Glamping options close to Leyden, Massachusetts are situated in the Green Mountains and Berkshire foothills, with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,400 feet. This area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cooler evenings dropping to 55-65°F. Most campgrounds in this region sit alongside rivers, ponds, or small lakes that provide natural water features for recreation.
What to do
Hiking to mountain views: At Molly Stark State Park Campground, trails connect to larger networks. "The hike up Mt. Olga is 1.7 miles (round trip). There's a fire tower at the top, which provides awesome views of the Green Mountains. It's also fun to explore the relics of the old Hogback Ski Resort," writes Tara S. The trails from the park connect to Hogback Mountain Conservation area.
Tubing and rafting: The Deerfield River runs through several campgrounds in the area. "Beautiful river to float down or paddle up. Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," notes Michael M. about Ashuelot River Campground. Most rental locations charge $25-45 for basic equipment.
Exploring nearby towns: Many glamping spots provide access to historic New England towns. "You can continue on the hiking trail to a cute brewery/pizza place or even a distillery. If hiking is not for you it's a 3 minute car ride away," writes Kitty about nearby attractions from Molly Stark State Park.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Sites at Woodford State Park Campground offer varying degrees of seclusion. "The campsites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice. They also have cabins you can rent," mentions Jenny A. Many campers appreciate the outer ring sites for maximum privacy.
Clean facilities: Bathroom quality is consistently mentioned in reviews. "The bathroom was the best I've seen camping, very clean and updated and honestly gorgeous. Everyone else there was super nice and quiet," writes Beck P. Most glamping options provide toilet facilities with regular cleaning schedules.
Winter access: Unlike most glamping sites that close after Columbus Day, Country Aire Campgrounds extends its season. "We are very close to Berkshire East, in a small town of Shelburne Falls," notes Jason A., referencing the nearby ski area. This provides a rare off-season option for cold-weather glamping enthusiasts.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty throughout the region. "There is zero cell service (there is an operational pay phone at the showers) which is fine... but wished we knew ahead of time," warns Tim S. about Erving State Forest. Most glamping locations recommend downloading maps before arrival.
Seasonal weather fluctuations: The region experiences significant temperature drops at night. "Nights were quiet. Very limited cell service," writes Lauren about Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground. Pack additional layers even in summer months when temperatures can drop below 50°F.
Wildlife encounters: Black bears are active in the area. "Bear boxes are provided, but I question how serious they are about the bear problem because the dumpster was not at all secure," notes Jean C. Most glamping sites require proper food storage and waste management.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Shir-Roy Camping Area receives praise for its water access. "Love it. Good bathroom, nice people, great lake," writes Beth L. Several glamping sites feature swimming areas with gradual entry points suitable for children.
Playground availability: Several campgrounds feature family-oriented facilities. "This campground is family oriented. They have a pool, they have games, we even have a hayride pulled by a tractor," explains Jason A. Most family-friendly sites schedule weekend activities during peak season (June-August).
Noise considerations: Campground atmosphere varies significantly. "Quiet hours start at 10 but it was silent after about 9 which was so amazing," reports Beck P. Families with younger children might prefer sites further from main roads where traffic noise can disrupt sleep.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some roads to glamping sites have restrictions. "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits," advises John L. about Ashuelot River Campground. Several access routes prohibit vehicles over 11 feet tall or 12 tons.
Site selection: Larger RVs should research specific sites. "The sites that are near the small pond are generally larger and have better space," notes Jean C. about Otter River State Forest. Many glamping locations feature premium sites with improved RV access.
Hookup availability: Electric options vary widely. "We were in site 111, a nice flat grassy site with water and 20amp electric," explains Rae-Ann W. Most sites offering glamping accommodations near Leyden provide 20-30 amp service rather than 50 amp connections for larger units.
