Tent camping opportunities near Monterey, Massachusetts include dispersed backcountry sites in state forests and along the Appalachian Trail. Campers can access primitive sites at elevations reaching 2,600 feet with temperature variations of 10-15°F cooler than valley locations. Camping spots in this region typically require advance preparation due to limited facilities and challenging terrain.
What to do
Hiking mountain trails: The Undermountain Trail at Brassie Brook Shelter offers scenic routes for backcountry campers. "You can park at the Undermountain Trailhead area. Once you hit the AT go to the right and it goes to the summit," notes camper Tina D., who adds that despite challenging weather, "The fall views made it worth it."
Whitewater activities: The Deerfield River provides recreation options at Zoar Outdoor near Charlemont. One visitor reports, "The campground is connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river." For families seeking guided adventures, Dominick V. confirms, "Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting."
Exploring Bear Mountain: Serious hikers can tackle the challenging terrain around Riga Lean-To, approximately 30 miles from Monterey. "Make sure to hit the summit of Bear Mountain; incredible view!" advises Nora S., who found this spot after a significant hike. The area features multiple designated campsites and a communal lean-to structure.
What campers like
Wilderness solitude: The best tent camping near Monterey, Massachusetts offers genuine seclusion at several sites. At Onion Mountain Park, campers find "a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain)," according to Nora S., who adds that sites are "not very big so make sure to bring a smaller tent (no group sites) but has a firepit already set up."
Bear-proof storage options: Backcountry sites often provide bear boxes for food storage. At Brassie Brook Shelter, Nora S. observed, "There's also a bear box near by," while others recommend hanging food away from sleeping areas. "We did put a bear bag about 100 feet away," reports a camper at Onion Mountain Park, highlighting standard wilderness safety practices.
Minimal development: Campers seeking authentic forest experiences appreciate the rustic nature of sites. Ricky H. describes Windmill Hill as providing a "quiet woods atmosphere with trail's. Wonderful place to camp. Very clean," emphasizing the natural setting without excessive amenities or crowds.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary significantly between sites. While Onion Mountain Park permits campfires, with one visitor noting "we set up the tent and started a fire (very easy as there are sticks and wood everywhere)," other locations prohibit fires completely. Zoar Outdoor has restrictions, with one camper noting "They don't allow fired at the campsites though which is annoying."
Access challenges: Many tent sites require significant hiking. Chester Railway Station offers an accessible alternative, where you can "set up tents outside" near the caboose accommodation, according to Esther L., who appreciated the "very clean and comfortable" facilities.
Wildlife awareness: Bears and other animals are common. "We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy," reports a camper. Another notes, "There are a lot of bugs so be prepared," emphasizing the need for proper insect repellent and food storage.
Tips for camping with families
Start with beginner-friendly sites: For families new to camping, consider accessible options before tackling backcountry trails. "My BSA troop has been going here for years to help new scouts learn to camp," says Marshall S. about Onion Mountain Park, explaining it's "a very casual site and good for your first trip, you are close to your car and the road in case you need it."
Pack light but complete: When hiking to tent sites near Monterey, efficiency matters. "We ended up stumbling on this campsite on our way to the Riga lean-to, which was a very happy surprise," reports one camper who advises starting early because "we started pretty late in the afternoon" and faced challenging conditions.
Consider unique accommodations: Sodom Mountain Campground offers an alternative to primitive camping with improving facilities. "The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back. Great Wi-Fi now, store has been redone and grands are much nicer," reports Brad N., noting the campground is continuously improving under new ownership.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Traditional RV camping is scarce near Monterey. Most sites identified in this region are primitive tent-only locations without hookups or facilities for larger vehicles. Of the campgrounds surveyed, almost all specify hike-in access only, with no vehicle accommodation at the campsites themselves.
Nearby alternatives: For those requiring RV facilities, consider locations with more developed infrastructure beyond the immediate Monterey vicinity. Several campgrounds indicate "big-rig-friendly" status outside the immediate Berkshire Mountain region, but these typically require driving 30+ miles from Monterey proper.
