Camping options around Ashley Falls extend beyond basic RV parking into varied experiences across Massachusetts and New York borders. This region near the Berkshires maintains moderate temperatures averaging 45-75°F during the primary camping season from May through October. Winter camping is limited with only select RV campgrounds near Ashley Falls, Massachusetts remaining open after mid-October.
What to do
Waterfront recreation: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers swimming, fishing and boating opportunities. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campgound. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," notes Kurt S. about the park's amenities.
Hiking trails: Taconic State Park's Copake Falls Area provides direct access to multiple trails including paths to Bash Bish Falls. "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," shares Jackie G.
Winter activities: While most campgrounds close by mid-October, Lake Taghkanic remains partially accessible. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny," reports Mellisa T., highlighting the value despite the additional fee.
Stargazing opportunities: The region offers excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," explains Seth K. about Lake Taghkanic.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Rudd Pond Area at Taconic State Park offers elevated tent platforms that enhance comfort during wet weather. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" Rosie R. explains.
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance varies seasonally across campgrounds. "Superb. Quiet, clean enough and well worth the price. Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is," notes Perrin M. about Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities. "The sites were a little close together, but being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!! There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water," shares Rosie R. about Rudd Pond.
Privacy levels: Campsite privacy varies dramatically between locations. "We did enjoy this campground. The taconic mountains offer some great flora and fauna. We had several species of frogs and toads wandering about in the evening, giant millipedes were plenty," reports John E. about Taconic State Park.
What you should know
Campground popularity timing: Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground experiences significant variation in crowd levels. "This park is FULL! Make sure to reserve at least two weeks out. Weekdays? You should be in luck!" advises Shelly B.
Site variations: Campsite quality and layout differ even within the same campground. "This place is very beautiful and rustic at the same time. The employees are all very friendly. Once you get the hang of getting around the area there is so much to do, I can't wait to go back," says Elisa Q. about Lake Taghkanic.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May to October. "This campground was one of the best I've been to. They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season," notes Seth K. regarding Lake Taghkanic's late season conditions.
Weather considerations: Rainfall can significantly impact camping experiences. "The campsites are pretty close together, so if the campground is full, you are rather close to your neighbors. It was close to half full when we were there, and it still felt like a fairly noisy campground, even after quiet hours," reports Katherine P. about Rudd Pond.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park offers dedicated children's areas. "Prospects mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," Sandra S. explains.
Scheduled activities: Family-friendly programming varies by location and season. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a nice little store and snack bar. There is also a mini golf course and a mining area where kids can 'mine' 'gems'. Kids had a blast!" shares Sandra S. about Prospect Mountain.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying facilities. "I went there with a friend and her family on Tuesday and it was awesome!" enthuses Lizz H. about Lake Taghkanic's swimming area, which maintains lifeguards during peak season.
Bathroom proximity: Consider campsite location relative to facilities when camping with children. "We had a family camping trip with lots of kids of all ages, the walk in sites are not too far off the road so it was easily manageable," notes Stacey R. about Fahnestock State Park's layout.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Mt. Greylock Campsite Park accommodates various RV sizes with terrain considerations. "Some of the sites are up hills and might be difficult for some to park their trailers. We watched a fifth wheel try to back up a hill and then turn into a site and couldn't get a grip because of the incline and the loose gravel," cautions Kim R.
Utility hookups: Water, electric and sewer connections vary by campground. "Our stay at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park was our maiden voyage for travel trailer camping and we couldn't have asked for a better first experience. The owners were SUPER helpful and friendly," shares Alison about their experience.
Leveling challenges: RV sites often require leveling blocks in this region. "I have a very large tent but was able to fit it on my site. The site was slightly slanted but that did help with drainage when we had torrential downpours," Rebecca L. explains about Mt. Greylock Campsite Park.
Seasonal site availability: Interlake RV Park & Campground offers longer-term options. "I stayed there for 3 weeks for work it was quite priced very reasonably for full hook up and about a half hour from stunning views," notes David P.
