Glamping options near Savoy, Massachusetts provide rustic luxury in the Berkshire Mountains at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet. Most accommodations sit in densely forested areas with average summer temperatures around 75°F and fall temperatures dipping to 50°F during peak foliage season. Winter access is limited due to heavy snowfall in this mountainous region.
What to do
Hike Mt. Olga Trail: 1.7 mile round trip with fire tower access. The trail at Molly Stark State Park Campground offers spectacular views. "The hike up Mt. Olga is 1.7 miles (round trip). There's 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 Tara S.
Kayak at Woodford State Park: Early morning paddling on calm waters. The reservoir at Woodford State Park Campground provides perfect water activities. "We drove down to the second loop and parked on the side of the campground road and carried our kayaks down to the camper's beach. Our dog loved getting a little swim!" shares Melissa S.
Winter glamping: Experience Berkshires snow. Cold-season yurt stays provide a different perspective from the typical summer camping. "Cabin glamping options in the area remain limited but provide essential shelter during the region's heavy winter snowfalls," according to seasonal visitors.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Secluded sites for true relaxation. Many glampers appreciate the tranquility. "This is a nice campground, overall. Many of the sites (most of the ones on the periphery of the campground) are wooded and somewhat secluded, with 1-3 being the most secluded," explains Kris M. about Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Morning deer and turkey sightings. The natural setting attracts various animals. "We were greeted by some turkey and visited by some deer. Comfy and cozy setting," reports Tarah Z. from her stay at Piebald Mountain.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms. Many glamping spots invest in quality facilities. "The bathrooms were very clean with three stalls (women). Free showers," notes a camper at October Mountain State Forest Campground. This makes transitioning from outdoor adventures to comfortable evenings easier.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Book early for yurts. The limited number of yurt accommodations means they fill quickly. "There are 3 yurts available May-October (no dogs allowed in the yurts). There are several tent sites available. Dogs are welcomed here! Every site has a fire pit and a picnic table," explains Cheryl B. about October Mountain State Forest Campground.
Limited connectivity: Plan for offline activities. Cell service is spotty throughout the Berkshire Mountains. "The park is so hard to find that not even a cell signal can get there, if your looking to unplug this is a great spot!" advises Bill K.
Bear safety: Proper food storage required. Black bears are active in the region. "Bear boxes are provided at each site as this is black Bear country," notes a reviewer. Most glamping sites provide bear-proof storage containers.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Organized events at campgrounds. Northampton / Springfield KOA offers structured fun for children. "They had hayless rides and fire truck rides. This time they had a haunted house walk through," shares Jason A.
Swimming options: Check water conditions before planning beach days. Not all water areas are suitable for children. "North Pond was a very peaceful area to enjoy while we stayed at Savoy, but when we attempted to swim at South Pond, we didn't stay very long due to the debris such as broken glass and nails," warns Brian T.
Best loops for families: Request specific campground areas. Some loops are better suited for families with young children. "The sites on the outside of the loop are shaded, but most of the ones toward the middle are open and grassy," notes Jean C., providing useful information for planning your glamping experience.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Follow correct directions. Zoar Outdoor and other sites can be difficult to locate. "It is important to follow the directions and turn off of Rt. 2 onto Central Shaft Road (google maps labels it Shaft Road. It is between the Blue Vista Motor Lodge and Hoosac Range Preserve). The other road that accesses the campground is nearly unpassable with an rv," warns Heather C.
Hookup limitations: Check electricity amperage. Many sites offer limited power options. "We had water and a 15 amp power box at our site and it was great for a tent but not for anything else," notes Angie G., highlighting the importance of verifying power supply before booking.
Site selection: Request specific sites when booking. Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. "Although he advised against the tricky back-in site 'up on the hill' that we had originally selected, we thought we would at least give it a shot! We are SO glad that we did!" shares Lisa D. about her experience finding the right spot for her RV.
