Camping options near Lenox Dale, Massachusetts include tent sites, cabin rentals, and RV accommodations spread across state forests and private campgrounds. The region sits in the Berkshire Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,000-2,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than nearby lowland areas. Many campsites feature elevated platforms for tents to provide level surfaces on the hilly terrain.
What to do
Waterfront activities at Lake Taghkanic: Just across the New York border, Lake Taghkanic State Park offers swimming, boating and fishing. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campground. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," notes Kurt S. about Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground.
Hiking to waterfalls: The Taconic State Park at Copake Falls provides direct trail access to Bash Bish Falls. "There is plenty of hiking access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water. There is a lot of hiking in the area- def check out Bash Bish Falls!" recommends Rosie R. about Rudd Pond Area.
Stargazing opportunities: Low light pollution makes the area excellent for night sky viewing, especially at higher elevation campgrounds. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," shares Seth K. from Lake Taghkanic State Park.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Many campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms that keep tents dry during wet weather. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" reports Rosie R. about Taconic State Park. Another camper adds, "There are both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits."
Clean shower facilities: Several campgrounds maintain exceptional bathroom facilities. "Superb. Quiet, clean enough and well worth the price. Showers are hot and there's great water pressure," notes Perrin M. about Lake Taghkanic State Park. At Fernwood Forest Campground, a camper reports, "The host is extremely friendly. She greeted us with the warmest of smiles and a goodie bag full of information. The sites are big and this has to be the cleanest campground I've ever visited!"
Wooded privacy: Many campsites feature natural separation between sites. "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy," reports Rebecca B. about Fernwood Forest Campground. Similarly, at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, campers appreciate that "this campground has a lot of ducks and crannies and so many different levels up and down the hill and valley and just a beautiful peaceful place in the woods."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area close by mid-October, with few winter options. "October Mountain State Forest Campground offers electric, sewer and water hookups from mid-May to mid-October." Prospect Mountain notes their season runs "May 1 to Columbus Day," while Lake Taghkanic operates "May 6 to October 15."
Varied terrain and accessibility: Many campgrounds feature significant elevation changes. "The campground is situated on a hill overlooking Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park. Almost all of the sites have platforms to pitch your tent on, although there are a couple of flatter spots without platforms (although they still have a slope)," reports Katherine P.
Shower availability: October Mountain State Forest offers free showers, though availability varies by location. "The bathrooms are clean. The rangers are super friendly and the bathrooms are clean," notes Sandra G. At Pittsfield State Forest, "The bath house was great. Four private shower rooms (2 for men, 2 for women). They also had outdoor showers and a dish washing station."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options for kids: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas suitable for different ages. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," shares Sandra S. about Prospect Mountain Campground. Another visitor mentions, "The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around."
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails. Bathrooms on site as well as showers," notes Mary-Kate L. about Lake Taghkanic, which also has "a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing provides learning experiences. At Pittsfield State Forest, families can enjoy "salamander spotting along forest trails during wet conditions." One visitor notes, "Loved the salamanders!" Others appreciate the natural setting where "kids can 'mine' gems" at some of the activity-focused rv sites near Lenox Dale, Massachusetts.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RVers should carefully consider site location when booking near Lenox Dale. "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," notes Desiree M. about October Mountain. For more privacy, she recommends looking "for the sites that go off to the side (not on the loops) like 39-40."
Power options: Many campgrounds offer varied electrical hookups. At Prospect Mountain, they provide "electric-hookups with fifty-amp hookups" for RV sites near Lenox Dale, Massachusetts. Camp Catskills also offers "electric hookups, sanitary dump, sewer hookups, and water hookups" though amenities like showers might not be available at all locations.
Level site availability: Finding level ground can be challenging at some campgrounds. At Pittsfield State Forest, "Our site was level but not all of them appeared to be so." Another visitor mentioned, "Campsites are rocky, had to re-arrange tent to get off rock." RVers should call ahead to request specific information about site grading and leveling needs before arrival.
