Camping sites near Sandisfield, Massachusetts sit within the southern Berkshire region at elevations between 1,000-1,800 feet. The area's relatively high elevation creates cooler summer temperatures compared to nearby lower valleys, with nighttime lows that frequently dip into the 50s even during July and August. Several campgrounds remain open into late fall, allowing visitors to experience the region's vibrant foliage season from mid-September through late October.
What to do
Fishing in local waterways: At Tolland State Forest Campground, campers can launch kayaks directly from lakefront sites on Otis Reservoir. "We have brought out kayaks and took off right from the site. There are rocks to get into the water but the water is clean and not mucky," notes Rebecca D. The reservoir provides a peaceful setting for anglers seeking bass and trout.
Hiking nearby trail systems: The Berkshires offer extensive trail networks connecting multiple state forests. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground provides excellent access to the Farmington River and surrounding forest trails. One visitor mentioned, "If you like nice big private sites, peace and quiet while providing a great location for fishing and hiking (Henry Buck Trail) then this is your kind of place."
Swimming in natural settings: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying amenities. At Tolland State Forest, campers appreciate the "small area of sandy beach with a pavilion and grills" as described by Cheryl B., who also notes the campground sits "on a peninsula in Otis reservoir" with "lots of activity in the water!"
What campers like
Natural sounds and wildlife viewing: The region's forests provide habitat for diverse wildlife. "Owls hooting every night around midnight" is mentioned by a Tolland State Forest camper, while others report seeing black bears at a safe distance. Campers at Granville State Forest were "treated to a really great lightning bug display and watched the raccoons check out the other sites."
Site privacy variations: Campground layout and vegetation create varying levels of seclusion between sites. At White Pines Campsites, one camper reported, "We stayed at site 85 in Sunny Crest and liked having some privacy. The sites nearby had some trees providing space between each site." Site selection significantly impacts experience.
Fall season camping: The region excels during autumn when temperatures moderate and foliage colors peak. A camper at Tolland State Forest mentioned, "We just went for one night; our first time there. We are used to ocean camping (spoiled) and have been looking for inland camping on a lake. We went fall camping and it was fantastic cooking on the open fire."
What you should know
State-specific regulations: Massachusetts state forests enforce strict alcohol prohibition policies. At Granville State Forest, a camper warns, "Unlike most, if you bring beer, you can expect to be kicked out without notice. No warnings." This differs from Connecticut and New York campgrounds where alcohol is typically permitted.
Campground noise variations: Infrastructure and seasonal activities create varying noise conditions. At October Mountain State Forest Campground, one camper noted "a station nearby that offers a constant hum and during the week there are trucks going in and out of before 7am. The closer to the street side the worse it is."
Bathroom and shower conditions: Facilities vary widely across campgrounds. Some offer modern amenities while others provide more rustic options. At Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, visitors appreciate "hot showers and clean bathrooms," while other campgrounds may have more limited facilities or seasonal maintenance issues.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Prospect Mountain Campground offers extensive programming for children. "Prospects mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," reports Sandra S.
Wildlife education opportunities: The region's forests provide natural learning environments for children. Campers at Tolland State Forest appreciate that "the campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff" was enjoyable for younger visitors.
Swimming options with safety features: Several campgrounds provide supervised swimming areas suitable for different ages. At Copake Falls Area in Taconic State Park, "2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of" are available according to camper reviews.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: At October Mountain State Forest, a camper notes "the campground has 3 sections, located on different tiers of a hill. The lower level has RV sites, middle has tent sites, and upper has a few yurts." Understanding campground topography helps when selecting suitable sites.
Seasonal site availability: Some campgrounds offer longer-term options. At Lone Oak Camp Sites, seasonal sites are popular but may have waiting lists. Many sites in the region close by mid-October, but some remain open through late November, particularly those across the state line in New York.
Hookup limitations: Electric amperage varies between campgrounds and specific sites. At White Pines Campsites, one RVer discovered that you should "be careful on the map for what site has what amenities, and make sure to double check power requirements because it's not labeled on the sites and it varies."
