Tent camping opportunities around Clarksburg, Massachusetts include several hike-in and walk-in sites in the surrounding Berkshire Mountains and Green Mountains region. The area features significant elevation changes, with campgrounds typically situated between 1,500-2,500 feet above sea level. Winter camping requires proper gear as temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March, with snow accumulation making some sites inaccessible.
What to do
Trail exploration at Stratton Pond Shelter: The shelter sits at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, and Stratton Mountain trail, providing multiple hiking options directly from your campsite. According to a recent visitor, "The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter... The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Water activities at Zoar Outdoor: This campground connects to adventure services offering white water rafting and tubing opportunities on nearby rivers. One camper notes, "The campground is connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river. It's close to where locals jump off outcrops into the lazy river and hang out on the river side."
Off-grid relaxation at Maple Ridge Farm: The lush, private setting creates opportunities for stargazing and nature observation without electronic distractions. A visitor mentions, "Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites. They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."
What campers like
Staff service at Zoar Outdoor: The knowledgeable staff receives consistently positive reviews from visitors. One camper stated, "Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting. Highly recommend the site." Another mentioned, "Everyone is so knowledgeable and helpful and kind. They really seem to care about what they do, and it shows."
Privacy between sites at Maple Ridge Farm: The spacious layout provides a sense of seclusion even when other campers are present. A recent visitor noted, "Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites."
Winter camping at Stratton Pond: For those prepared with proper gear, off-season camping offers unique experiences. One winter camper shared, "Spent the weekend here on the last weekend of Feb. 2024. Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great!"
What you should know
Gate procedures at Barton Cove Campground: The security system requires multiple steps to access and leave the campground. A visitor explained the process: "You check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, unload your stuff, drive to gate, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, return key, drive back to campground, walk to your site."
Campfire restrictions: Several campgrounds have strict fire policies. At Zoar Outdoor, one camper noted, "They don't allow fires at the campsites though which is annoying and their quiet hours are quite oppressive."
Bears and wildlife precautions: Food storage is critical at backcountry sites. At Seth Warner Shelter, a hiker cautions, "Hang your food! Watch for bears and coons."
Tips for camping with families
Common room access: Some private campgrounds offer indoor spaces for activities during inclement weather. At Maple Ridge Farm, a visitor observed, "They have a common room that has games and eggs for sale. Toilet and shower were very clean."
Campsite selection assistance: Call ahead to discuss specific needs when booking. At Barton Cove, a camper shared this positive experience: "The office was super helpful when I called to make reservations, making sure to ask questions about how big my tent was, what kind of view/privacy we wanted etc so they could help me find the perfect campsite."
Transportation assistance: Some campgrounds offer help moving gear to remote sites. A Maple Ridge Farm visitor noted, "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."
Tips from RVers
No RV hookups at tent-focused campgrounds: The Clarksburg area primarily offers tent camping with few RV accommodations. Most sites feature tent platforms rather than level pads for vehicles. At Barton Cove Campground, "Rustic camping only- sites have tent platforms, grill, fire pit and picnic tables."
Limited water access: Bring containers to transport water from central locations. A Barton Cove camper advised, "There is 1 or 2 places to grab water so make sure to bring refillable containers."
Walk-in sites dominate: Most camping near Clarksburg requires walking gear from parking areas to campsites, making large RVs impractical. At many locations, platforms keep tents dry but aren't suitable for vehicle camping.
