Tent campsites near Lenox Dale, Massachusetts range from primitive backcountry sites to established campgrounds with basic amenities. The western Massachusetts region features elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet in the Berkshire Mountains, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. Summer highs typically reach 75-85°F while overnight lows can drop to 45-55°F, requiring campers to pack layers regardless of season.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: Campers staying at Zoar Outdoor can participate in rafting and other water activities on the Deerfield River. "The campground is connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river. It's close to where locals jump off outcrops into the lazy river and hang out on the river side," reports Seth K.
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Access challenging sections of the AT from Riga Lean-To, located just south of Lenox Dale. A camper named Nora S. recommends: "Make sure to hit the summit of Bear Mountain; incredible view!" The trail features steep inclines and rocky terrain.
Train watching: Set up a tent on the grassy field at Chester Railway Station where you'll experience passing trains throughout your stay. Esther L. notes: "It is a really fun place to spend a night, especially for a train enthusiast. The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too. You hear the trains running at night."
What campers like
Bear safety infrastructure: The bear boxes at Alander Trail Camground provide peace of mind for food storage. Kay D. explains: "You will be in the heart of the forest/woods so definitely make sure to be prepared. We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy. They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby."
Staff service: The helpful personnel at some campgrounds enhance the experience. Dominick V. shared about Zoar Outdoor: "Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting. Amenities are well maintained. Could use a refresh but overall great experience will be back."
Trail accessibility: Many campsites connect directly to hiking trails. At Brassie Brook Shelter, Nora S. found: "We ended up stumbling on this campsite on our way to the Riga lean-to, which was a very happy surprise. We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41, and climbed up the mountain."
What you should know
No fires policy: Several backcountry campsites prohibit campfires. Seth K. mentions about Zoar Outdoor: "They don't allow fires at the campsites though which is annoying and their quiet hours are quite oppressive."
Limited facilities: Most backcountry sites offer minimal amenities. Daniel S. notes about Seth Warner Shelter: "Its .2 miles off the Lt/At and sleeps 6-7 people. There is a fire pit. The long trail is a very wet nasty trail but it can be dry so be careful having a fire. Hang your food! Watch for bears and coons."
Prepare for wildlife: Bears and other animals are active throughout the region. Remember to use bear boxes when available and hang food properly. Kay D. reports encountering "some scares with coyotes and bears" at Alander Trail Campground.
Pack in water: Most backcountry sites don't have potable water sources. Plan to carry all drinking water needed for your trip, particularly for hike-in sites that may require 1-2 miles of walking with gear.
Tips for camping with families
Start with accessible sites: For families with young children, consider Sodom Mountain Campground which has improved under new ownership. Brad N. reports: "All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired. The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back. Great Wi-Fi now, store has been redone and grands are much nicer."
Pack extra layers: The significant temperature drops in the Berkshires can catch unprepared families off guard. Even summer nights require warm sleeping bags and clothing.
Plan shorter hikes: When backpacking with children to tent sites, choose locations with shorter access trails. Annmarie J. mentions Alander Trail Campground is "about a mile hike from the trailhead," making it manageable for older children.
Consider camping zones: Look for sites with designated areas that provide some privacy. Kay D. notes that at Alander Trail Campground "theres quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit of privacy."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Lenox Dale is tent-focused with few developed RV sites. The majority require hike-in access unsuitable for RV camping.
Nearby alternatives: Sodom Mountain Campground offers some big-rig friendly spaces about 30 miles from Lenox Dale. Brad N. suggests: "Looking forward to coming back next year to stay for a month like I did this year. Since it is a work in progress, I can't give 5 stars this summer."
Consider cabins instead: If traveling with an RV isn't possible, Chester Railway Station offers cabin accommodations with the option to set up additional tents nearby. This provides a compromise for those wanting vehicle access with a more rustic experience.
