October Mountain State Forest offers elevated glamping experiences in Lenox Dale, Massachusetts from mid-May through mid-October. The forest features three tiers of camping, with RV sites on the lower level, tent sites in the middle, and yurts at the upper level. Temperatures fluctuate between 45-80°F during the camping season, with nighttime temperatures often requiring additional layers even in summer months.
What to do
Hiking at Savoy Mountain: The campground connects to extensive hiking trails where visitors can explore the surrounding wilderness. A camper notes, "There are some nice trails nearby, so all-in-all a good place" while another mentions "The Appalachian trail and Mt Greylock is a short drive away."
Swimming at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground: This park offers a clean swimming beach with boat rentals. One visitor shared, "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kayaks etc. Worth every penny."
Stargazing opportunities: The region's low light pollution makes it ideal for night sky viewing. A camper at Lake Taghkanic observed, "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Many campgrounds in the area offer raised platforms for tent camping, keeping equipment off potentially wet ground. A camper at Lake Taghkanic noted, "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Quiet wooded sites at Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park: Visitors appreciate the natural setting and privacy at some sites. A reviewer shared, "We stayed at a platform tent site and were able to park two vehicles on site but the grounds had plenty of parking not too far from the sites. Each of the sites had a large platform, a fire pit, and picnic table."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Savoy Mountain, a visitor reported, "Bathrooms, including showers, are clean and checked a couple of times/day. I was here on a holiday weekend and it was quiet with a few vacant sites."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking. At October Mountain State Forest Campground, a visitor noted, "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed."
Power station noise: Some campgrounds have nearby utility infrastructure. A camper at October Mountain mentioned, "Outside the entrance station (near the RV sites) is a HUGE power station that emits a hum constantly. Super annoying and an eyesore."
Bear awareness: Some sites provide bear boxes for food storage. At Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground, a visitor observed, "Bear boxes are provided at each site as this is black Bear country."
Limited cell service: Many forest locations have poor connectivity. A Savoy Mountain camper shared, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Some sites offer organized events for children. At Prospect Mountain Campground, a visitor shared, "Prospects mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing."
Child-friendly swimming areas: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming zones. At Taconic State Park, a camper noted, "2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of."
Playground access: Many campgrounds include play equipment for younger visitors. A camper at Lone Oak reported, "The campground has a nice loop for the kids to bike. North Pond has a small beach for swimming."
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills: The terrain varies significantly across campgrounds. A visitor noted, "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow. Tricky footing for older folks like my wife and I."
Full hookup availability: Most glamping sites offer basic amenities, but RV services vary. At October Mountain, a camper shared, "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."
Late check-in options: Some campgrounds accommodate after-hours arrival. A visitor at Woodland Hills mentioned, "They allow late check ins!" which can be essential for travelers arriving from a distance.
