Cabins near Tolland, Massachusetts offer access to the eastern Berkshire foothills, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet. The region experiences warm summers with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through August and cooler nights in the 50s. Winter cabin stays require preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing the Farmington: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground provides direct access to trophy trout fishing. "Trophy trout river with excellent fishing, but catch and release only," notes visitor Melissa R. The river access from cabin sites makes it convenient for anglers.
Hiking to waterfalls: Copake Falls Area at Taconic State Park offers hiking trails leading to Bash Bish Falls. A visitor shares, "Trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible."
Winter activities: October Mountain State Forest maintains cabin access during colder months. According to Faith B., "This campground is at the base of October mountain. The sites are varied from grassy meadows by the entrance to wooded canopys uphill. Great trail system starts right at the edge of the campground also."
What campers like
Private bathrooms: Cozy Hills Campground receives consistent praise for its facilities. As Kim T. reports, "Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep." Multiple reviewers noted the well-maintained facilities.
Woodland privacy: White Pines Campsites offers secluded cabin options. Becca Z. observes, "We stayed at site 85 in Sunny Crest and liked having some privacy. The sites nearby had some trees providing space between each site." Visitors appreciate the woodland buffer between accommodations.
Swimming options: Prospect Mountain Campground provides water recreation near cabins. "We liked this campground a lot! Lots of trees and shade. Great pool. The sites on the water looked nice- hoping to try for that next time!" shares Stephanie.
What you should know
Seasonal differences: October Mountain State Forest cabins have distinct seasonal considerations. Desiree M. advises, "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. Look for the sites that go off to the side (not on the loops) like 39-40."
Noise factors: Some cabins experience ambient sound. Tiff H. explains, "It is near an electrical plant that has a hum all day & night—makes for great white noise when sleeping. There is a road that seems to house construction vehicles that were busy going by early evening and early morning."
Weekend crowding: Weekday stays offer more solitude. John E. from Taconic State Park suggests, "Avoid weekends. This was a truly great campground, but it's proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Northampton/Springfield KOA offers organized family programming. Jason A. recommends, "They have a fire truck ride that brings you around the campsite and hay-less rides. There is a pool there is a playground there are games of all ages."
Fishing for children: Many cabins offer beginner-friendly fishing access. At Cozy Hills Campground, Rino S. reports, "Kids caught about 20 fish. The pool is nice, no deep end. It's very hilly." Fishing spots close to cabin sites allow for quick trips.
Budget-conscious options: Several campgrounds offer platform cabins at lower rates. Christina M. at Taconic State Park shares, "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. You are very close to your neighbor in this area but when we were there everyone was very respectful."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground offers varied cabin and RV site layouts. Anthony and Kim C. advise, "If you like nice big private sites, peace and quiet while providing a great location for fishing and hiking (Henry Buck Trail) then this is your kind of place."
Facility proximity: Choose cabins strategically based on bathroom access. Katherine P. notes, "Hawes is one of the few campgrounds in CT that's dog friendly. The sites are nice and large, with room for trailers. In the summer, this place is mosquito central, so bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!"
Supply planning: Most cabins require bringing specific gear. Ashley B. suggests, "Super quiet, private campgrounds nestled in the trees, right on a river. This is an anglers campground, so there was some serious fishing going on. Not many kids or partiers. Easy to get a reservation."
