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

598 Reviews of 166 Cheshire Campgrounds


  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Grout Pond Loop

    Camping Grout Pond Loop is truly nice after Labor Day (Sept 5-7). Campsites 15 & 16 offer pull-out space to turn around truck campers --we lucked out w/ 4 wheel camper pop-up). Over hanging trees would make it difficult for larger equipment, plus saw posting that excludes trailers from certain roads. We reserved well in advance; however many fellow campers were trying to find first come sites and ended up hiking in to camp around pond sites. Sites are in eye-site of each other but you don't feel crowded. Temps during day around 65-70 F. Nights dipped to 45-55F.
    We saw deer & turkeys driving the surrounding woods after short hikes.
    We love chatting w locals and learned of a special shrine that was faithfully built from stone to resemble original in modern day Turkey. What a special & serene place.

  • Lorraine H.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    2 month stay started July

    It's ok great water views stuff for kids to do every weekend it's the seasonal campers that make it not fun at times u have some very friendly then others that are noisy judging ,parting witch parting really ain't problem until ur not watching ur kids or being loud at times I give it a 7 out of 10

  • Andy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Large Area with Fire Pit in the middle

    This was a great site.  I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially the just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend.  Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space for the upcoming weekend.

    The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers.  It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd.  There weren't many mosquitoes either.  Hiking trail to Stratton Pond close by.

  • Kenneth P.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    Not So Bad

    We spent one night at site #20 and enjoyed our stay.  It was rather peaceful other than the hum of I-91. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were generally wooded, pretty level, and fairly spread apart from one another.  I saw no signs of the problems identified in the June 2025 review.  Yes, I must agree that the restrooms are old, but they were clean.  The other problems might happen anywhere and were obviously brought under control.  Clearly, the writer of the June 2025 post knew way more than any weekend camper would be aware of and this shows that is more to their story that should have been revealed in their post.

  • M
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    kids always have a blast!

    We went for the Halloween event, and the kids had a great day and evening! They really enjoyed trick or treating!!!

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. 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, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.

  • Ricky H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Not terrible

    Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it. Also had someone who decided to use the area to sight in his rifle. Which was very unexpected as it was incredibly loud with no warning at all. Was not aware this was a gun range. Tried to flag down a park ranger, but he just drove on by.


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.