Camping options near Great Barrington sit at elevations from 740 to 2,600 feet in the southern Berkshire Mountains. The region typically receives 47 inches of annual rainfall with summer temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby urban areas. Winter camping is severely limited with most facilities closing by mid-October due to snowfall that averages 60-80 inches annually.
What to do
Hiking to Bash Bish Falls: Access this popular waterfall via trails from Taconic State Park, located about 12 miles southwest of Great Barrington. Hikers can make the 0.75-mile trek to Massachusetts' highest single-drop waterfall. "Had a couple spots right next to each other on a group trip. There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful... we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible."
Boating on Benedict Pond: Fishing and non-motorized boating available at Beartown State Forest Campground, located 7 miles from Great Barrington. Visitors can rent canoes or bring their own watercraft with $15 launch fee. "Many visits here to my 'happy place.' With only 12 sites, 4 of which have Benedict Pond access, it's a quiet, lovely site."
Mountain hiking: Multiple trail networks connect camping areas to regional peaks. Trails from Mt. Greylock Campsite Park lead to Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,489 feet. "Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by. Staff was so accommodating-always willing to spend time giving recommendations."
What campers like
Clean swimming areas: Lake access at several campgrounds provides summer swimming options when temperatures reach 75-85°F. Lake Taghkanic State Park offers a designated swimming area with lifeguards from mid-June through Labor Day. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campground. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten."
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds feature wooden platforms for easier tent setup, particularly useful during rainy periods. "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!"
Site privacy variations: Campground layouts range from open field settings to densely wooded sites. At October Mountain State Forest Campground, "what site you get makes all the difference. There are Many, I would say most, Sites that you feel very exposed... and out in the open. Just plopped next to someone on the grass. Look for the sites that go off to the side (not on the loops) like 39-40."
What you should know
Limited services: Dispersed camping sites like Alander Trail Campground in Mount Washington State Forest require self-sufficiency. "You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots. Once you get there, theres quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit or privacy... They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby."
Alcohol restrictions: Massachusetts state forests and parks prohibit alcohol consumption, though enforcement varies. "Massachusetts does not allow alcohol in their parks." This restriction applies to October Mountain, Beartown, and Mount Washington State Forests.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience external noise. At October Mountain, "outside the entrance station (near the RV sites) is a HUGE power station that emits a hum constantly. Super annoying and an eyesore." Avoid sites nearest to infrastructure when making reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Family-friendly campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Lone Oak Camp Sites has "entertainment all weekend with lots of staff. Play areas, pool over 21 bar area bands etc. well worth a visit and close to berkshires."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature designated swimming areas, ranging from lake beaches to pools. At Taconic State Park, "2 lIfeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of. Very short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls."
Rainy day alternatives: Weather changes rapidly in the Berkshires, so identify campgrounds with indoor facilities. Lake Taghkanic State Park provides "clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days" that offers shelter during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV campers should research specific site characteristics before booking. At Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, "terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow. Tricky footing for older folks like my wife and I. Particularly since my wife uses a cane."
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds close by mid-October, with limited winter options. Facilities typically open from "May 15 - Oct 10" with some variation. Most water systems winterize after Columbus Day weekend.
Hookup variations: Electric service ranges from 30-50 amp depending on campground. Some facilities limit the number of full-hookup sites. Copake Camping Resort offers "full RV hookups with 50 & 30amp services" across multiple site types.
