Camping options near Housatonic, Massachusetts range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks throughout the Berkshire region. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 900-1,200 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night. The Berkshires typically receive 45-55 inches of annual precipitation, with summer thunderstorms common from June through August.
What to do
Hiking to Bash Bish Falls: Access this popular waterfall from Copake Falls Area in Taconic State Park, where "the trails in Taconic State Park are very pretty, with some grand vistas to pull over if you're some sort of nature pervert or lookie loo. Good fishin' and mushroom hunting and other things white folks like to do in these parts, too," according to Kiye A. at October Mountain State Forest Campground.
Swimming in local lakes: Lake Taghkanic State Park offers excellent swimming options where "the lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny," notes Mellisa T. Many campers appreciate the designated swimming areas with "Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails," according to Mary-Kate L.
Fishing at local ponds: Rudd Pond Area at Taconic State Park provides excellent fishing opportunities where "being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!! There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water," according to Rosie R.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds offer raised platforms that keep tents dry during wet weather. At Taconic State Park, "the platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection! The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring," notes Rosie R.
Clean facilities: Despite the rustic setting, many campgrounds maintain clean amenities. At Fernwood Forest Campground, "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy. Very clean sites and facilities are cleaned to meet COVID requirements. Very quiet. Good local access to numerous hiking trails in the area," according to Rebecca B.
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds often schedule weekend events to entertain guests. Prospect Mountain Campground offers "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," says Sandra S. at Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds in the Berkshires feature sloped terrain that affects site quality. At October Mountain, "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," advises Desiree M.
Environmental noise: Some campgrounds have unexpected ambient noise. "Outside the entrance station (near the RV sites) is a HUGE power station that emits a hum constantly. Super annoying and an eyesore," reports Trip Over Life about October Mountain State Forest.
Variable cell coverage: Most Berkshire campgrounds have spotty cellular reception due to the mountainous terrain. Signal strength typically varies between 1-2 bars with Verizon offering slightly better coverage than AT&T or T-Mobile in most locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families appreciate campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, "The rec room had some nicely maintained games (pool table, ping pong, air hockey, and more). The caretakers were very friendly and helpful," according to Nicole P.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swim areas for children. Lake Taghkanic offers "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campgound. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," notes Kurt S.
Site selection for privacy: When camping with children, request sites away from main roads. At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, "My advice would be to take the sites on the hill, nearest to the bathrooms, as all these sites seemed to be generally very well maintained," suggests a reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Electrical service quality: RV campers report voltage fluctuations at some campgrounds. At Copake Camping Resort, "the concrete patio sites once nicely maintained with gravel, woodchips and flowers were now just some flowers and weeds. The nice fire ring is still there but no more chairs," notes April L.
Site access challenges: The mountainous terrain creates tight turns at some campgrounds. At Interlake RV Park, "some of the sites are up hills and might be difficult for some to park their trailers. We watched a fifth wheel try to back up a hill and then turn into a site and couldn't get a grip because of the incline and the loose gravel," according to a reviewer.
Winter preparations: RV camping near Housatonic typically ends after Columbus Day when many parks winterize their water systems. Dump stations generally close first, followed by water hookups as freezing temperatures approach, usually by mid-October.
