Camping sites near Charlemont, Massachusetts sit at elevations of 800 to 1,400 feet in the northern Berkshire region, where nighttime temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees lower than daytime highs even in summer. Most campgrounds in the area provide bear boxes at individual sites, reflecting the active black bear population that forages throughout the mountain terrain. Cell service remains unreliable in many locations due to the valley positioning between mountain ridges.
What to do
Hiking at Mount Greylock: Access multiple trails directly from the campground at Sperry Road Campground — Mount Greylock State Reservation. "The sites were huge and spread out. Although we could kind of see our neighbors if we tried, we were far enough away that we weren't looking at them all weekend. SO PEACEFUL! You will hear the bard owls call at night and not much else," shares Heidi R., who appreciated the trail access from the sites.
Kayaking on Highland Lake: The tranquil waters at Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest Campground offer peaceful paddling with dedicated launch areas. "I'd stay here again when I have more time to explore. There is a campers only beach on upper highland lake that was easy walking distance from the campsite and fishing opportunities there as well," reports Justin P., who found the water access convenient.
Mountain biking: Several trails connect to camping areas with varying difficulty levels for riders of all abilities. At Savoy Mountain State Forest, "There are plenty of options for hiking including two nearby falls, a section of the AT, and Mt Greylock is a short drive away," notes Bill K., highlighting the trail network throughout the region.
What campers like
Riverside camping experiences: The sound of flowing water creates a peaceful backdrop at Mohawk Park Campground & Restaurant. "It is so relaxing to wake up to the sound of the river and you can even head to a local park and tube down the river right back to your site!" shares Kerri T. who found the riverside location ideal for water activities.
Woodland seclusion: Many campers praise the wooded sites that offer privacy between neighbors. "It is a beautiful campground located off of highway 2 in western Mass. I stayed in site 51 and luckily the campground was mostly empty. Each campsite has a bear box and fire ring, there is easy access to hiking trails," explains Ryan A. about Mohawk Trail State Forest.
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting provides opportunities to see and hear native species. "You will hear the bard owls call at night and not much else. Sites are huge and spread out," notes a camper at Mount Greylock. Another camper at Mohawk Trail State Forest mentions, "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning."
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Black bears are common throughout the region. "This campground is peaceful and has sites that are well spaced. A number of them have proximity to each other but not to the rest of the sites, making for a great multi-family gathering. There are lots of black bears so keeping food in the bear lockers or locked in the car at all times is a must!" cautions Kiki W. at Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground.
Weekend vs. weekday experiences: Campgrounds transform significantly between weekdays and weekends. "We just spent six days at site 31 and we really enjoyed our stay. The bathrooms were cleaned two times a day and the park is so well maintained. The sites were a little close and not very private, but if you go during the weekdays, as we did, this won't be an issue. Weekends the park gets busy as can get a bit loud," observes Michael G.
Weather preparedness: The mountain location means rapid weather changes. "We took the family up here for a long weekend. The weather quickly made this an overnight stay instead, as the rain was relentless. Our site (#6) was on a slope, and there was the telltale sign of stormwater runoff tracks running through the middle," relates Cynthia K. about Clarksburg State Park, showing how terrain affects water drainage during storms.
Tips for camping with families
Kids' activities: Mt. Greylock Campsite Park offers family-friendly recreation areas. "The rec room had some nicely maintained games (pool table, ping pong, air hockey, and more). The caretakers were very friendly and helpful. It was a very quiet campground during the week," notes Nicole P., though she cautions about weekend noise levels.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming beaches for younger campers. At Woodford State Park, families appreciate "a small reservoir with a little beach that you can swim or kayak/canoe in. There's a bunch of fish and other little creatures so it's fun to explore," according to Jenny A.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs during peak season. "Rangers provided programming for kids and families on the weekends," mentions a Clarksburg State Park visitor, while another camper notes, "The summit is accessible by hiking or car. They have educational and entertainment programs scheduled throughout the weekend."
Tips from RVers
Dumpstation access: Most campgrounds have limited dump facilities that require planning. "You have to exit the campground area and come back in to use the dump station as it's located on the right hand side of the one lane road. No hose by the dump station so you are expected to load a dirty hose back into the trailer," advises Gail P. about Mohawk Park Campground & Restaurant.
Site selection for larger rigs: Many campgrounds have limitations for bigger RVs. "Google Maps will often take you down a bumpy dirt road...stick to Rt 2 as long as possible if you're coming from that direction!" warns Jean C. about Savoy Mountain State Forest, adding, "No hookups, but a dumping station."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV-friendly campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October with limited services in shoulder seasons. "This campground provides a nice base if you're in the area for a while and want to explore North Adams, Mt. Greylock, or rafting/tubing out of Charlemont. Each of these places is 20-45 minutes away," notes another camper about regional access from established campgrounds.
