October Mountain State Forest offers tent and yurt camping opportunities near Hinsdale, Massachusetts at 1,500 feet elevation in the Berkshire Mountains. The forest encompasses over 16,500 acres of woodland with campsites situated at varying elevations. Temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months, with average nighttime lows in the 50s during peak camping season.
What to do
Hiking on Marsh Trail: The hiking networks at October Mountain State Forest Campground connect to various terrains. "You have to check out the marsh trail it is absolutely stunning. The camp ground is very close to the local supper market and not much further from a hospital," shares Adam S., highlighting practical nearby amenities.
Swimming at Nearby Ponds: Approximately 20 minutes from Hinsdale, Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground offers multiple swimming locations. "North Pond was a very peaceful area to enjoy while we stayed at Savoy, but when we attempted to swim at South Pond, we didn't stay very long due to the debris such as broken glass and nails," notes Brian T., suggesting visitors stick to North Pond.
Winter Recreation: While most Hinsdale yurt camping operates seasonally, nearby Country Aire Campgrounds provides access to winter activities. "This place is very quiet even with all the kids. We are very close to Berkshire East, in a small town of Shelburne Falls," mentions Jason A., referencing the nearby ski area accessible during winter months.
What campers like
Campsite Variety: Woodland Hills campground offers multiple site types about 25 minutes from Hinsdale. "The pond has a fountain which sounds like a small waterfall at night, and wildflowers were in bloom. Very nice bathrooms and showers, and my dog loved the dog park," reports Ann B., noting amenities beyond standard camping facilities.
Family Activities: Weekend programming enhances the camping experience at several locations. "They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through," Jason A. comments about Northampton/Springfield KOA, which runs regular family events about 40 minutes from Hinsdale yurt camping options.
Terrain Options: Site selection matters significantly for comfort. "This campground is at the base of October mountain. The sites are varied from grassy meadows by the entrance to wooded canopys uphill," notes Faith B., describing the topographical diversity at October Mountain State Forest. Campers can choose between meadow exposure or forest shade depending on preference.
What you should know
Noise Considerations: The campgrounds near Hinsdale have varying noise levels. "There is a station nearby that offers a constant hum and during the week there are trucks going in and out before 7am. The closer to the street side the worse it is," warns Desiree M. about October Mountain, suggesting requesting sites farther from roads.
Utility Access: Not all sites offer equal amenities. "No hookups, but a dumping station. Bear boxes are provided, but I question how serious they are about the bear problem because the dumpster was not at all secure," observes Jean C. at Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground.
Reservation Requirements: Booking policies vary significantly. "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed, second it yells you that the fee is $17.50 per site, I expected a little added extra fee for booking etc.... check out was $58.50 per night," reports SomadNomad M., highlighting unexpected fee structures at October Mountain.
Tips for camping with families
Playground Options: Prospect Mountain Campground offers comprehensive children's facilities. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing. 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'," describes Sandra S.
Bathroom Proximity: With young children, bathroom access becomes crucial. "Bathrooms at a distance for most sites. They could use some updating but served their purpose. Campground has a nice loop for the kids to bike," notes Lauren about Savoy Mountain State Forest, suggesting families request sites closer to facilities.
Evening Temperatures: Pack additional warm clothing even during summer months. "A clean and for the most part quiet camp spot. However it is near an electrical plant that has a hum all day & night—makes for great white noise when sleeping," mentions Tiff H. about October Mountain, noting the consistent background noise that some find helpful for sleeping despite cooler nighttime temperatures.
Tips from RVers
Site Gradient: The elevation changes in Berkshire campgrounds create challenges for RV leveling. "Our specific site was a little close to others, but not all were like that. The whole area is a really nice area," explains Jackie G. about October Mountain, suggesting requesting specific sites based on rig requirements.
Power Limitations: Electrical access varies between campgrounds near Hinsdale. "There are RV sites and there is a dump station/potable water fill station available at the park entrance, but no RV hook ups of any kind," advises Bill K. about Savoy Mountain State Forest, important information for RVers requiring consistent power.
Seasonal Access: Most campgrounds in the Hinsdale area operate seasonally. "We did a three month seasonal Site. Staff is super nice and helpful. We had a nice quiet spot even though we were on the road to the lake," shares John M. about Prospect Mountain Campground, indicating longer-term options exist for extended stays during the May-October camping season.
