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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
Traveler
