it's 1.6 Miles back."
Quiet camping experience: Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours effectively. At Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites, Jenny C. describes it as "perfectly located for fishing and hiking and breweries - great grounds - quiet and extremely well kept."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Choose carefully when booking. "What site you get makes all the difference. There are Many, I would say most, Sites that you feel very exposed and out in the open. Just plopped next to someone on the grass," advises Desiree M. about October Mountain State Forest.
Bear awareness required: Bears are active in the region. Jean C. explains that at Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest Campground, "Sites are large and this has to be the cleanest campground I've ever visited! There might be bears, so there's a bear box to store all your stuff in when you are not using it."
Rocky tent sites: Many campsites have gravel or rocky surfaces. Nicole G. at Tolland State Forest reports, "The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent."
Fee structure variances: Non-residents face significantly higher fees at state parks. Lucy P. points out, "I don't mind paying a little extra some places because of being out of state, but paying $54 a night for not even any hookups when MA residents pay $17 is insane."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly activities: Some locations offer special programs. "They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through," Jason A. shares about his fall foliage trip to Northampton / Springfield KOA.
Look for camper-only beaches: These areas are typically less crowded. Cheryl B. notes about Tolland State Forest, "Small area of sandy beach with a pavilion and grills. The comfort stations have flush toilets and there are only three hot showers within the campground."
Consider proximity to bathrooms: Facilities can be scattered. Alan observed at DAR State Forest, "It's a bit of a hike to the bathrooms/showers/dishwashing station from this site, but we like it like that. It keeps the noise down from the slamming bathroom doors."
Check for accessible trails: Some parks offer trails suitable for all abilities. Kaileigh K. specifically mentions DAR State Forest has "great trails (including accessible)" which makes it easier for families with strollers or mobility concerns.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies considerably: Many campgrounds require preparation. Danielle H. at Pittsfield State Forest mentions, "Campsites are rocky, had to re arrange tent to get off rock." Bring leveling blocks for RVs at most area campgrounds.
Limited pull-through availability: Most sites require backing in. Joe S. notes about DAR State Forest, "Not sure I'd try a really big rig here, but our little 16' trailer fit in great. I don't see any pull through sites, but I didn't seem them all."
Seasonal restrictions for larger rigs: Many campgrounds close earlier for larger RVs than for tents. At Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites, Jason A. reports, "This campground is quite small. But quiet. It's located off a dead end street. They have cabins, tent sites and everything sites."
Watch for narrow parking areas: State forest campgrounds often have limited space. Cynthia K. mentions about DAR State Forest, "Very narrow parking areas on the sites. Rest rooms were well kept."