Camping spots near New Marlborough, Massachusetts range from primitive sites in state forests to developed facilities with waterfront access. The area sits in the southern Berkshires at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than nearby lowlands. Winter camping season typically ends by late October when overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing, with most campgrounds reopening by mid-May.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access the stunning Bash Bish Falls via trails from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park, which sits at the Massachusetts-New York border. "Very short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls," notes a visitor. Another camper adds that during low water periods, "we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible."
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line in the many waterways near camping areas. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, "fishing the Farmington" is a major draw. One angler explains it's "excellent for tent campers. Right on the Farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots." The campground provides "great location for fishing and hiking (Henry Buck Trail)."
Mountain exploration: For primitive backcountry experiences, hike into Alander Trail Campground in Mount Washington State Forest. A camper describes it as "about a mile hike from the trailhead" with sites that are "easy to find off the trail." The sites include bear boxes, and according to one visitor, the "area was immaculate and not one piece of trash on the ground anywhere!"
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a key factor. At October Mountain State Forest Campground, reviews note that "the bathrooms are clean" and "the rangers are super friendly." Another camper points out that despite the campground being "run-down," bathrooms were "clean enough."
Waterfront sites: Many campgrounds feature water access, with lakefront spots particularly valued. At Tolland State Forest Campground, "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." Another review mentions the "small area of sandy beach with a pavilion and grills."
Privacy between sites: Site layout and vegetation create varying degrees of privacy. One camper at Tolland noted "plenty of vegetation between sites," while another mentioned their site "was very spacious and set back from the road so had more privacy." At Prospect Mountain Campground, campers appreciate the "lots of trees and shade" that help separate sites, though visibility varies by season as "there would be more privacy once they filled out."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-May through mid-October. October Mountain State Forest Campground runs "mid May to mid October," while Taconic State Park has a slightly longer season from "May 6 to November 27."
Environmental considerations: Campers should properly store food due to wildlife activity. At Alander Trail Campground, visitors had "some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy." Sites provide "a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby."
Noise factors: Campground noise varies significantly by location and day of week. At Lone Oak Camp Sites, one visitor notes they "have a PA system to announce camp events which was a bit annoying, though it didn't happen often." At October Mountain, campers mention "a HUGE power station that emits a hum constantly. Super annoying and an eyesore."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Family-friendly campgrounds typically offer structured programming. Lone Oak Camp Sites provides "entertainment all weekend with lots of staff. Play areas, pool over 21 bar area bands etc." Another visitor notes there are "two big pools, store, bar for adults with live entertainment. Tons of kids activities going on all day."
Swimming areas: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming facilities. Prospect Mountain Campground has "a great pool, playground and pond for fishing" and "activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides." A parent mentioned that "the pool was lovely and refreshing" though noted "I do wish they had more bathrooms though. Especially by the pool!!!"
Proximity to amenities: Consider distance to conveniences like bathrooms and water sources. At Tolland State Forest, "the bathroom was clean and well equipped with toilet paper and soap," though some sites required "a little bit of a walk to the bathroom" but had "a water fountain/pump not too far either."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV site quality varies widely across campgrounds. At White Pines Campsites, "a lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped- I would recommend a drive through if you can beforehand." Another camper mentioned that "the picnic table was chained down so there weren't many options to set up."
Hookup availability: Check specific utilities available at each campground. October Mountain State Forest Campground has "RV sites" on the lower level, with some offering electric hookups. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, "no hook up, but they have a dump station."
Seasonal considerations: Many RVers book seasonal sites for extended stays. At Prospect Mountain Campground, one visitor noted "wouldn't mind a seasonal lot but they're waiting list is quite long!" For those wanting shorter stays, some campgrounds like Tolland State Forest offer waterfront sites where "we did a three month seasonal site."
