Cabins near Richmond, Massachusetts provide rustic accommodations in the Berkshire Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 feet. Seasonal temperatures vary widely, with winter lows often below freezing and summer daytime temperatures averaging 70-85°F. Cabin rentals typically require a two-night minimum stay during summer months with rates increasing on holiday weekends.
What to do
Hiking at October Mountain State Forest: Trails connect directly from the campground, offering varied terrain for all experience levels. According to Faith B., "This campground is at the base of October mountain. Great trail system starts right at the edge of the campground." Several interconnected paths allow for short walks or full-day expeditions.
Swimming at Pontoosuc Lake: Located within walking distance of Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites, this lake offers boat rentals and fishing opportunities. Jean C. notes, "Pontoosuc Lake is a short walk away; there are boat rentals available and I saw a number of people fishing from Pontoosuc Park just above the dam."
Visiting Bash Bish Falls: A moderate hike leads to this 60-foot waterfall near Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "There was a very short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls" while another noted it's "a beautiful waterfall" where "when low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming."
What campers like
Tree-filled settings: Forested sites provide natural shade and cooling during summer months. At October Mountain State Forest Campground, "The sites are varied from grassy meadows by the entrance to wooded canopys uphill," according to Faith B. The campground offers a mix of open and forested sites.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower buildings contribute to comfort. According to a review of Savoy Mountain State Forest, "The entire campground was very clean, as were the bathrooms. At check-in they will give you maps of hiking routes." Another camper at Bonnie Brae noted the "Bath house is definitely the cleanest I've ever seen. Looks like it's recently done!"
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds offer raised wooden platforms that keep tents dry during wet weather. Seth K. mentioned at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, "They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot." These platforms provide level surfaces for camping.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking during summer months. According to April L. at Copake Camping Resort, "Check-in 2pm & checkout 10am. Seemed to be about 75% seasonal sights." Plan ahead as cabins fill quickly on weekends.
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Basic cabins often lack bathrooms while deluxe options include small refrigerators and electricity. Catherine C. at Bonnie Brae reports, "The cabin I stayed in was awesome… could have stayed for a week and next year I plan to do just that!!" Some cabin rentals require bringing your own linens and pillows.
Bear safety protocols: Food storage is an important consideration at certain campgrounds. At Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground, "They also had bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings at each site," according to Dawn S. Follow posted guidelines about securing food items overnight.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Several parks maintain designated swimming zones with varying levels of supervision. At Lake Taghkanic, "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campgound. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten." The lake features separate shallow areas for younger swimmers.
Off-season booking: Consider visiting in late May or September when crowds are smaller. Randy B. noted at Waubeeka Family Campground, "They have free paddle board, kayak, pedal boat rentals, and an inflatable water obstacle course. They frequently do large bon fires and music on the weekends."
Activity planning: Research campground schedules in advance. At Dingman's Family Campground, "Once you get the hang of getting around the area there is so much to do, I can't wait to go back," according to Elisa Q. Some campgrounds offer organized activities only on weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds offer sites with varying degrees of privacy and amenities. Jean C. advises about Bonnie Brae: "I could have used leveling blocks because it was hard to find a great spot that was level side to side. Sites 27 & 29 each seemed a little more level and 29 was larger."
Electrical hookup limitations: Not all sites have the same power capabilities. At Privacy Campground, "We had a popup in a drive-through site at the bottom of the hill which was fine, though pretty muddy after a day of rain. With that hill there's no place for larger RVs here unless they were to decide to use the field at the bottom."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have limited access roads. As Bill K. warns about Savoy Mountain, "Savoy mountain campground is a very nice state park camp, but don't rely on gps to get you there it will put you on the wrong end of the park in the middle of a rural neighborhood."
