Backcountry tent camping near New Marlborough, Massachusetts involves navigating the region's mountainous terrain, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,600 feet across the Berkshire highlands. Most primitive campsites in this area require carrying all equipment from trailheads and accessing sites via steep, rocky sections of the Appalachian Trail. Water sources can be scarce during late summer, requiring campers to carry sufficient water supplies.
What to do
Hike to mountain summits: Access the Bear Mountain summit from the Undermountain Trailhead for panoramic views. "Make sure to hit the summit of Bear Mountain; incredible view!" notes a visitor to Riga Lean-To.
Explore mountain waterfalls: Visit Race Brook Falls as part of your hike to Mount Race. "On the way up you will see signs for Race Brook Falls; its pretty beautiful and worth a day hike if you aren't camping or whatnot," writes a camper about Laurel Ridge.
Stay in unique accommodations: For a non-traditional camping experience, consider the converted caboose at Chester Railway Station. "The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too. You hear the trains running at night," shares a camper at Chester Railway Station.
What campers like
Genuine wilderness privacy: The remote locations provide true solitude. "You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots. Once you get there, theres quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit or privacy," notes a visitor to Alander Trail Camground.
Clean, well-maintained primitive sites: Despite their remote locations, these sites are kept in excellent condition. "Although we were the only campers at the time the area was emmaculate and not one piece of trash on the ground anywhere! The outhouse was even clean!" reports an Alander Trail camper.
Bear boxes for food safety: Many sites provide bear boxes for secure food storage. "There's also a bear box near by," notes a camper at Brassie Brook Shelter. "We did put a bear bag about 100 feet away," advises a visitor to Onion Mountain Park.
What you should know
Physical demands: These sites require significant hiking with full packs. "This was overall no easy hike in any way, so if you are not in moderate shape I would not recommend this to you," warns a camper about Laurel Ridge.
Limited amenities: Most sites have minimal facilities. "Very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain)... The spot is not very big so make sure to bring a smaller tent but has a firepit already set up," writes a visitor to Onion Mountain Park.
Fire restrictions vary: Check current regulations before planning to have a fire. "No fires allowed," notes a camper about Laurel Ridge, while Onion Mountain Park permits fires with existing fire rings.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Some locations are more suitable for first-time backcountry campers. "My BSA troop has been going here for years to help new scouts learn to camp. It is a very casual site and good for your first trip," explains an Onion Mountain Park visitor.
Plan multiple vehicles: For point-to-point hikes, arrange transportation logistics. "Basically left a car where we were ending the hike, and took another car with everyone crammed in to the Race Brook Falls parking lot," suggests a Laurel Ridge camper.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather changes quickly, especially in fall. "Our trip was sadly cut short because we were freezing and it was raining a lot LOL but hey it's part of the experience," shares a camper at Brassie Brook Shelter.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Traditional RVs cannot access most tent camping areas near New Marlborough due to rugged terrain and narrow access roads. However, some nearby campgrounds offer alternatives. "This campground has improved with the new owners as of 2021... All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired," reports a visitor to Sodom Mountain Campground.
Consider non-primitive options: For those wanting amenities, some campgrounds within driving distance offer more facilities. "Overall had a wonderful experience at zoar campsite in charlemont ma. Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting," shares a camper at Zoar Outdoor.
Bug prevention: Insects can be problematic throughout the region. "There are a lot of bugs so be prepared," warns an Onion Mountain Park visitor, suggesting that RVers and tent campers alike should bring sufficient insect repellent.
