Camping spots near Chesterfield, Massachusetts offer access to the northern Berkshire Mountains at elevations between 1,400-2,000 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during the day while dropping to the mid-50s at night. The region features several glacial ponds and thick mixed hardwood forests with abundant wildlife including black bears, which necessitates proper food storage at most campgrounds.
What to do
Kayaking at Highland Lake: Located at Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest, campers have access to two separate swimming areas. "The lake was great for kayaking and fishing, although the boat launch is small and narrow so usually there is a wait to use it," notes Cynthia K.
Geocaching adventures: Several campgrounds offer excellent geocaching opportunities. "We spent some time on the hiking trails and found plenty of geocaches, which was awesome," reports a DAR State Forest visitor, making this a perfect rainy day activity for tech-savvy campers.
Hiking to fire towers: For panoramic views, take the 0.6-mile trail from site 44 at DAR State Forest to the fire tower. As Alan explains, "The hike from site 44 to the fire tower is only 0.6 miles and gets you a great view. Hike back via the Long Trail and it's 1.6 Miles back."
Fall foliage exploration: The western Massachusetts mountains offer spectacular leaf-viewing from mid-September through October. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, seasonal activities enhance the experience. "We went to this campground during fall foliage time. Very peaceful and very great staff. They had hayless rides and fire truck rides," notes Jason A.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded campsites: Many campers appreciate the privacy and natural setting at Fernwood Forest Campground. "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy. Very clean sites and facilities are cleaned to meet COVID requirements. Very quiet," reports Rebecca B.
Free hot showers: Unlike some campgrounds that charge for showers, DAR State Forest offers complimentary facilities. Alan notes, "FREE hot showers! Only two showers for the whole camp, but there's almost no one camping in October, so there was never a wait."
Family-oriented activities: Seasonal events make camping more engaging for children. "They have a fire truck ride that brings you around the campsite and hay-less rides. There is a pool, there is a playground, there are games of all ages," explains Jason A. about Country Aire Campgrounds.
Unique accommodations: For something different, try the caboose at Chester Railway Station. "The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too. You hear the trains running at night," explains Esther L.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Research specific site numbers before booking. At October Mountain State Forest, "what site you get makes all the difference. There are many, I would say most, sites that you feel very exposed and out in the open. Look for the sites that go off to the side (not on the loops) like 39-40," advises Desiree M.
Bear awareness: Most campgrounds in the region require proper food storage. "There might be bears, so there's a bear box to store all your stuff in when you are not using it," explains a DAR State Forest camper, though they add that "they say they have never had an issue in the last fifteen years."
Seasonal bathroom availability: Facilities vary widely between peak and shoulder seasons. "Only two showers for the whole camp, but there's almost no one camping in October, so there was never a wait," notes a camper at DAR State Forest.
Campground noise variation: Ambient sounds differ significantly between locations. At October Mountain, a camper notes "Outside the entrance station is a HUGE power station that emits a hum constantly. Super annoying and an eyesore."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Mt. Greylock Campsite Park offers recreational facilities for children. "The rec room had several nicely maintained games including air hockey, ping pong, air hockey, and more. All are free and we enjoyed them," shares one camper.
Swimming areas: Many campgrounds feature designated swimming spots for campers. At DAR State Forest, "There is a campers only beach on upper highland lake that was easy walking distance from the campsite," according to Justin P.
Terrain challenges: Consider mobility issues when selecting campgrounds. "The camp has a lot of hills and some are pretty steep. We always bring our bikes and love to bike through the campgrounds, but this one is not good for biking," warns a Mt. Greylock visitor.
Holiday activities: Holiday weekends often feature special programming. "They had a Halloween/trick or treat night, fire truck rides, it's very kid friendly," notes Celeste C. about the Northampton/Springfield KOA.
Tips from RVers
Shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Fernwood Forest, one camper noted, "Clean, quiet and well maintained. Only downside is the showers are literally in the same space as the pooper stalls in the washroom. Washroom incredibly clean though."
Site privacy considerations: RVers often report proximity issues at certain campgrounds. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, "We didn't like being right on top the other RVs, our sewer pipe was in front of my neighbors picnic table," mentions Celeste C.
Seasonal rate differences: Off-season camping offers better value and fewer crowds. "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 and I stayed for a few months," shares Dawn E.
Electrical limitations: Some campgrounds offer limited power options. At Walker Island Family Camping, tent sites with electrical access typically provide only 15-amp service, suitable for basic needs but insufficient for larger RV appliances.
