Camping in the Berkshire Mountains places visitors at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 feet, with Charlemont sitting at around 670 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 75-85°F and crisp falls dropping to 40-60°F. Many campgrounds in this mountainous area feature significant elevation changes within their property boundaries, affecting both temperature and accessibility.
What to do
Hiking at Savoy Mountain: Explore the extensive trail system at Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground where you can access the Mohawk Trail directly from the campground. "We mostly enjoyed hiking many of the extensive trails in and around the area," notes one visitor who appreciated the peaceful setting despite basic amenities.
Kayaking river routes: Navigate the Ashuelot River which flows around Ashuelot River Campground, offering both flat water and gentle current sections. "Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," shares one camper who enjoys the wildlife viewing opportunities on this waterway.
Summit local mountains: Climb to the Mt. Olga fire tower at Molly Stark State Park Campground for panoramic views of the Green Mountains. The 1.7-mile round-trip hike rewards with 360-degree vistas. "The hike up Mt. Olga is 1.7 miles (round trip). There's a fire tower at the top, which provides awesome views of the Green Mountains," a regular visitor explains.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer sites tucked away from neighbors, with varying degrees of privacy. At Savoy Mountain State Forest, "many of the sites (most of the ones on the periphery of the campground) are wooded and somewhat secluded, with 1-3 being the most secluded. We stayed in site 1, and we could barely see our neighbor's fire at night, because there were so many trees between us."
Clean facilities: Woodford State Park Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen!" reports one visitor, highlighting the park's commitment to cleanliness even during busy periods.
Access to water activities: Many sites offer direct water access for swimming, fishing, or boating. Woodford State Park features "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."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have limited or no cell reception. At Savoy Mountain State Forest, one camper notes, "The park is so hard to find that not even a cell signal can get there. If you're looking to unplug this is a great spot!"
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through mid-October. October Mountain State Forest Campground specifies a season from "mid-May to mid-October," with services and amenities varying throughout the operating period.
Varied site layouts: Some campgrounds feature a mix of open field sites and wooded sites, offering different camping experiences. "Sites are either wooded or open in the sun, with good distance between sites," notes a Savoy Mountain camper, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right site type for your preferences.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Country Aire Campgrounds provides excellent facilities for children. "They have a pool they have games we even have a hayride pulled by a tractor," shares a repeat visitor who appreciates the family-oriented atmosphere.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe local wildlife. "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," reports a camper at Woodford State Park, highlighting the natural soundscape that can captivate children.
Organized activities: Several campgrounds schedule regular events for families. The Northampton / Springfield KOA features special seasonal programming: "They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through," notes one fall visitor.
Tips from RVers
Covered bridge restrictions: Pay close attention to local covered bridge weight and height limits when navigating to campgrounds. For Ashuelot River Campground, "Highly suggest reading the directions on the campgrounds website about the covered bridge you're not allowed to cross—we discovered this the hard way," warns one RVer.
Limited hookup availability: While several campgrounds offer RV sites, many have limited or no hookups. When full hookups are available, sites may fill quickly during peak season, so advance reservations are recommended.
Route planning essential: Mountain roads in this region can be steep and winding. "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low clearance and low weight limits," advises an RVer visiting Ashuelot River Campground.
