Camping near Monterey, Massachusetts centers on state forest properties scattered throughout the Berkshire region. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet, creating cooler camping conditions even during summer months. Most campgrounds in this area operate limited seasons from April or May through October, with significantly different pricing structures for residents versus out-of-state visitors.
What to do
Swimming in Otis Reservoir: The Tolland State Forest Campground offers a small sandy beach area with a pavilion and grills. According to a camper, "Small area of sandy beach with a pavilion and grills. The comfort stations have flush toilets and there are only three hot showers within the campground."
Explore Mount Greylock: Mt. Greylock Campsite Park provides access to Massachusetts' highest peak. "This campground is a less than five minute drive to the visitors station at the base of Mt. Greylock. The sites were roomy and we had water and electrical hookups," notes one visitor.
Hiking to Bash Bish Falls: Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park offers trail access to this regional waterfall. A camper explains, "Trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible."
Fishing in local waters: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground offers excellent angling opportunities. "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots," reports one fisherman, noting that it's "excellent campground for tent campers."
What campers like
Waterfront access: Tolland State Forest Campground features lakefront sites for water enthusiasts. As one camper notes, "We have brought out kayaks and took off right from the site. There are rocks to get into the water but the water is clean and not mucky."
Natural soundscapes: Night sounds add to the camping experience in several locations. A Tolland State Forest visitor mentions, "Owls hooting every night around midnight," creating natural ambiance.
Wooded privacy: Beartown State Forest Campground offers secluded sites. A regular visitor describes it as their "happy place," noting that "with only 12 sites, 4 of which have Benedict Pond access, it's a quiet, lovely site."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms. A visitor to Beartown State Forest noted, "Probably the cleanest bathrooms I've ever used at a state park," indicating maintenance standards exceed expectations at some locations.
What you should know
Site variability: October Mountain State Forest Campground features significant differences between campsites. A visitor warns, "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."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds have shifted to advance booking only. One camper experienced this at October Mountain: "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed, second it tells you that the fee is $17.50 per site, I expected a little added extra fee for booking etc.... check out was $58.50 per night."
Terrain challenges: Campgrounds in the Berkshires often feature uneven terrain. A visitor to Spacious Skies Woodland Hills noted, "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are."
Cell service limitations: Some campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, a camper points out, "No cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Prospect Mountain Campground offers numerous family activities. A visitor notes, "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."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer ranger programs. At Tolland State Forest, a camper mentioned their "daughter loved the campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff."
Weekend timing considerations: Weekends bring larger crowds to many campgrounds. One visitor to Taconic State Park advises, "This was a truly great campground, but it's proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends."
Animal encounters: Wildlife sightings are common in these wooded settings. A camper at White Pines Campsites reported, "We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At October Mountain State Forest, RV sites are organized by terrain. A visitor explains, "The campground has 3 sections, located on different tiers of a hill. The lower level has RV sites, middle has tent sites, and upper has a few yurts."
Terrain challenges: Leveling can be difficult at some campgrounds. A visitor to Prospect Mountain noted some sites were "on the water looked nice," but they generally found "lots of trees and shade," which can be beneficial in summer but challenging for larger rigs.
Utility access: Full hookups aren't universal across area campgrounds. At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, a camper mentioned, "We had water and electrical hookups," but availability varies by campground and specific site.
Seasonal options: Long-term stays are possible at some locations. A visitor to Prospect Mountain Campground mentioned, "We did a three month seasonal Site. Staff is super nice and helpful. We had a nice quiet spot even though we were in the road to the lake."
