Best Campgrounds near Cheshire, MA

The Berkshire region surrounding Cheshire, Massachusetts provides multiple campground options along the slopes of Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts. Developed facilities include Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, Pittsfield State Forest Campground, and Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground, with most offering both tent and RV sites. Several state-managed properties provide a range of accommodation types from primitive tent platforms to cabins and RV hookups. Mt. Greylock State Reservation offers camping with access to extensive hiking trails, while private facilities like Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites provide more amenities for family-oriented stays.

Seasonal operation affects most campgrounds in the area, with peak availability running from mid-May through mid-October. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. "Sites were large and wooded. Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by," noted one camper about Mt. Greylock Campsite Park. The area's mountainous terrain means temperature variations between valley locations and higher elevations, with cooler nights even during summer. Campers should prepare for rain and potential mud, especially during spring and fall. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near larger towns. Several campgrounds have limited bathroom facilities, with some offering only basic amenities despite charging relatively high rates.

Camper reviews highlight the proximity to hiking trails as a major advantage for Cheshire-area campgrounds. The mountain landscape provides scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities, with Mt. Greylock's summit accessible by both road and trail. Families appreciate campgrounds with recreational amenities like pools, playgrounds, and game rooms, which are available at some private facilities. A visitor mentioned that "The campground is a less than five minute drive to the visitors station at the base of Mt. Greylock." Weekday campers report quieter experiences than weekend visitors, when some campgrounds become more crowded and lively. Most developed campgrounds provide at least basic amenities like water and electric hookups, while state forest facilities tend to be more rustic but offer greater privacy and natural settings.

Best Camping Sites Near Cheshire, Massachusetts (166)

    1. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park

    30 Reviews
    Lanesborough, MA
    4 miles
    +1 (413) 447-9419

    $40 - $70 / night

    "Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by. Staff was so accommodating-always willing to spend time giving recommendations."

    "Great family atmosphere w very positive neighbors and owners... Fantastic. 5 stars"

    2. Sperry Road Campground — Mount Greylock State Reservation

    15 Reviews
    New Ashford, MA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 499-4262

    $8 - $35 / night

    "We arrived at the shelter and there were some campers we greeted and then we pitched a tent nearby (vincinity camping allowed)."

    "The site was clean, dry, and a nice walk off the main trail. The staff was friendly as well. We hikes around during the days and saw some spectacular views."

    3. Pittsfield State Forest Campground

    9 Reviews
    Hancock, MA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 442-8992

    $14 - $35 / night

    "Sites 1-9 are located near Berry Pond and are serviced by a pit toilet. The rest are about 1.5 miles south on the loop road."

    "Stayed in a campsite near the road and the brook. It was clean and quiet. The road was right next to the site, but most drivers were respectful and drove slow."

    4. Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    8 Reviews
    Florida, MA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 663-8469

    $17 - $60 / night

    "This state forest campground offers large sites, some of them on a grassy open area or tucked into the woods."

    "We camp with a pop up and reserved site 11, the orientation of the site did not work and we switched to site 10. 10 & 11 are connected by a path, good for people traveling in a group."

    5. Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Lanesborough, MA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 442-3754

    $39 - $95 / night

    "It's a compact,clean campground tucked at the end of a quiet neighborhood street, within walking distance to a lake. Many of the RV site are occupied by seasonal campers, and the sites are well-kept."

    "It’s located off a dead end street . There is a lame right down the street. They have cabins, tent sites and everything sites. Have a small camp store. But downtown Pittsfield very close by."

    6. October Mountain State Forest Campground

    16 Reviews
    Lenox Dale, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 243-1778

    $17 - $55 / night

    "I tent camped here in night while exploring the fishing in Western Massachusetts. The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside."

    "Some of the sites are very visible and a few are tucked away into the woods with privacy. Most are pretty close to their neighbors."

    7. Fernwood Forest Campground

    6 Reviews
    Hinsdale, MA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 655-2292

    "Good local access to numerous hiking trails in the area. We’ll certainly go again the future."

    8. Historic Valley Campground

    6 Reviews
    North Adams, MA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 672-2158

    "The bathrooms are clean, the campground has a cool lake front, and you’re about a five minute drive to mass moca or a 20-30 minute walk. Looking forward to fresh grass 2021."

    "Camping here gives you a small lake and plenty of woodland surrounding you and since of peace. Bathrooms are clean but definitely a moisture issue. Staff is very helpful, Friendly but overworked."

    9. Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground

    8 Reviews
    Drury, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 339-5504

    $17 - $75 / night

    "This campground is just off of Rt2 in the beautiful Berkshires of western Massachusetts. The campground is well kept, and quiet but the sites are very close together."

    "This is a great campground located off of highway 2 in western Mass."

    10. Clarksburg State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Clarksburg, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 664-8345

    $17 - $55 / night

    "The park and the campground feel quite secluded for the location - very close to North Adams and other towns in that part of the Berkshires.  The pond and the hiking trail around it are beautiful. "

    "Nestled in the Berkshires and basically walking distance to Vermont, Clarksburg State Park provides a comfortable and semi-private tent site."

