Cabin camping near New Ashford, Massachusetts places visitors at elevations between 1,600-2,100 feet in the northwestern Berkshire mountains. This area experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding regions, with summer nights often dipping below 55°F even in July. Black bears are common throughout the region's heavily forested terrain, with most campgrounds providing secure food storage options at campsites.
What to do
Kayaking at Adams Pond: Clarksburg State Park offers calm water paddling opportunities with a day use area that includes a swimming beach. "The pond and the hiking trail around it are beautiful. We'll definitely return!" notes a camper from Clarksburg State Park Campground, which maintains a boat launch area for campers with personal watercraft.
Hiking the accessible trails: Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground connects directly to extensive trail networks including the Mohawk Trail. "Ample hiking to be done in the park and you can access the Mohawk trail right from the campground, the Appalachian trail and Mt Greylock is a short drive away," explains a visitor to Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground.
Swimming in forest ponds: Several state forest campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. "North Pond has a small beach for swimming. Didnt have any luck fishing at North or South pond. A lot of hiking trails in the area," shares a visitor from Woodford State Park Campground.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region hosts diverse wildlife including deer, black bear, and various bird species. "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," reports a Woodford State Park Campground guest, highlighting the natural soundscape that characterizes many camping experiences in the area.
Clean shower facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-serviced bathroom buildings. "Bathrooms were fine, nothing special but clean. Long waits in the morning- two shower stalls and lots of teenagers," explains a Woodford State Park visitor, providing useful context about timing bathroom visits.
Secluded waterfront sites: Several campgrounds offer sites directly adjacent to rivers or ponds. "The sites are pretty close when down by the river, but the view is awesome. The road is right across the street but you cannot hear it at all and it is covered by the trees and sound of the rushing water," states a visitor to Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground.
What you should know
Bear-resistant storage required: All food must be secured in provided bear boxes or locked vehicles. "Bear boxes are provided, but I question how serious they are about the bear problem because the dumpster was not at all secure," notes one camper from Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the region have minimal or no connectivity. "This place is great, a river, hiking trails, no phone signal, what else could you ask for?" explains a visitor to Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground regarding the digital disconnect.
Site drainage considerations: Some campsites experience water issues during rain. "Our site (#6) was on a slope, and there was the telltale sign of stormwater runoff tracks running through the middle. We pitched our tents to the left and the right, which worked out well because the next day we had a stream running through our site," advises a camper from Clarksburg State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pool alternatives: Some private campgrounds offer swimming pools for families. "We stayed in 12 full hook up with a 27 ft slide travel trailer and it was a good size. Fun little and safe park and we also used the pool which was great," explains a visitor to Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Certain locations cater specifically to families with younger children. "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great! Boat rentals!" shares a Woodford State Park visitor.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer designated play areas. "Great playground, pool and pirate ship. We were there with the Scouts and took up a huge grassy area with tents," notes a visitor from Country Aire Campgrounds, describing the recreational amenities available for children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most state forest campgrounds provide minimal services. "There are RV sites and there is a dump station/potable water fill station available at the park entrance, but no RV hook ups of any kind," explains a Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground visitor.
Leveling challenges: Many campsites in the mountainous terrain require leveling equipment. "I could have used leveling blocks because it was hard to find a great spot that was level side to side. Sites 27 & 29 each seemed a little more level and 29 was larger," advises a Bonnie Brae visitor.
Site selection guidance: Review site maps carefully before booking. "That hill there's no place for larger RVs here unless they were to decide to use the field at the bottom," notes a Privacy Campground visitor about the terrain limitations for larger rigs.
