The Berkshire Mountains form the backdrop for camping near Egremont, Massachusetts, with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,000 feet creating distinct microclimates. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day but can drop to 50-60°F at night, requiring campers to pack layers. Many campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through mid-October due to harsh New England winters.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park, take the trail to Bash Bish Falls across the Massachusetts state line. "Short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls" according to Erin B., while another camper mentions, "Plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful."
Swimming in natural settings: Beartown State Forest Campground offers a swimming area at Benedict Pond. Patricia E. describes it as her "happy place" with "only 12 sites, 4 of which have Benedict Pond access." Another visitor notes it has "good swimming, plus relatively secluded campsites."
Mountain exploration: The Taconic range provides multiple elevation hikes. "Sunset rock was an adventure but a blast," writes John E. about his experience at Taconic State Park. Visitors can also explore Mount Washington State Forest where "each spot is easy to find off the trail" according to a camper.
What campers like
Large tent platforms: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground features raised platforms that keep tents dry during wet weather. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" notes Rosie R., who appreciates this feature during rainy trips.
Clean bathroom facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained facilities at Beartown State Forest. One visitor called them "probably the cleanest bathrooms I've ever used at a state park," making it more comfortable for family camping.
Natural wildlife encounters: The Berkshire region supports diverse wildlife. At Taconic State Park, one camper reported, "We had several species of frogs and toads wandering about in the evening, giant millipedes were plenty, and even found a newt on our hike."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Alander Trail Campground offers exceptional privacy compared to more developed options. A visitor notes, "Once you get there, there's quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit of privacy." However, many established campgrounds have closely spaced sites.
Weather preparedness essential: Nights can be surprisingly cold, even in summer. At Lake Taghkanic, one camper noted that "the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season (Oct 12-14)" in the showers, which was appreciated during cold autumn nights.
Reservation policies: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, while Alander Trail Campground operates first-come, first-served. A visitor mentions, "Can't make a reservation but beautiful campground that is about a mile hike from the trailhead."
State alcohol regulations: Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol consumption. One reviewer specifically mentioned this restriction when discussing October Mountain State Forest. Check each campground's specific rules before packing supplies.