Best Campgrounds near Housatonic, MA

Camping near Housatonic, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the nearby hiking trails, with one reviewer mentioning, "The NYS Parks has done a lot of work on the surrounding trails. Some are wide and open, while others are more challenging."
• Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, offer fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
• Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lakes or rivers. One camper noted, "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock."

What campers like

• Natural beauty: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. A review for Woodland Valley Campground highlighted, "The Catskills are very scenic, and we enjoyed our time there!"
• Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Kenneth L Wilson Campground mentioned, "Our site was clean, and the staff was friendly and helpful."
• Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner are packed with activities. One family said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities, awesome pools, and water area."

What you should know

• Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell reception. A camper at North-South Lake Campground warned, "There is NO cell service and just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged."
• Bear activity: Some campgrounds, like Clarence Fahnestock State Park, have bear sightings. One reviewer advised, "There’s a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important."
• Reservations recommended: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Woodland Valley Campground noted, "It can get a little busy on the weekends, so worth reserving in advance."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."
• Pack for fun: Bring games and outdoor toys. One family shared, "We had an amazing time. Plenty to do and the staff were friendly."
• Plan for meals: Some campgrounds don’t have markets nearby. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "There is NO market."

Tips from RVers

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds cautioned, "We were within 2 inches or less of trees on 4 or 5 instances getting in and out of our site."
• Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with good facilities. One RV traveler at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park said, "The campground has great amenities and great feel to it."
• Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A visitor at Camping On The Battenkill noted, "Sites aren’t on top of each other but you can see your neighbors."

Camping near Housatonic, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!