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, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 392-3557

    $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

643 Reviews of 176 Hancock Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 26, 2025

    North-South Lake Campground

    Beautiful grounds HORRIBLE STAFF

    I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.

    We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.

     At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry. 

    She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out. 

    We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well. 

    The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager. 

    Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm. 

    The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

    We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids. 

    We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families. 

    This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Zoar Outdoor

    Nice and would like to visit again but not within 12 hours-BOO

    I’m writing this mid-October from western MA. In between homes and looked forward to staying another night, but can not because of a 12 hour advance policy. There were plenty of tent sites available last night. Not a happy camper.

  • Carroll K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    It was quite and peaceful

    We enjoyed our stay with Gus very much. With the email to confirm our stay, there were excellent directions to get there. It is behind his home by a lake with creek nearby. There is also a hiking trail. We had no problems. If we are in the area again, we would camp here again.  Thanks

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy

    Amazing camping spots with fire pits!

    Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river). No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service.


Guide to Hancock

Camping near Hancock, Massachusetts allows access to both the Berkshire Mountains and the surrounding state forests throughout elevations ranging from 800-3,000 feet. The region transitions between dense hardwood forest and open meadows with temperature swings that can drop 15-20 degrees at night even in summer. Most campgrounds operate on seasonal schedules with closures from mid-October through mid-May due to harsh New England winters and challenging road conditions.

What to do

Hike to waterfalls: Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground offers access to several waterfalls within short hiking distance. "Went to Tannery Falls, beautiful waterfall. About a 20 minute drive away, worth a visit," notes a recent visitor.

Summit Mt. Greylock: The highest peak in Massachusetts provides multiple access trails from surrounding campgrounds. "We hiked around during the days and saw some spectacular views. The hike up to the summit wasn't too far from the camp sites, probably took us about a half hour at a brisk pace," explains a camper at Sperry Road Campground.

Visit Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art: Located in North Adams, approximately 20 minutes from several campgrounds. "Savoy campground provides a nice base if you're in the area for a while and want to explore North Adams, Mt. Greylock, or rafting/tubing out of Charlemont. Each of these places is 20-45 minutes away," notes a camper.

Fish at nearby ponds: Multiple campgrounds feature pond access for fishing. "Pontoosuc Lake is a short walk away; there are boat rentals available and I saw a number of people fishing from Pontoosuc Park just above the dam," reports a visitor to Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites.

What campers like

Private, wooded sites: Mt. Greylock Campsite Park receives high marks for site privacy. "Sites were large and wooded. Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by," writes one reviewer. Another adds, "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 sites were wooded and large."

Clean facilities: Fernwood Forest Campground stands out for cleanliness. "This has to be the cleanest campground I've ever visited!" reports one camper. Another notes, "Very clean sites and facilities are cleaned to meet COVID requirements. Very quiet."

Wildlife viewing: Bear boxes at campground sites indicate active wildlife. "The bear lockers are roomy and clean and could double as storage to keep items out of the rain (highly recommend reviewing being 'bear aware' as we had a sighting in our neighboring site)," explains a visitor at Sperry Road Campground.

Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas. "The pond is beautiful," writes a visitor to Cherry Plain State Park Campground, while another adds, "The pool was cold, but really nice and again very clean," regarding Mt. Greylock Campsite Park.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have minimal to no connectivity. "No cell service or internet, but the site is close enough to town if you need," notes a Cherry Plain State Park visitor. Another camper at Savoy Mountain explains, "I had a flicking bar of coverage at the high point of the campground on Verizon, but all you MIGHT be able to do is text."

Power station noise: Several reviewers mention persistent noise at October Mountain State Forest Campground. "There is an electrical plant that has a hum all day & night—makes for great white noise when sleeping," writes one camper. Another adds, "Super annoying and an eyesore."

Bear safety requirements: Black bears inhabit the region, requiring proper food storage. "Bear boxes are provided at each site as this is black Bear country," reports a Savoy Mountain camper. Another notes, "They also had bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings at each site."

Navigation challenges: GPS directions often fail in this region. "Don't rely on GPS to get you there it will put you on the wrong end of the park in the middle of a rural neighborhood," warns a Savoy Mountain camper. "Use the directions provided on the website, they are far more reliable."

Tips for camping with families

Playground options: Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites offers family amenities. "Fun little and safe park and we also used the pool which was great," mentions one visitor. Another camper at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills notes, "Over the weekend they had organized corn hole games and several other ways to get physical and have a blast."

Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule family events on weekends. "They have hayrides, many activities, themed weekends. Activities going on all the time. Great place for family and kids," reports a camper at Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds.

Kid-friendly hiking: Several trails accommodate various skill levels. "The campground has a nice loop for the kids to bike," notes a Savoy Mountain camper. At Sperry Road Campground, a visitor reports, "There are plenty of options for hiking including two nearby falls, a section of the AT, and of course the summit."

Recreation halls: Indoor options for rainy days exist at some campgrounds. "The rec room had some nicely maintained games (pool table, ping pong, air hockey, and more)," writes a Mt. Greylock Campsite Park visitor.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Sites are closer together and on the smaller side," notes an October Mountain State Forest camper. At Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, a visitor reports, "The site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow."

Limited hookups: Full hookup availability varies between campgrounds. "No hookups, but a dumping station," reports a Savoy Mountain camper. Meanwhile, at Pittsfield State Forest Campground, another notes, "Sites were large and had plenty of room for our 4 person tent, kitchen tent and car."

Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "The other road that accesses the campground is nearly unpassable with an RV, and there are signs about being toed at your own expense," warns a visitor to Savoy Mountain State Forest.

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.