The mountainous terrain surrounding New Marlborough, Massachusetts, provides varied camping experiences ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet in elevation. Most campgrounds in this area experience temperature swings between day and night, with summer evenings often dropping into the 50s. The region's Berkshire and Taconic mountain ranges create distinct microclimates that affect individual camping locations differently.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Rudd Pond at Taconic State Park offers accessible shoreline fishing and boat rentals. "There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water. There is a lot of hiking in the area - def check out Bash Bish Falls!" notes one visitor to Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park.
Swimming options: Lake Taghkanic State Park maintains two distinct swimming areas for different abilities. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campground. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days," explains one camper. Another visitor to Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground shares: "This campground was one of the best I've been to... The campground has a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
Historical sites: The region offers access to significant historic landmarks within short driving distances. "The town of Hudson is also close by if you're looking to get some of the comforts of a town while you're out and about," writes one Lake Taghkanic visitor. Another camper at Interlake RV Park mentions it's "Close to FDR home and library...a must to see. Quaint towns nearby."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean bathhouses and restrooms. "Superb. Quiet, clean enough and well worth the price. Showers are hot and there's great water pressure," notes one camper at Lake Taghkanic. Another visitor to Fernwood Forest Campground shares: "The host is extremely friendly. She greeted us with the warmest of smiles and a goodie bag full of information. The sites are big and this has to be the cleanest campground I've ever visited!"
Wooded privacy: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy. Very clean sites and facilities are cleaned to meet COVID requirements. Very quiet," writes a Fernwood Forest visitor. A camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park notes: "This was our favorite spot so far this summer. Sites were large and wooded. Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by."
Family-friendly amenities: Recreation options keep children entertained without leaving the campground. "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," shares a visitor to Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Some campgrounds feature significant elevation changes that affect site selection. "The campground has a lot of hills and some are pretty steep. We always bring our bikes and love to bike through the campgrounds, but this one is not good for biking," explains one Mt. Greylock visitor.
Site variations: Quality and privacy differ dramatically across sites within the same campground. "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," notes a camper at October Mountain State Forest Campground.
Reservation timing: Last-minute bookings can be problematic during peak seasons. "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed," reports an October Mountain visitor. Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, particularly on weekends and during fall foliage season.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Swimming areas with supervision are available at multiple locations. "I went there with a friend and her family on Tuesday and it was awesome!" shares a Lake Taghkanic visitor about their swimming experience.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play equipment for younger children. "Big and spacious state park with many camping options. Has options for trailers, tent sites, platforms for tents and even some cabins," notes a Lake Taghkanic camper, adding it has a "Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails."
Entertainment options: Copake Camping Resort provides scheduled activities for children. "This was our first time staying since it was no longer a KOA. The comcrete patio sites once nicely maintained with gravel, woodchips and flowers were now just some flowers and weeds," explains one visitor, but adds the campground remains "clean and peaceful" with "a mix of site types in both full sun and shaded areas."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven sites at some RV parks. "The sites on the water looked nice - hoping to try for that next time!" notes a Prospect Mountain visitor, indicating varying site quality.
Power availability: Most RV parks provide both 30 and 50 amp service, but availability varies. "They have a tendency to close one of the main roads in the campground for cornhole tournaments which they'd have plenty of room for without closing the road," warns a Copake camper, noting this "means anyone checking in may have to navigate through a really tight seasonal area to access their site."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate with limited services outside peak periods. "Great customer service attendants are very quick to help. Even if you need a jump!" shares one Prospect Mountain visitor, highlighting the staff assistance available when unexpected issues arise.
