RV camping near Peru, Massachusetts offers camping options across varied terrain from 1,200 to 2,000 feet elevation throughout the Berkshire Mountains. Cell service varies significantly in this mountainous region, with several campgrounds located in valleys where reception becomes particularly spotty. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, making seasonal closures common after mid-October.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Jamaica State Park Campground offers access to Hamilton Falls via the West River Trail. "I love the area around Jamaica State Park and have stayed a few times! 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. The trail follows a gravel closed road upstream for about 2 miles before reaching the falls trail.
Fishing opportunities: Mt. Greylock Campsite Park has good access to fishing spots. As one visitor stated, "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." The campground is conveniently located near multiple fishing areas within a 10-15 minute drive.
Swimming in clean lakes: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground provides swimming opportunities in a maintained lake environment. According to Mellisa T., "the lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kyacks etc. Worth every penny." The swimming beach is approximately a 5-minute drive from the campground area.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Fernwood Forest Campground offers secluded camping spots. Rebecca B. shared, "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy. Very clean sites and facilities are cleaned to meet COVID requirements. Very quiet." The campground features sites with both water-only and electric/water hookups.
Clean bathrooms: Rudd Pond Area at Taconic State Park maintains well-kept facilities. One camper noted, "New bath house with multiple shower rooms. Wonderful hiking trails. Pond for fishing & swimming. Kiddie pond, children's playground." Bathroom cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews as a standout feature.
Cooler mountain temperatures: October Mountain State Forest Campground sits at higher elevation providing relief from summer heat. A visitor mentioned, "The rangers are super friendly and the bathrooms are clean," highlighting that even during summer months, evening temperatures often drop into the 60s, making for comfortable sleeping conditions.
What you should know
Electrical system concerns: Some RV parks have electrical issues that can damage equipment. At Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts, one camper warned, "The electrical system has claimed countless rv components and 2 total losses. Instead of fixing it, they simply run generators for years. If you go take every precaution from the electrical. Its dangerous." Bringing a surge protector is essential when camping at older facilities.
Limited cell connectivity: Many campgrounds in the Peru area have minimal reception. One visitor to Jamaica State Park Campground reported, "find something that you dont like about this park... go ahead, ill wait. Small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world."
Topography challenges: Campground terrain around Peru can be challenging for RVs. A camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park noted, "The camp 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. Our little ones had trouble going down the hills because of the loose gravel."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Prospect Mountain Campground offers kid-friendly amenities. Sandra S. reported, "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."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds provide swimming for children. One visitor to October Mountain State Forest shared, "Great trail system starts right at the edge of the campground also," while another mentioned the "nice playground and nature area for kids" that makes it "very family friendly."
Weekend activity planning: Many campgrounds offer structured weekend programs. A camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park explained, "There were activities planned for the weekends that we took advantage of too. The band on Saturday night was fun and we brought our chairs and a cooler up there after dinner. The kids enjoyed just running around the open field while we enjoyed the band."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RVs: Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park has some RV sites with limitations. Katherine P. advised, "This is a really interesting campground that's situated on a hill overlooking Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park. Almost all of the sites have platforms to pitch your tent on, although there are a couple of flatter spots without platforms." RVs should request specific non-platform sites when booking.
Leveling requirements: Many RV sites in the Peru region require leveling equipment. At Lake Taghkanic State Park, Kurt S. warned about specific sites: "Beware of site G006. The grill at the fire pit is upside down, so it doesn't hold level above the fire." Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended for the mountainous terrain.
