Berkshire County campsites offer diverse terrain with elevations between 600-2,400 feet throughout the region. The area typically experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer highs averaging 78°F and evening temperatures dropping into the 50s. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from late May through mid-October with limited or no cell service.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: 1.7 miles round trip. Mount Greylock State Reservation provides access to nearby waterfalls that can be reached directly from camping areas. "There are a number of rivers and little waterfalls that are always nice to visit," notes Christina W. about the reservation's natural features. The short hikes are appropriate for most skill levels.
Fire tower views: Access from multiple trails. Mount Greylock State Reservation offers hiking to observation points with expansive 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," shares Tara S. from nearby Molly Stark State Park, where similar views are available.
Kayaking access: Multiple launch points. The ponds and waterways throughout the region provide paddling opportunities. At Clarksburg State Park Campground, "Several spots (including ours 6) were very close to the rather large pond... we were able to walk a few yards downhill to the waters edge where we launched our kayaks," according to Erin B.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Varies by campground. While some campgrounds offer better separation than others, campers frequently mention site spacing as important. At Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground, "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," according to Kris M.
Clean facilities: Twice-daily maintenance. Campground bathrooms throughout the region are regularly maintained. "The bathrooms were cleaned two times a day and the park is so well maintained," reports Michael G. about Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground, noting this consistency despite busier weekend periods.
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution. The remote nature of these campgrounds creates excellent star-gazing opportunities. "There are plenty of trails you can hop on right outside your tent site and very little light pollution for optimal star gazing," notes Erin B. about Clarksburg State Park, highlighting an experience available at multiple campgrounds in the region.
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Store food properly. Black bears are common throughout the region. "There are lots of black bears so keeping food in the near lockers or locked in the car at all times is a must!" warns Kiki W. about Mohawk Trail State Forest. All campgrounds provide bear boxes for proper food storage.
Limited connectivity: Plan accordingly. Many campgrounds have little to no cell service. At Savoy Mountain, "The park is so hard to find that not even a cell signal can get there, if your looking to unplug this is a great spot!" notes Bill K. Download maps and information before arrival.
Weather variability: Pack for temperature swings. The mountain setting creates significant day-to-night temperature variations. "The Berkshires region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations," reports Jean C. from Savoy Mountain State Forest, recommending campers "head toward Florida, MA on Rt 2 and at the height of land (shortly before you reach the Elk monument), you'll have good coverage" for checking weather forecasts.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Check water conditions. Woodford State Park Campground offers designated swimming areas appropriate for children. "Perfect for families! There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean-tos, and a few (hard to get) cabins... beautiful clean swimmable lake with a walking trail around it," explains Sambath T.
Accessible hiking: Short loops available. Family-appropriate trails connect directly to camping areas. At Mount Greylock, "The sites were huge and spread out... There are plenty of options for hiking including two nearby falls, a section of the AT, and of course the summit," shares Heidi R., highlighting family-friendly exploration opportunities.
Noise considerations: Choose sites strategically. Some campgrounds experience more activity, especially on weekends. "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great!" advises J L. about Woodford State Park, suggesting families consider their preference for socialization versus seclusion.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning challenges: Request specific areas. Many campsites have unusual hookup configurations. At Historic Valley Campground, "Sites are nice and most have electric, water and some with sewer hookups. One issue is the hookups are spread out on your sites. So you may need extra hose or longer cord to complete your hookups," warns Stephen R.
Limited big rig access: Call ahead. While several campgrounds accommodate larger RVs, access roads may present challenges. "They tell you clearly to avoid the GPS directions, but I can't help but think the giant hill they wanted us to avoid would've been better than the dead end and destroyed awning as a result of theirs," cautions Brittany V. about Historic Valley Campground, emphasizing the importance of following specific arrival instructions.
Dump station availability: Plan accordingly. Not all pet-friendly campgrounds near Drury offer full hookups or dump stations. Country Aire Campgrounds provides these amenities along with "warm clean bathrooms," according to Cindy, making it suitable for longer RV stays when traveling with pets.
