The Colrain area sits at elevations ranging between 500-1,200 feet in the northern Berkshire foothills. Camping sites near Colrain, Massachusetts experience moderate temperature swings between day and night, often dropping 15-20 degrees after sunset even in summer months. Most campgrounds in this region operate within the Deerfield River watershed, providing opportunities for both riverside and forested camping experiences.
What to do
Hiking to Mt. Olga fire tower: At Woodford State Park Campground, visitors can access a 1.7-mile round trip hike to a fire tower with panoramic views. "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. It's also fun to explore the relics of the old Hogback Ski Resort," notes one camper at Woodford State Park Campground.
Tubing the Deerfield River: The gentle current makes for relaxing float trips right past several campgrounds. "Tent sites are located right on the Deerfield River... You can even head to a local park and tube down the river right back to your site!" explains a visitor at Mohawk Park Campground.
Geocaching adventures: The area offers numerous geocaching opportunities, particularly for families looking for structured outdoor activities. "We spent some time on the hiking trails and found plenty of geocaches, which was awesome," reports a camper from DAR State Forest Campground.
What campers like
Clean, regularly maintained facilities: Many campers mention the exceptional upkeep of bathrooms and common areas. "The bathrooms were also kept nice, and the levels of trash around the campgrounds were pretty much non-existent. It is well taken care of," shares a visitor at Molly Stark State Park Campground.
Riverside camping spots: The sound of flowing water creates a natural white noise that many campers appreciate. "You're surrounded by beauty here... We did one of the little hikes and ended at a viewpoint. My kind of place," notes a camper at Fort Dummer State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings and evenings provide chances to spot local wildlife. "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," mentions a camper at Woodford State Park Campground, highlighting the natural surroundings that many visitors appreciate.
What you should know
Bear-aware camping required: Several campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage. "There might be bears, so there's a bear box to store all your stuff in when you are not using it. They do run dogs through the campground once a week or so to scare the poor critters away," explains a visitor at DAR State Forest Campground.
Limited cell service in valleys: Many campgrounds have spotty coverage, particularly those located in deeper valleys or dense forests. "This campground is in an area that has no cell reception for most carriers and there is no wi-fi," notes a camper from DAR State Forest Campground.
Weekend crowding: Most campgrounds fill completely during summer weekends, requiring advance planning. "We booked last month and stayed in the middle of the campground. The outer ring sites on the map have the most seclusion," advises a visitor to Molly Stark State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pirate ship playground and swimming: "Great playground, pool and pirate ship. We were there with the Scouts and took up a huge grassy area with tents," shares a visitor at Country Aire Campgrounds, highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Traffic noise considerations: Some campgrounds are closer to highways than others. "It is near Route 9 so not much quiet during the day, but at night its great. There is also hiking at the campground and that is a definite plus!" explains a camper at Molly Stark State Park Campground.
Site selection for privacy: Families often prefer sites with natural boundaries. "The sites are very roomy and wooded. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the facilities were clean," notes a visitor at DAR State Forest Campground, emphasizing the spaciousness that helps families maintain their own space.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations for larger rigs: Some campgrounds have limitations on vehicle size and access routes. "Conviently located off 91, this accessible campground is a nice place. Sites and lean-to's are well maintained and facilitates are clean," reports a visitor at Ashuelot River Campground, which offers easier access for larger vehicles.
Pull-through site availability: Level sites with easy access matter for larger RVs. "We were in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park," shares an RVer at Ashuelot River Campground, noting the convenience for setup.
Hook-up variations between campgrounds: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. "Not sure I'd try a really big rig here, but our little 16' trailer fit in great. I don't see any pull through sites, but I didn't see them all," cautions a camper at DAR State Forest Campground.
