Cabin camping near Housatonic, Massachusetts puts visitors within reach of the Berkshire Mountains, where elevations range from 600 to over 2,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with fall temperatures averaging 45-65°F and summer ranging from 65-85°F. Most cabins in the area require 2-night minimum stays during peak periods from late June through early September, with many properties implementing stricter cancellation policies during leaf-peeping season.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Visitors at Taconic State Park can access trails leading to the popular Bash Bish Falls. "Bash Bish Falls, which you take a short hike across state lines into Mass," notes one camper. Another mentions, "Great hiking here as well. Sunset rock was an adventure but a blast and nearby is the main attraction Bash Bish Falls."
Swimming opportunities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers structured swimming areas with lifeguards. "2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," reports one visitor. Another adds, "The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring."
Night sky viewing: The region offers good conditions for stargazing due to minimal light pollution. A visitor at Lake Taghkanic comments, "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
What campers like
Cabin temperature control: Many cabins offer climate control options. At Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites, "The cabins you can rent have AC and small refrigerator, but no bathrooms." Another visitor confirms, "We stayed in 12 full hook up with a 27 ft slide travel trailer and it was a good size."
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds feature elevated platforms for tent setup. At Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park, "Each of the sites had a large platform (enough room for one very large tent or 2-3 smaller tents), a fire pit, and picnic table." A Lake Taghkanic visitor adds, "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Clean facilities: Cleanliness is consistently noted across several properties. One Bonnie Brae visitor reports, "Bathrooms were spotless and I saw them cleaned several times a day." Similarly, at October Mountain, a camper notes, "The rangers are super friendly and the bathrooms are clean."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds feature a mix of exposed and secluded sites. At October Mountain State Forest Campground, "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." Another visitor cautions, "What site you get makes all the difference. There are Many, I would say most, Sites that you feel very exposed."
Ambient noise considerations: Some campgrounds have background noise from nearby infrastructure. At October Mountain, "Outside the entrance station is a HUGE power station that emits a hum constantly. Super annoying and an eyesore."
Booking windows: Most cabin rentals require advance planning. Taconic State Park has specific limitations: "Fees are $15 residents and $20 non residents plus processing fees." Another campground visitor notes, "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Several properties offer structured swimming areas. At Prospect Mountain Campground, "They have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing." A visitor confirms, "Pool was lovely and refreshing. The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds run scheduled events. At Prospect Mountain, "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing."
Nature observation opportunities: The region supports diverse wildlife viewing. At Taconic State Park, one visitor reports, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric service types differ between campgrounds. Dingman's Family Campground offers electric hookups but doesn't specify amperage. One visitor notes each site "has a fire pit and a picnic table. Facilities were exceptionally clean and the camp store was stunning!"
Leveling requirements: Some sites require adjustment for proper setup. At Bonnie Brae, a visitor with a small camper reported, "I could have used leveling blocks because it was hard to find a great spot that was level side to side. Sites 27 & 29 each seemed a little more level and 29 was larger."
Seasonal site options: Several campgrounds offer longer-term arrangements. At Prospect Mountain, one visitor notes, "Wouldn't mind a seasonal lot but they're waiting list is quite long!" Another reports, "We did a three month seasonal Site. Staff is super nice and helpful."
