Mink Hollow Lean-to
Lean-to and primitive tent sites
Lean-to is just off the Mink Hollow trail near the Devil's Path there is an outhouse near lean-to. A reliable piped spring is a quarter mile away.
Campgrounds around South Egremont, Massachusetts range from established sites with amenities to primitive backcountry options. Taconic State Park's Copake Falls Area, located about 5 miles west of South Egremont, offers platform tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin accommodations. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV campers, with notable options like October Mountain State Forest Campground and Beartown State Forest providing access to the scenic Berkshire mountains. The Appalachian Trail corridor provides more primitive camping opportunities, including the Jug End Dispersed area for hikers seeking a more remote experience.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter access. "This is basic dry camping it is fun but there is no electric or water at the sites only in the bathhouse," notes one visitor about Taconic State Park. Weather conditions vary dramatically throughout the seasons, with potential for sudden storms in summer and early snow in fall. Many established campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. Cell coverage is inconsistent throughout the region, especially in more remote areas like Mount Washington State Forest, where the Alander Trail Campground requires a 1.5-mile hike to access sites.
Hiking access receives particular attention in camper reviews, with trails to Bash Bish Falls frequently mentioned as a highlight. "There are quite a few beautiful trails and waterfalls to see, this is a wonderful place to get a little piece of the mountains," shared one camper about the Taconic State Park area. Several visitors noted that weekend camping can become crowded and noisy, particularly at Taconic State Park's Copake Falls Area. For those seeking solitude, the backcountry sites at Mount Washington State Forest offer greater privacy, though they require carrying all gear in by foot. Campground amenities vary widely across the region, with some sites offering only basic facilities while others provide showers, swimming areas, and camp stores. The area's proximity to both the Berkshires and the Taconic Mountains creates diverse camping experiences within a relatively compact geographic area.
$17 - $175 / night
"I'm use to the rough and tough it of backpacking the AT Trail so this place had quite a few amenities I am not use to! Haha."
"It wasn't too busy when we went- we got there on a Friday night around 6pm and were able to get a spot. There are also some fun activities within the campground, and things nearby."
$17 - $55 / night
"I tent camped here in night while exploring the fishing in Western Massachusetts. The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside."
"Some of the sites are very visible and a few are tucked away into the woods with privacy. Most are pretty close to their neighbors."
"We could have fit 3 campers in it and were a good distance from the neighboring sites (there are some places that you are packed in like sardines, not this one)."
"well worth a visit and close to berkshires"
$14 / night
"A pretty spot near the Berkshires. This spot has rustic hikes and good swimming, plus relatively secluded campsites."
$17 - $195 / night
"The campground has a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
"We decided on Lake Taghkanic. Lake Taghkanic State Park was not a long drive from NYC, maybe 2 hours. The campsite was very clean and maintained."
$29 - $999 / night
"The staff was helpful, the site was pretty and there are so many places to hike and the best of the Berkshires so close by."
"However the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow.Tricky footing for older folks like my wife and I."
"You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots."
"Each spot is easy to find off the trail. They also have bear boxes at each site!"
$79 - $229 / night
"We have plans to return with friends due to the proximity to home and easy access to local things to do."
"We love going here for the activites and it is close by!! Check it out...you won't be disappointed"











Lean-to is just off the Mink Hollow trail near the Devil's Path there is an outhouse near lean-to. A reliable piped spring is a quarter mile away.
Lean-to is right on the overlook trail so a lot of hikers passing by.
Did an overnight camp out with a buddy here. All in all not bad. Very busy, not a place if you want solitude.
Cool spot next to a pond. There are a few others that aren’t next to a pond, and therefore not as cool… but still pretty cool bc it’s free and you can walk up a little to a pond.
I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.
We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.
At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry.
She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out.
We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well.
The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager.
Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm.
The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids.
We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families.
This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake
Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.
If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?
Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail, the Homestead Trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.
