Camping in North Adams, Massachusetts sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level in the northern Berkshire Mountains. The area experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 80°F and cold winters that can drop below 10°F. Camping options in the region include basic tent sites, lean-tos, and RV parks that accommodate various camping styles between May and October when most facilities operate.
What to Do
Waterfall hiking: Campers at Jamaica State Park can access scenic waterfall trails. "There is plenty of trails in the area and you can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools," notes Jackie G., who appreciated the natural swimming opportunities.
Pond paddling: Woodford State Park Campground offers water recreation on its reservoir. "The reservoir is beautiful- plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming," according to Melissa S., who visited with borrowed kayaks.
Museum visits: Historic Valley Campground provides convenient access to cultural attractions. "You're about a five minute drive to mass moca or a 20-30 minute walk," explains Eric P., who stayed there during festivals.
What Campers Like
Clean facilities: Fernwood Forest Campground receives high marks for maintenance standards. "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy. Very clean sites and facilities are cleaned to meet COVID requirements," according to Rebecca B., highlighting the campground's attention to cleanliness.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Camp Catskills creates a welcoming environment for all ages. Ashley F. recommends checking them out for campers seeking a family-oriented experience in the region.
Private wooded sites: Mt. Greylock Campsite Park offers secluded camping spots. "It's got so many different nooks and crannies and so many different levels up and down the hill and valley and just a beautiful peaceful place in the woods," reports Ami B. about the varied terrain.
What You Should Know
Campground navigation: Sites throughout the region can present challenges for larger vehicles. "Some of the sites look like they were bigger sites that were then split, but now are two or three separate sites sharing an entryway," notes Kim R. about camping at Mt. Greylock State Reservation.
Package delivery complications: Some campgrounds have unusual mail handling procedures. "If you have packages sent to the campground, be ready for some frustration," cautions Katie E., explaining that at one park, packages were delivered to a nearby gas station instead of directly to the campground.
Reservation importance: Securing spots early is crucial, especially at state parks. "We unexpectedly had a free Saturday afternoon and night...Site 13 was the only one available," recounts Melissa S. about a last-minute trip to Woodford State Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Dorset RV Park caters to young campers with recreational amenities. "The camp grounds were family friendly and quiet. They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy," shares Rachelle S., highlighting the animal attractions.
Nature activities: Mt. Greylock Campsite Park offers educational opportunities. "The bathhouse was incredibly clean. Showers were great. The pool was cold, but really nice and again very clean," notes Rebecca L., describing the amenities that made her family stay comfortable.
Child-friendly water areas: Woodford State Park features designated swimming spots. "Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls," recommends Fransheska A., noting the combination of water recreation and hiking trails.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Arrowhead Marina & RV Park provides well-maintained RV sites. "Our site was back-in and had plenty of space. There's a lot of green space in this campground and it's right on the river," shares Tina, who appreciated the spacious layout.
Accessibility challenges: Some rv parks near North Adams, Massachusetts have difficult terrain. "Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver," cautions Katie E. about certain loops at one campground, noting that staff might not be familiar with navigating larger rigs through tight spots.
Site selection considerations: When choosing RV parks in Massachusetts, level sites are important. "Our site was level but some definitely were not," observes Nancy W., who stayed in a 45' motorhome and found some campgrounds in the region could accommodate large rigs despite tight turns.
