Campgrounds near Pittsfield, Massachusetts range from primitive sites to full-service facilities across different elevation zones within the Berkshire region. The area sits at elevations between 1,000-2,000 feet, creating varied camping microclimates with temperature differences of up to 15 degrees between valley and mountain sites. Winter camping availability is extremely limited with most facilities closed from mid-October through mid-May due to harsh New England weather conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails at Savoy Mountain: This state forest campground offers extensive trail systems connecting directly from the camping area. A camper mentioned, "Beautiful area to hike. Quiet off the beaten path. There are 3 yurts available May-October. Every site has a fire pit and a picnic table."
Swimming in Benedict Pond: Beartown State Forest Campground features a popular swimming area adjacent to campsites. One visitor noted, "This spot has rustic hikes and good swimming, plus relatively secluded campsites."
Live entertainment: Some campgrounds offer organized activities, particularly on weekends. A visitor to Mt. Greylock Campsite Park shared, "They also has great live music on a Saturday night." The entertainment typically wraps up by 9:30 pm to respect quiet hours.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Maintaining exceptional cleanliness appears consistently across multiple properties. At Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites, a guest commented, "Bath house is definitely the cleanest I've ever seen. Looks like it's recently done!"
Spacious, wooded sites: Campers frequently mention appreciating the tree coverage between sites. One visitor to Fernwood Forest Campground noted, "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy. Very clean sites and facilities are cleaned to meet COVID requirements."
Proximity to attractions: Location convenience matters to many campers. A visitor to Cherry Plain State Park explained, "Nice little place close to home....very comfortable with a nice beach and lots of hiking and fishing."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most facilities operate from mid-May through mid-October only. For October Mountain State Forest Campground, which spans this typical season, a reviewer warned about difficulty with same-day bookings: "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed."
Terrain challenges: Many sites feature rocky or uneven terrain requiring careful tent placement. A camper at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills noted, "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or leave sights are."
Bear awareness: Black bears inhabit several state forests in the region. At Savoy Mountain, "bear boxes are provided at each site as this is black Bear country." Always follow posted guidelines about food storage.
Limited connectivity: Cell service becomes spotty throughout much of the area. A camper at Savoy Mountain mentioned, "I had a flicking bar of coverage at the high point of the campground on Verizon, but all you MIGHT be able to do is text."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Sperry Road Campground reported, "There is a large picnic pavilion midway through the campground, too."
Bike-friendly loops: Some campgrounds feature riding paths suitable for children. At Savoy Mountain, a visitor mentioned, "Campground has a nice loop for the kids to bike."
Educational experiences: Many facilities offer ranger programs during peak season. A visitor to Mt. Greylock Campsite Park shared, "Staff was so accommodating-always willing to spend time giving recommendations."
Pond activities: Several properties feature swimming beaches and fishing opportunities. One camper noted about Cherry Plain State Park, "Nice little place close to home....very comfortable with a nice beach and lots of hiking and fishing."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloped terrain requiring leveling equipment. A visitor to Mt. Greylock Campsite Park mentioned, "Our site was big and, while not completely level, was workable."
Road conditions: Some access roads may pose challenges for larger vehicles. For Savoy Mountain, a camper warned, "Google Maps will often take you down a bumpy dirt road….stick to Rt 2 as long as possible if you're coming from that direction!"
Dumping stations: Not all campgrounds provide this service. One camper at Bonnie Brae noted the convenience of their facilities: "We stayed in 12 full hook up with a 27 ft slide travel trailer and it was a good size."
