Cabin rentals near Blandford, Massachusetts often feature differing levels of seclusion depending on location. Situated in the western part of the state at elevations ranging from 900-1,400 feet, this region experiences cooler temperatures than eastern Massachusetts, with fall nights frequently dropping below 40°F. Many Berkshire cabin accommodations provide metal food storage containers due to the area's black bear population, which becomes more active during late summer and early fall.
What to do
Water activities at Prospect Lake: Fishing enthusiasts staying in Blandford area cabin rentals can access Pontoosuc Lake, where "Prospect Mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," according to Sandra S. who stayed at Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park.
Seasonal hiking trails: The Henry Buck Trail near American Legion State Forest provides moderate hiking with river views. "There's plenty to do in the area and plenty of ways to get out and enjoy nature," notes Eammon C. about the nearby Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground, adding that the "campground is well kept, and quiet but the sites are very close together."
Waterfall exploration: Bash Bish Falls, approximately 45 minutes from Blandford cabin rentals, offers dramatic cascades. "Trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," shares Jackie G. who stayed at Taconic State Park.
What campers like
Diverse cabin options: The Berkshires offer unusual cabin styles beyond standard designs. "It is a really fun place to spend a night, especially for a train enthusiast. The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad," writes Esther L. about her experience at Chester Railway Station.
Riverside accommodations: Several cabin locations provide water proximity for ambient sounds. "We stayed right on the river side," shares Andrzej K. about Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. Michael G. adds that "The lower sites near the river are good sized and the river ambiance is nice," noting that weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends.
Site maintenance: Well-maintained cabin grounds make for comfortable stays. "When we arrived to check in they were very nice and gave us the breakdown of the place along with brochures of what was going on at the site. We arrived to our site, it was by the pond and our site was even raked clean," explains Tonya D. about her Prospect Mountain experience.
What you should know
Seasonal availability constraints: Most cabin facilities operate from May through mid-October with limited shoulder season options. "Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground" operates "mid May to mid October," while October Mountain's season runs "mid May to mid October" – making advance planning essential.
Bear safety protocols: Many Berkshire cabins require strict food storage. "There are lots of black bears so keeping food in the bear lockers or locked in the car at all times is a must!" warns Kiki W. from October Mountain State Forest Campground.
Limited cell reception: Cabins throughout the region have variable connectivity. "Last but not least - no cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it," explains Katherine P. about Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. Plan accordingly with downloaded directions and offline activities.
Tips for camping with families
Scout cabin proximity to facilities: For families with small children, bathroom distance matters. Sylvia P. from White Pines Campsites notes, "I walked the extra .2 miles to the bathhouse, which started out immaculate but quickly turned south with the sheer number of people using it."
Consider weekday rentals: Multiple reviewers report significantly different experiences between weekday and weekend cabin stays. "Weekends the park gets busy as can get a bit loud," observes Michael G. about Mohawk Trail State Forest, adding that "if you go during the weekdays, as we did, this won't be an issue."
Pool access timing: Several cabin facilities have seasonal pool restrictions. Megin F. notes about Prospect Mountain, "Pool was lovely and refreshing. I do wish they had more bathrooms though. Especially by the pool!!!" Plan pool time accordingly and verify operating hours before booking.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for cabin area RV sites. Jean C. from Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites explains, "I could have used leveling blocks because it was hard to find a great spot that was level side to side. Sites 27 & 29 each seemed a little more level and 29 was larger."
Power considerations: Verify electricity specifics before booking cabin area RV sites. Natalie N. cautions that at Lone Oak Campsites, "be careful on the map for what site has what amenities, and make sure to double check power requirements because it's not labeled on the sites and it varies."
Off-peak advantages: Lower occupancy periods provide better RV experiences near cabin areas. Dawn E. from Northampton/Springfield KOA notes, "I'm more of a quiet, in-the-middle-of-nowhere kind of camper, so I tend to shy away from commercial campgrounds, but it was easier for me to commute from the KOA than from home when work was crazy because of COVID."
