Dispersed camping sites near North Egremont, Massachusetts include backcountry spots along the Appalachian Trail. Located in the Berkshires at elevations ranging from 700-2,000 feet, the area experiences cool summer nights with temperatures often dropping into the 50s even in July. Most primitive camping in this region requires permits during peak seasons.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Taconic State Park offers trail access directly to Bash Bish Falls. "Nice campground, friendly staff, great trails around it. Would come back," notes Priscilla M. The park's proximity to multiple trails makes it ideal for day hikes.
Swimming in natural settings: Lake Taghkanic State Park has swimming areas suitable for all ages. According to Lizz H., it provides the "Best swimming experience ever!" The park includes a designated swimming area with lifeguards during summer months.
Mountain exploration: Mount Washington State Forest provides backcountry camping with excellent access to higher elevations. "Pristine and peaceful" is how Liz P. describes it, adding that "each spot is easy to find off the trail. They also have bear boxes at each site!"
Stargazing opportunities: Taconic State Park offers clear night skies away from urban light pollution. Seth K. notes it's "great for stargazing" because "the light pollution is low" and the calm lake surface enhances the experience.
What campers like
Clean facilities: October Mountain maintains well-kept bathroom facilities despite rustic settings. One camper mentioned, "The rangers are super friendly and the bathrooms are clean," while another noted that "bathrooms were very clean with three stalls (women)."
Platform tent sites: Lake Taghkanic State Park offers elevated camping platforms that keep tents dry during rain. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" shares Rosie R., who appreciated this feature during wet weather.
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites away from crowds. At Taconic State Park, John E. advises to "avoid weekends" but notes that "more towards the back was more spacious and private sites," providing a better experience for those seeking quiet.
Water recreation: Beartown State Forest Campground has pond access from select sites. Patricia E. calls it her "happy place," explaining that "with only 12 sites, 4 of which have Benedict Pond access, it's a quiet, lovely site."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially in summer. At October Mountain State Forest, one camper discovered "no same day reservations or walk ups allowed" and encountered unexpected fees, so check total costs when booking.
Weather preparedness: The Berkshire region experiences temperature swings. Seth K. notes that at Lake Taghkanic, "the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season (Oct 12-14)" but campers should still pack for cool nights year-round.
Limited services: Jug End Dispersed Camping along the Appalachian Trail offers primitive experiences but limited facilities. Luke A. ranks it "in my top 10 spots to stay at" for section hikers but notes that while trash cans exist, "carry out is preferable" following Leave No Trace principles.
Site variations: At October Mountain State Forest, "the campground has 3 sections, located on different tiers of a hill" with varying amenities and noise levels across each section, including an electrical station near some sites that creates ambient noise.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Lake Taghkanic includes designated swimming areas for children. According to one visitor, there are "2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of."
Playground access: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills provides recreational facilities for children. Amy G. found the campground "way better than expected" with "so many places to hike and the best of the Berkshires so close by."
Weekday camping: For quieter family experiences, avoid holiday weekends. John E. notes that Taconic State Park's "proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends" but midweek stays offer more space and tranquility.
Cabin options: For families new to camping, October Mountain offers yurts as transition accommodations. Cheryl B. mentions "There are 3 yurts available May-October" that provide comfort while still allowing for outdoor experiences.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Copake Camping Resort, April L. found "our site was shady and long" but warns that some sites have "really tight seasonal area to access." She recommends checking site dimensions carefully when booking.
Road closure awareness: Some campgrounds close interior roads for activities. One RVer reported that at Copake Camping Resort "they have a tendency to close one of the main roads in the campground for cornhole tournaments" which affects RV navigation through the grounds.
Uneven terrain challenges: Ray P. at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills noted "terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are," suggesting leveling blocks are essential gear for RVs in this region.
Hookup variations: Campgrounds offer different hookup configurations. Carmine B. describes Copake Camping Resort as a "quiet little campground" with "full RV hookups with 50 & 30amp services" but amenities vary widely between campgrounds in the region.
Legend