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Recent Reviews near Cheshire, MA

611 Reviews of 166 Cheshire Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Hinsdale Campground At Thicket Hill Village

    Great quiet place!!

    I stayed at the camp for about 2 months while working up in NH. And it was wonderful big pool and playground for the kids. Plenty of trails close to everything you need. Full hookup site was awesome

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Zoar Outdoor

    Nice and would like to visit again but not within 12 hours-BOO

    I’m writing this mid-October from western MA. In between homes and looked forward to staying another night, but can not because of a 12 hour advance policy. There were plenty of tent sites available last night. Not a happy camper.

  • Carroll K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    It was quite and peaceful

    We enjoyed our stay with Gus very much. With the email to confirm our stay, there were excellent directions to get there. It is behind his home by a lake with creek nearby. There is also a hiking trail. We had no problems. If we are in the area again, we would camp here again.  Thanks

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice ‘n Easy campground

    We stayed for 3 days off season so not busy. Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night. Sites have fire rings with excellent airflow for good burning with low smoke. Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area. Office staff was very helpful and they’re open later into the day til 7 PM. Good firewood and large bundle delivered for $15 to your site. We passed over this site on our first trip to the area but are glad we came here and we’re planning to return. Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits.


Guide to Cheshire

Camping near Cheshire, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a place to unwind with friends, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer from North-South Lake Campground mentioning, "The Catskills are very scenic, and we enjoyed our time there!"
  • Swimming: Enjoy the lakes and beaches. A visitor at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts said, "The pool is their best feature, and kids absolutely loved it."
  • Fishing: Cast a line in nearby lakes. A camper at Emerald Lake State Park Campground noted, "Great hikes and fishing!"

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. One happy camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park shared, "Each of the campsites has a lot of foliage around it, creating privacy between you and the site next to you."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A reviewer from Woodford State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! The nicest I've seen yet."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. A visitor at Lake George RV Park said, "The staff treated us so nicely and the array of resort-level amenities are beautifully maintained."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Monadnock State Park Campground noted, "No cell/data service. I wish this were clearer on their website."
  • Wildlife: Be aware of bears in the area. A visitor at North-South Lake Campground mentioned, "There are bears that visit the campground."
  • Seasonal Availability: Check the camping season for each campground. For example, Emerald Lake State Park Campground is open from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A parent at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads."
  • Space for Tents: Choose campgrounds with large sites. A camper at Woodford State Park Campground shared, "Our site was set back more than 2 car lengths from the road and is pretty well surrounded with trees."
  • Plan for Rain: Bring a lean-to or tarp for rainy days. A family at Emerald Lake State Park Campground found it helpful during a rainy weekend.

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts mentioned, "For a private campground, the sites are large and well spaced out."
  • Check Hookups: Ensure the campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A visitor at Lake George RV Park noted, "Our pull-thru site was level and the full hookups all worked fine."
  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with amenities like pools and game rooms. A camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park said, "They also have great live music on a Saturday night."

Camping near Cheshire, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hiking trails near Cheshire camping areas?

The Cheshire area offers excellent hiking opportunities. Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground provides easy access to multiple trails right from your campsite, with well-maintained paths through the beautiful Berkshires. For more challenging terrain, Clarksburg State Park Campground offers peaceful hiking trails with varying difficulty levels that wind through forests and provide scenic views. Both locations feature well-marked trails suitable for day hikes, with options for beginners and experienced hikers alike. The western Massachusetts region surrounding Cheshire contains numerous interconnected trail systems that showcase the area's natural beauty throughout all seasons.

Is there free camping available in Cheshire, Connecticut?

Free camping options are limited in the Cheshire, Connecticut area. Most established campgrounds charge fees, with October Mountain State Forest Campground costing around $52 per night for non-Massachusetts residents. For budget-friendly alternatives, consider Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground which offers more affordable rates. While true free camping (dispersed camping) is restricted in much of Connecticut, some nearby Massachusetts state forests permit primitive camping with proper permits. Always check with local ranger stations or forest service offices before attempting dispersed camping, as regulations change frequently and permits may be required even for free sites.

What amenities are available at Cheshire campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Cheshire offer varying amenities to suit different camping styles. Tully Lake Recreation Area provides waterfront sites with canoe/kayak launch areas, making it perfect for paddling enthusiasts. For RVers, Gus's Gardens Camping offers level sites, yard games, fire pits, and picnic tables on a spacious 9-acre property. Most area campgrounds feature basic amenities like restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables, while some also provide showers, bear boxes, and firewood for purchase. Facilities range from rustic to well-maintained, with state park campgrounds typically offering clean bathhouses and designated camping areas for tents, RVs, and sometimes yurts or cabins. Water access varies by location, so checking ahead is recommended.