Best Campgrounds near Hancock, MA

The Berkshire mountains around Hancock, Massachusetts contain numerous established campgrounds including October Mountain State Forest and Mt. Greylock State Reservation. Most campgrounds offer a mix of tent and RV camping, with some providing cabin options. Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites features developed sites with full hookups, while more primitive options exist at several state forests. The campground landscape extends from Pittsfield State Forest in the south to Historic Valley Campground near North Adams, covering diverse terrain across this mountainous region.

Many state park campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October due to the region's cold winters. October Mountain State Forest Campground provides access to the Appalachian Trail and nearby Housatonic River, though several reviews mention the noise from a power station near the entrance. Pittsfield State Forest maintains camping areas with both electric hookups and more primitive sites. Most campgrounds require reservations, with significantly higher fees for out-of-state visitors. A recent reviewer noted, "Massachusetts charges out-of-state residents 3x as much to camp," which can be an important consideration for travelers from neighboring New York or Vermont.

Waterfront camping options receive particular attention in visitor reviews. Clarksburg State Park features pond-adjacent sites that campers praise for their peaceful setting. The campground at Savoy Mountain State Forest provides access to hiking trails directly from tent sites. Several campgrounds maintain bear boxes at individual sites due to wildlife activity in the region. A visitor to Clarksburg State Park commented, "Sites were large and well spaced with trees in between so that you felt privacy." Campers consistently mention the region's natural beauty, access to hiking, and relative proximity to small Berkshire towns as key highlights. State forest campgrounds typically feature more basic amenities compared to private operations like Bonnie Brae, which offers a camp store, showers, and trash collection.

Best Camping Sites Near Hancock, Massachusetts (176)

    1. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park

    30 Reviews
    Lanesborough, MA
    5 miles
    +1 (413) 447-9419

    $40 - $70 / night

    "Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by. Staff was so accommodating-always willing to spend time giving recommendations."

    "Great family atmosphere w very positive neighbors and owners... Fantastic. 5 stars"

    2. Sperry Road Campground — Mount Greylock State Reservation

    15 Reviews
    New Ashford, MA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 499-4262

    $8 - $35 / night

    "We arrived at the shelter and there were some campers we greeted and then we pitched a tent nearby (vincinity camping allowed)."

    "The site was clean, dry, and a nice walk off the main trail. The staff was friendly as well. We hikes around during the days and saw some spectacular views."

    3. Pittsfield State Forest Campground

    9 Reviews
    Hancock, MA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 442-8992

    $14 - $35 / night

    "Sites 1-9 are located near Berry Pond and are serviced by a pit toilet. The rest are about 1.5 miles south on the loop road."

    "Stayed in a campsite near the road and the brook. It was clean and quiet. The road was right next to the site, but most drivers were respectful and drove slow."

    4. Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Lanesborough, MA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 442-3754

    $39 - $95 / night

    "It's a compact,clean campground tucked at the end of a quiet neighborhood street, within walking distance to a lake. Many of the RV site are occupied by seasonal campers, and the sites are well-kept."

    "It’s located off a dead end street . There is a lame right down the street. They have cabins, tent sites and everything sites. Have a small camp store. But downtown Pittsfield very close by."

    5. October Mountain State Forest Campground

    16 Reviews
    Lenox Dale, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 243-1778

    $17 - $55 / night

    "I tent camped here in night while exploring the fishing in Western Massachusetts.

    The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside."

    "Some of the sites are very visible and a few are tucked away into the woods with privacy. Most are pretty close to their neighbors."

    6. Cherry Plain State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cherry Plain, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 733-5400

    $14 - $17 / night

    "We love the loop of sites near the entrance near the water for views but close to the bathroom, ranger station, and trails. Farther from the beach so there is less impact from the day visitors."

    "There are a number of “walk in” sites that are all lovely, I suggest the sites toward the back of the park.

    Hot showers, bathrooms, and dishwashing stations are available."

    7. Fernwood Forest Campground

    6 Reviews
    Hinsdale, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 655-2292

    "Good local access to numerous hiking trails in the area. We’ll certainly go again the future."

    8. Spacious Skies Woodland Hills

    7 Reviews
    West Stockbridge, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 392-3557

    $29 - $999 / night

    "The staff was helpful, the site was pretty and there are so many places to hike and the best of the Berkshires so close by."

    "However the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow.Tricky footing for older folks like my wife and I."

    9. Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    8 Reviews
    Florida, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 663-8469

    $17 - $60 / night

    "This state forest campground offers large sites, some of them on a grassy open area or tucked into the woods."

    "We camp with a pop up and reserved site 11, the orientation of the site did not work and we switched to site 10. 10 & 11 are connected by a path, good for people traveling in a group."

