The Berkshires region surrounding Rowe sits at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet, creating distinct camping conditions throughout the seasons. Situated in western Massachusetts, this area features a mix of hardwood forests, mountain terrain, and several reservoirs. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with cooler nights even during peak season.
What to do
Hiking at Mt. Olga: Access the 1.7-mile round-trip trail to the fire tower at Molly Stark State Park, less than an hour from Rowe. "There is a fire tower at the top, which provides awesome views of the Green Mountains. It's also fun to explore the relics of the old Hogback Ski Resort," notes one visitor who enjoyed Molly Stark State Park Campground.
Swimming in local quarries: Dorset Quarry provides a unique swimming experience near camping areas. "Great location near a fantastic quarry, country store, and Manchester shopping. The camp grounds were family friendly and quiet. They even had rabbits and chickens for the kids to enjoy," reports a camper from Dorset RV Park.
Waterfall exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to waterfall hikes within short distances. "There is plenty of trails in the area and you can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools. The area is beautiful and good food across the street!" according to a visitor at Jamaica State Park Campground.
What campers like
Reservoir activities: Multiple campgrounds feature small lakes or reservoirs with designated swimming areas. "There's a small reservoir with a little beach that you can swim or kayak/canoe in. There's a bunch of fish and other little creatures so it's fun to explore," shares a reviewer from Woodford State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Rowe maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen! The campsites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice," notes a visitor at Woodford State Park Campground.
Cultural attractions: Proximity to towns with museums and attractions draws many campers. "I've stayed her for Wilco solid sound festival since 2013 and for fresh grass 2019. The bathrooms are clean, the campground has a cool lake front, and you're about a five minute drive to mass moca or a 20-30 minute walk," writes a camper at Historic Valley Campground.
What you should know
Alternative routes: GPS directions sometimes lead to incorrect destinations or challenging roads. "They tell you clearly to avoid the GPS directions, but I can't help but think the giant hill they wanted us to avoid would've been better than the dead end and destroyed awning as a result of theirs," warns a camper at Historic Valley Campground.
Variable site quality: Some campgrounds feature significant differences between premium and standard sites. "There are 4-5 stunningly beautiful sites in each of the three loops and everything else is jammed in. We were at the end of the middle loop and could clearly see into four neighboring sites," reports a camper at Woodford State Park.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the area have limited connectivity. "Small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world," mentions a visitor at Jamaica State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds provide dedicated play areas for children. "For us, they also had a playground to play at, and a boat dock to kayak. The bugs were not fun in the summer. At night, we all had a great sleeping night with no crazy neighbors or dogs," shares a camper from Jamaica State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly environments: Several campgrounds specifically cater to family activities. "If you're looking for a quiet spot maybe don't look here. If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great! Boat rentals!" notes a visitor at Woodford State Park Campground.
Nature programs: Check for ranger-led activities during peak season. "Nice little weekend getaway. Clean bathrooms, roomy tent sites, nice staff. Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls," reports a camper from Jamaica State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electric service reliability: Some campgrounds have reported electrical issues that can damage RV components. "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," cautions a visitor at Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts.
Maneuvering larger rigs: Certain campgrounds present challenges for larger motorhomes. "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver," advises a camper at Dorset RV Park.
Hookup placement: RV sites may have inconveniently located utility connections. "Sites are nice and most have electric, water and some with sewer hookups. One issue is the hookups are spread out on your sites. So you may need extra hose or longer cord to complete your hookups," notes a reviewer at Historic Valley Campground.
