Berkshire County camping areas range between 1,000-2,300 feet elevation with deciduous forest dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during day with cooler 50-65°F nights. Fall camping sees temperature drops of 15-20 degrees with earlier sunset times affecting campfire planning.
What to do
Hiking at Taconic State Park: Direct trail access to Bash Bish Falls, the highest single-drop waterfall in Massachusetts at 80 feet. Taconic State Park offers multiple trails for different skill levels. "There was a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming. This location was very accessible to the Bish Bash Falls trail and even had a few side trails to explore," notes Christina M.
Lake activities at Lake Taghkanic: Paddleboard and kayak rentals available for $15 per day at the lake. Swimming areas include both shallow sections for children and deeper areas with floating docks. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kyacks etc. Worth every penny," reports Mellisa T.
Stargazing opportunities: The region offers excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution, especially at higher elevation campgrounds. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," shares Seth K. from Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground.
What campers like
Platform tent sites for weather protection: Several campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms that keep tents elevated during wet weather. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection," explains Rosie R. at Lake Taghkanic, who adds, "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!!"
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive regular maintenance during peak season at most campgrounds. "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is," mentions Perrin M. about Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Shaded woodland sites: Many campers appreciate the forest setting at Fernwood Forest Campground, where trees provide natural cooling and privacy. "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy. Very clean sites and facilities are cleaned to meet COVID requirements. Very quiet," notes Rebecca B.
What you should know
Rabies documentation requirements: Most parks require actual documentation for pets, not just tags. "If you are traveling with a dog, be sure to bring proof of rabies— they ask," advises Erin B. from Taconic State Park.
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature hilly terrain with gravel roads that can be difficult to navigate. "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," explains Kim R. from Mt. Greylock Campsite Park.
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds close between mid-October and early May due to weather conditions. "Our stay at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park was our maiden voyage for travel trailer camping and we couldn't have asked for a better first experience... Really looking forward to going back once COVID travel restrictions are lifted," shares Alison.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options for various ages: Campgrounds with lakes often have separate swimming areas for children and adults. "Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails... 2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," explains Mary-Kate L.
Recreation facilities for rainy days: Some campgrounds maintain indoor facilities for inclement weather. "Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," notes Kurt S. about Lake Taghkanic.
Playgrounds and communal areas: Many sites include facilities specifically for children. "This campground has a lot of amenities for what you pay... Warm showers and playground for kids with communal areas," reports Jacob D. from Fernwood Forest Campground.
Tips from RVers
RV site levelness varies significantly: Bring stabilizing blocks as many sites require leveling. "Our site was shady and long," notes April L. from Copake Camping Resort, but adds in a separate review that some premium sites "once nicely maintained with gravel, woodchips and flowers were now just some flowers and weeds."
Spaciousness of sites: RV sites near Richmond, Massachusetts range from tightly packed to generously sized. "The sites were roomy and we had water and electrical hookups," observes Nicole P. from Mt. Greylock Campsite Park.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds like October Mountain State Forest Campground offer full RV services, though site quality varies. "Sites are closer together and on the smaller side," notes Desiree M., adding that "what site you get makes all the difference."