    10. Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    7 Reviews
    Petersburg, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 658-3659
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Recent Reviews near Hancock, MA

632 Reviews of 176 Hancock Campgrounds


  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Grout Pond Loop

    Camping Grout Pond Loop is truly nice after Labor Day (Sept 5-7). Campsites 15 & 16 offer pull-out space to turn around truck campers --we lucked out w/ 4 wheel camper pop-up). Over hanging trees would make it difficult for larger equipment, plus saw posting that excludes trailers from certain roads. We reserved well in advance; however many fellow campers were trying to find first come sites and ended up hiking in to camp around pond sites. Sites are in eye-site of each other but you don't feel crowded. Temps during day around 65-70 F. Nights dipped to 45-55F.
    We saw deer & turkeys driving the surrounding woods after short hikes.
    We love chatting w locals and learned of a special shrine that was faithfully built from stone to resemble original in modern day Turkey. What a special & serene place.

  • Lorraine H.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    2 month stay started July

    It's ok great water views stuff for kids to do every weekend it's the seasonal campers that make it not fun at times u have some very friendly then others that are noisy judging ,parting witch parting really ain't problem until ur not watching ur kids or being loud at times I give it a 7 out of 10

  • Andy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Large Area with Fire Pit in the middle

    This was a great site.  I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially the just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend.  Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space for the upcoming weekend.

    The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers.  It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd.  There weren't many mosquitoes either.  Hiking trail to Stratton Pond close by.

  • Kenneth P.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    Not So Bad

    We spent one night at site #20 and enjoyed our stay.  It was rather peaceful other than the hum of I-91. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were generally wooded, pretty level, and fairly spread apart from one another.  I saw no signs of the problems identified in the June 2025 review.  Yes, I must agree that the restrooms are old, but they were clean.  The other problems might happen anywhere and were obviously brought under control.  Clearly, the writer of the June 2025 post knew way more than any weekend camper would be aware of and this shows that is more to their story that should have been revealed in their post.

  • M
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds

    kids always have a blast!

    We went for the Halloween event, and the kids had a great day and evening! They really enjoyed trick or treating!!!

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.

  • Ricky H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Not terrible

    Site was littered with places previous campers had left human excrement. While not in the site directly, it was all around it. Also had someone who decided to use the area to sight in his rifle. Which was very unexpected as it was incredibly loud with no warning at all. Was not aware this was a gun range. Tried to flag down a park ranger, but he just drove on by.


Guide to Hancock

Camping near Hancock, Massachusetts, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families and nature lovers alike.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the trails leading to Kaaterskill Falls, noting that “the trail to the Mountain House Site is also pretty easy, with more of an incline,” making it accessible for various skill levels.
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds, like North-South Lake Campground, have lakes with swimming areas. One visitor mentioned, “There are two nice lakes with beaches,” perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers around Hancock are great for fishing. Campers have found success, with one stating, “Great hikes and fishing!” at Emerald Lake State Park Campground.

What campers like

  • Privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites. One reviewer at Kenneth L Wilson Campground said, “The sites seem more spread out than in other Catskill camping sites,” which adds to the overall experience.
  • Clean facilities: Campgrounds like Mt. Greylock Campsite Park are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor noted, “The bathrooms were well maintained,” which is always a plus when camping.
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. At Moose Hillock Camping Resorts, one guest remarked, “The staff was nice,” making for a welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds, including North-South Lake Campground, have little to no cell service. One camper shared, “There is NO cell service and just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged,” so be prepared to disconnect.
  • Bear activity: Campers should be cautious about food storage due to bear sightings. A visitor at Kenneth L Wilson Campground mentioned, “There’s a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important.”
  • Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds have specific open seasons. For example, Emerald Lake State Park Campground is open from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend, so plan your trip accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One family at Jamaica State Park Campground enjoyed, “A great playground and fun playing in the river,” making it a hit for kids.
  • Spacious sites: Choose campgrounds that offer larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Woodford State Park Campground noted, “Sites near T38 have a great elevated view of the reservoir,” providing a nice space for family activities.
  • Plan for rain: Be prepared for wet weather by bringing tarps or lean-tos. One family at Emerald Lake State Park Campground found their lean-to helpful during a rainy weekend.

Tips from RVers

  • Big rig friendly: Many campgrounds, like Lake George RV Park, cater to larger RVs. A visitor mentioned, “Level sites and very large,” making it easier for RVers to set up.
  • Check for amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups and clean facilities. One RVer at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts appreciated, “Clean facilities,” which is essential for a comfortable stay.
  • Plan for extra fees: Be aware of potential extra charges, like early arrival fees. One camper at Lake George RV Park noted, “Had to pay $100 for early arrival!!!” so check the rules before you go.

Camping near Hancock, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hancock, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hancock, MA offers a wide range of camping options, with 176 campgrounds and RV parks near Hancock, MA and 21 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hancock, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hancock, MA is Mt. Greylock Campsite Park with a 4.6-star rating from 30 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hancock, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Hancock, MA.