Best Campgrounds near Egremont, MA
The Berkshire region surrounding Egremont, Massachusetts features several established campgrounds and dispersed camping options within a mix of state parks and forest lands. Taconic State Park's Copake Falls Area lies just west of Egremont, offering tent, RV, and cabin camping with electric hookups and modern amenities. October Mountain State Forest Campground, located east of Egremont, provides camping across multiple terrain levels including tent sites, RV areas, and yurts. Mount Washington State Forest offers more primitive options with the Alander Trail Campground providing free hike-in tent sites for those seeking a more secluded experience.
Camping season in the Berkshires typically runs from May through mid-October, with most campgrounds closing for winter. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. The terrain varies significantly across the region, with some campgrounds situated on sloped ground that can challenge tent setup. Electric infrastructure impacts certain sites, particularly at October Mountain State Forest where a power station creates ambient noise. Weather conditions change rapidly in the mountains, with cooler temperatures even during summer months. A visitor to October Mountain noted, "The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside. Site 33 was built into a slope in the hill, so it required walking up a short set of stairs, but the tent site was level."
Several campgrounds in the area provide waterfront access, which tends to be highly valued by visitors. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground north of Egremont offers lake access with swimming areas. Tent platforms at some locations help manage the region's sloped terrain, making setup easier on otherwise challenging sites. Privacy between campsites varies significantly across the region's campgrounds. Some developed areas place sites close together with minimal screening, while more remote locations offer greater seclusion. Wildlife encounters, including bears, are possible throughout the area, with most campgrounds providing bear boxes for food storage. Campground amenities range from basic (pit toilets and no showers at primitive sites) to more developed facilities with flush toilets, hot showers, and dishwashing stations at established state park campgrounds.
