Camping near New Ashford offers access to the Berkshire mountains with elevations ranging from 1,000 to over 3,500 feet at Mount Greylock's peak. The region experiences temperature swings even in summer, with nighttime temperatures often dipping into the 40s-50s°F. Several campgrounds feature bear boxes for proper food storage due to the active black bear population throughout the area.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Several campgrounds provide access to local waterfalls within hiking distance. At Mt. Greylock State Reservation, "There are plenty of options for hiking including two nearby falls, a section of the AT, and of course the summit," notes Heidi R. The falls make refreshing destinations during summer months.
Paddling on local ponds: Clarksburg State Park Campground features a pond with easy access for kayaking and paddleboarding. One camper mentioned, "The sites were waterfront and we were able to walk a few yards downhill to the waters edge where we launched our kayaks." The park's boat launch area accommodates small watercraft.
Hang gliding observation: For those interested in aerial sports, the summit of Mt. Greylock offers opportunities to watch hang gliders. As Jackie G. described her experience, "Once we reached the summit the next day, we were able to watch hang gliders take off which was awesome."
Museum visits: For rainy days, the proximity to cultural attractions provides alternatives to outdoor activities. Eric P. notes that from Historic Valley Campground, "you're about a five minute drive to mass moca or a 20-30 minute walk," making this an excellent option for arts enthusiasts.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered at certain campgrounds. At Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground, a reviewer explained, "Many of the sites (most of the ones on the periphery of the campground) are wooded and somewhat secluded, with 1-3 being the most secluded." This campground offers primarily tent camping with bear boxes at each site.
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathrooms stand out in many reviews. For Pittsfield State Forest Campground, one visitor noted, "The bathrooms were very nice and seemed like they were brand new. The bathrooms are small, but very clean. There are no drips, stains, or dirt and they seem to check in a couple of times a day to clean up if needed."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing in stocked ponds. At Pine Hollow Campground just over the Vermont border, a camper mentioned it has a "nice pond for swimming and catch and release trout fishing," making it a good option for anglers.
Ranger-led programming: Educational opportunities enhance the camping experience for many visitors. At Clarksburg State Park, "Rangers provided programming for kids and families on the weekends," offering structured activities beyond hiking and swimming.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds in this region feature steep or uneven terrain. At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, a reviewer warned about campsite location, noting, "Some of the sites are up hills and might be difficult for some to park their trailers." Choose sites carefully based on your equipment and mobility needs.
GPS reliability issues: Several campgrounds report navigation problems with GPS directions. At Savoy Mountain State Forest, a visitor cautioned, "Don't rely on GPS to get you there, it will put you on the wrong end of the park in the middle of a rural neighborhood." Always check campground websites for specific driving directions.
Limited connectivity: Cell service remains minimal throughout most of the region. A camper at Savoy Mountain described, "I had a flickering bar of coverage at the high point of the campground on Verizon, but all you MIGHT be able to do is text." For reliable service, you'll need to drive to higher elevations or nearby towns.
Water quality considerations: Swimming conditions vary significantly across locations. At Cherry Plain State Park, facilities are well-maintained, but some campgrounds have water quality issues. One visitor to South Pond warned about "debris such as broken glass and nails" affecting swimming areas.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated recreation areas: Some campgrounds offer specific amenities for children. Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites received praise for its "fun little and safe park" and pool that was "great" according to a family that visited. The camp shop also stocks basic supplies families might need.
Choose biking-friendly campgrounds: Not all campgrounds accommodate biking well. A reviewer at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park cautioned, "We always bring our bikes and love to bike through the campgrounds, but this one is not good for biking. Our little ones had trouble going down the hills because of the loose gravel." Look for flatter campgrounds if biking is important.
Consider cabin options: Several campgrounds offer cabin rentals for families wanting more shelter. Bonnie Brae Cabins provides options "with AC and small refrigerator," according to a reviewer, though they don't include bathrooms. This offers a middle ground between tent camping and hotel accommodations.
Verify bathroom facilities: Bathroom access varies widely between campgrounds. A visitor to Pittsfield State Forest noted, "Sites 1-9 are located near Berry Pond and are serviced by a pit toilet. The rest are about 1.5 miles south on the loop road." Choose sites with appropriate bathroom proximity for your family's needs.
Tips from RVers
Reserve waterfront sites strategically: Many RV campers recommend requesting pond-view sites when available. At Pine Hollow Campground, one RVer noted, "We put our trailer sideways and faced the pond. It was very lovely with a great breeze."
Check hookup locations: The placement of utilities can create challenges at some campgrounds. A visitor to Historic Valley Campground mentioned, "One issue is the hookups are spread out on your sites. So you may need extra hose or longer cord to complete your hookups." Pack extension cords and extra length water hoses.
Verify site levelness: Uneven sites are common throughout the region. A camper at Clarksburg State Park advised, "Choose your site carefully" and described how their site "was on a slope, and there was the telltale sign of stormwater runoff tracks running through the middle," which created drainage problems during rainy periods.
Research access roads: Several campgrounds have challenging approach roads. Some campers have reported difficulty with the roads to Savoy Mountain and recommend sticking to Route 2 as long as possible. Historic Valley Campground warns specifically against using GPS directions to avoid damaging larger rigs.
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