I’m writing this mid-October from western MA. In between homes and looked forward to staying another night, but can not because of a 12 hour advance policy. There were plenty of tent sites available last night. Not a happy camper.
Camping options around South Egremont, Massachusetts range from basic backpacking sites to established campgrounds with full amenities. Situated in the southern Berkshires at approximately 700 feet elevation, this area experiences dramatic seasonal changes with fall colors peaking in early October. Winter camping is largely unavailable from November through April due to freezing temperatures and seasonal closures.
Hiking to waterfalls: The trail to Bash Bish Falls from Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park offers a memorable experience. "Nice campground, friendly staff, great trails around it. Would come back," notes Priscilla M. The falls are accessible via a short hike across the state line into Massachusetts.
Swimming options: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground provides clean swimming areas with lifeguards. "They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot," reports Seth K. The park includes "a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights offer excellent viewing conditions due to minimal light pollution. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," according to a Lake Taghkanic visitor. Most campsites throughout the region offer good night sky visibility when weather permits.
Platform tent sites: Raised wooden platforms at several campgrounds keep tents dry during wet weather. "The platform sites are great it makes it real easy to set up a tent because of the platform that the tent goes on," explains a visitor to Taconic State Park. Lake Taghkanic visitors agree: "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Access to multiple trail systems: Alander Trail Camground provides backcountry camping with trail access. "What I liked most about this campground is that it wasn't overcrowded. Each spot is easy to find off the trail. They also have bear boxes at each site!" notes Liz P. The area requires a 1.5-2 mile hike with all gear.
Recreation options: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills offers multiple recreation facilities. "They have a pond for swimming and softball field. They allow late check ins!" reports Jennie. Another camper mentions that "over the weekend they had organized corn hole games and several other ways to get physical and have a blast."
Bear safety precautions: Backcountry sites often include bear boxes for food storage. At Mount Washington State Forest, "You will be in the heart of the forest/woods so definitely make sure to be prepared. We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy," reports one visitor. Always store food properly at night.
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Some established campgrounds have very open sites. At October Mountain State Forest Campground, "what site you get makes all the difference. There are Many, I would say most, Sites that you feel very exposed and out in the open. Just plopped next to someone on the grass," notes Desiree M.
Background noise considerations: Some campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. "It is near an electrical plant that has a hum all day & night—makes for great white noise when sleeping," mentions one October Mountain visitor. Others report occasional road noise from nearby construction or service vehicles.
Look for educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs during summer months. "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful," reports Jackie G. The region provides many nature-based learning experiences for children.
Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: Lone Oak Camp Sites is designed for families. "Nice clean well run campground. Entertainment all weekend with lots of staff. Play areas, pool over 21 bar area bands etc. well worth a visit and close to berkshires," says Dominic M. Another visitor adds that "the activities are fun for the kids and everyone is so friendly."
Consider rainy day options: Weather can change quickly in the Berkshires. "Lake Taghkanic State Park has a nice pool and used to be a KOA now it is privately owned but I believe it is still just as nice. They have live music and it's gated so only campers and visitors can get into the gates," notes Amanda S. The park also has a rec room for rainy days.
Check hookup details carefully: Electric service varies by campground and even by site. "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," advises one RVer about Lone Oak.
Plan for slope adjustments: Many sites in the mountainous terrain require leveling. "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or leave sights are," notes Ray P. about Spacious Skies Woodland Hills. At some campgrounds, "the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table."
Consider campground road layouts: Some campgrounds have challenging navigation. "They also have a tendency to close one of the main roads in the campground for cornhole tournaments which they'd have plenty of room for without closing the road. This closure then means anyone checking in may have to navigate through a really tight seasonal area to access their site."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near South Egremont, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, South Egremont, MA offers a wide range of camping options, with 153 campgrounds and RV parks near South Egremont, MA and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near South Egremont, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Egremont, MA is Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Egremont, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near South Egremont, MA.
What parks are near South Egremont, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near South Egremont, MA that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.
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