Cabins and camping sites around Shelburne Falls sit within the northern Berkshires region, ranging from 400 to 1,700 feet in elevation. This area experiences significant seasonal temperature shifts, with summer averages between 70-85°F during camping season and nighttime temperatures that can drop into the 50s even in July. Fall foliage typically peaks in early to mid-October, creating high demand for accommodations during this period.
What to do
Tubing the Deerfield River: Float the calm sections near Ashuelot River Campground, where you can bring your own tubes or rent equipment. "We took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit," notes one camper who visited in fall.
Hiking Mount Olga: The 1.7-mile round trip trail at Molly Stark State Park leads to a fire tower with panoramic 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," reports a visitor who found the trail accessible directly from the campground.
Exploring historic covered bridges: Several 19th-century covered bridges dot the region within 20 minutes of most campgrounds. "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low clearance and low weight limits," advises a visitor to Ashuelot River Campground, highlighting an important consideration for RVers.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Woodford State Park consistently receives praise for maintenance. "This campground is very well kept and very clean. The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen!" reports one reviewer, noting this level of cleanliness is uncommon in state parks.
Family-friendly activities: Most campgrounds organize scheduled weekend events. "They had a Halloween/trick or treat night, fire truck rides, it's very kid friendly," mentions one camper about Northampton/Springfield KOA, which runs seasonal programming from late April through October.
Proximity to attractions: Locations balance natural settings with access to cultural sites. "We enjoyed a fun day at Mount Snow which is close by with restaurants and things to do in that area, as well as the fun town of Brattleboro in the other direction which is always a great place to visit," notes a Molly Stark State Park camper who appreciated the balance of outdoor activities with town amenities.
What you should know
Quiet hours enforcement varies: Some campgrounds strictly monitor noise levels while others are more relaxed. "After midnight I called the office and emergency line but got only the office answering machine. There was a host in a site 2 down from the party and nobody came to address the noise," reported one frustrated camper at Northampton/Springfield KOA.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have minimal or no reception. "There is also zero cell service (there is an operational pay phone at the showers) which is fine... but wished we knew ahead of time," warns a visitor to Erving State Forest, highlighting the importance of downloading maps before arrival.
Seasonal operating schedules: Most campgrounds close between mid-October and late May. "We were able to book site 112 at the last minute and the staff waited for us to arrive," notes a late-season camper, showing how some facilities accommodate end-of-season visitors when they have availability.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kids' areas: Many campgrounds have designed spaces for children. "They have a pool, hot tub, newer playground with a sandbox, camp store with large lodge attached, horseshoe, volleyball and other outdoor game areas," describes a visitor to Peppermint Park Camping Resort.
Consider noise levels for sleeping: Family-oriented campgrounds can be louder than wilderness sites. "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!" advises a Woodford State Park visitor, providing context for families considering this popular option.
Check swimming options: Many campgrounds offer water access with varying amenities. "The reservoir is beautiful - plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming. We had no issues with noise from other campers," notes a Woodford visitor who appreciated the designated swimming areas for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: For larger rigs, call ahead to discuss specific sites. "Although we had requested a specific site on the KOA website, the gentleman in the front office had arranged for us to park in an easily accessible pull-through site, right at the entrance," explains a camper who ultimately preferred their original reservation despite staff recommendations.
Limited full hook-up availability: Premium sites book months in advance during peak season. "We were in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park," reports an Ashuelot River Campground visitor who found electric hookups but not full service at all sites.
Know your rig dimensions: Some access roads have low bridges or tight turns. "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," notes a Woodford camper who found navigation challenging with their equipment, suggesting larger RVs would struggle with certain campground roads.
