Campsites surrounding Tanglewood in the Berkshire Mountains range from heavily wooded retreats to pond-adjacent spaces with swimming access. Elevations vary across the region, with areas like Mount Greylock reaching 3,489 feet—the highest point in Massachusetts. Summer nights in the area frequently dip into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, requiring campers to pack appropriate layers regardless of season.
What to do
Fishing at local ponds: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills features a pond where families regularly catch fish. According to one camper, "They have a pond for swimming and softball field. They allow late check ins!"
Hiking to waterfalls: Taconic State Park offers easy access to the popular Bash Bish Falls. "Very short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls," notes one visitor. Another mentions, "Nearby is the main attraction Bash Bish Falls, which you take a short hike across state lines into Mass."
Mountain exploration: Mount Greylock State Reservation provides numerous trail options. "There are plenty of options for hiking including two nearby falls, a section of the AT, and of course the summit," shares one hiker. The summit area includes amenities: "The summit lodge offers breakfast & lunch... They also do dinner by reservation."
Swimming at beaches: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months. A visitor to Pittsfield State Forest Campground notes, "Great job distancing for Covid. 'Comfort station' well maintained... Beautiful sunsets up at Pond, you can get primitive campsites there."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Fernwood Forest Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Very clean sites and facilities are cleaned to meet COVID requirements. Very quiet," writes one reviewer. Another adds, "This campground has a lot of amenities for what you pay... Warm showers and playground for kids with communal areas."
Private wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded spots among the trees. One visitor to Mt. Greylock Campsite Park explains, "Sites were large and wooded. Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by." Another describes it as "Your own little wooded oasis... It's got so many different ducks and crannies and so many different levels up and down the hill and Valley."
Water features: Multiple campgrounds incorporate lakes or ponds. Cherry Plain State Park Campground draws praise for its waterfront: "We love the loop of sites near the entrance near the water for views but close to the bathroom, ranger station, and trails," writes one camper. Another adds, "The view is great... Their is water and electricity at bathroom."
Organized activities: Several private campgrounds schedule regular events. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park offers weekend entertainment: "The band on Saturday night was fun and we brought our chairs and a cooler up there after dinner. The kids enjoyed just running around the open field while we enjoyed the band."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds feature a mix of exposed and private sites. At Cherry Plain State Park, one camper advises, "We first stayed at site 11, but moved as it is on the road and uninteresting. There are a number of 'walk in' sites that are all lovely, I suggest the sites toward the back of the park."
Reservation timing: State forest campgrounds book quickly during summer weekends. A camper at October Mountain State Forest notes, "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed."
Terrain challenges: The Berkshire region features significant slopes. Regarding Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites, one visitor shares, "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. Particularly since my wife uses a cane."
Seasonal differences: Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October. A visitor to Mt. Greylock Campsite Park observed, "The Sperry Road campground offers a mixture of group and individual campsites... During the winter you can access it via snowmobile or skis."
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation areas: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills provides multiple kid-friendly options. "Over the weekend they had organized corn hole games and several other ways to get physical and have a blast. They also had a community 'Father's Day' breakfast (fathers ate free!) which was open to all and yummy!"
Consider platform tent sites: Some campgrounds offer raised platforms that simplify setup. At Taconic State Park, "Each of the sites had a large platform (enough room for one very large tent or 2-3 smaller tents), a fire pit, and picnic table."
Check for bathroom proximity: When camping with children, bathroom access becomes important. A Pittsfield State Forest visitor recommends, "Stayed in a campsite near the road and the brook... The bathrooms and showers were phenomenal. A treat at the end of the day to take a shower before crawling in."
Find swimming options: Several parks maintain swimming areas with supervision. "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock. Close to great hiking," notes a Taconic State Park visitor regarding their beach area.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: The mountainous terrain means many sites require adjustment. At Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites, "We arrived and had booked an RV site thinking it would be large enough for my tent which is 21 x 17'... The sites while clean and well-maintained all shared one bathroom and one shower which was limited to one occupant due to Covid."
Check campground layout: Some properties separate RV and tent camping areas. October Mountain State Forest Campground has distinct sections: "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."
Consider seasonal options: Many campgrounds offer extended stays. At Fernwood Forest, "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy... Good local access to numerous hiking trails in the area."
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