Camping sites near Tyringham, Massachusetts range from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks within the Berkshire highlands. The area sits at elevations between 1,200-2,000 feet with overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s even during summer months. Most campgrounds in this region have a short season that runs from May through mid-October due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Hiking access from camp: October Mountain State Forest Campground has trail access directly from the camping area. "You have to check out the marsh trail it is absolutely stunning. The camp ground is very close to the local supper market and not much further from a hospital," notes Adam S.
Waterfront recreation: Sites at Tolland State Forest Campground provide direct water access. "We have brought out kayaks and took off right from the site. There are rocks to get into the water but the water is clean and not mucky," explains Rebecca D. The campground sits on a peninsula with numerous waterfront sites.
Wildlife observation: The dense forest environment supports diverse wildlife. "Owls hooting every night around midnight," reports Cheryl B. about Tolland State Forest. Many campers report spotting salamanders, frogs, and various bird species throughout the region's campgrounds.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Fernwood Forest Campground earns praise for site separation. "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy. Very clean sites and facilities are cleaned to meet COVID requirements. Very quiet," notes Rebecca B., who appreciated the campground's tranquil setting.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses. At Pittsfield State Forest Campground, "The bathrooms and showers were phenomenal. A treat at the end of the day to take a shower before crawling in," according to Tiff H. Another camper noted that the "bath house was great. Four private shower rooms (2 for men, 2 for women). They also had outdoor showers and a dish washing station."
Campground layout: Pittsfield State Forest receives praise for its design. "I appreciated that this state park had pockets of campsites and group sites. We were not all in one place," reports Tiff H. This arrangement provides more privacy than typical campground designs where sites are arranged in compact loops.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Many Berkshire campgrounds feature uneven terrain that may require planning. At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, "The camp has a lot of hills and some are pretty steep. We always bring our bikes and love to bike through the campgrounds, but this one is not good for biking," warns Kim R.
Non-resident fees: Massachusetts state parks charge significantly higher rates for out-of-state visitors. Some campgrounds list standard fees around $17-25 for residents that increase to $45-58 for non-residents. One camper at October Mountain noted, "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed, second it yells you that the fee is $17.50 per site, I expected a little added extra fee for booking etc.... check out was $58.50 per night."
Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds have limited availability. Beartown State Forest Campground, with only 12 sites, requires advance planning, while recent reviews indicate temporary closures of camping facilities at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity-focused campgrounds: Prospect Mountain Campground offers structured programming for children. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing. They also have a nice little store and snack bar. There is also a mini golf course and a mining area where kids can 'mine' 'gems'. Kids had a blast!" reports Sandra S.
Consider noise levels: Campgrounds vary widely in noise levels. Some sites near main roads or power infrastructure experience consistent background noise. Sites in upper camping areas typically offer more quiet. At Pittsfield State Forest, one camper mentioned, "Was not a fan of taps being played every night, gave off a very creepy vibe my kids weren't into."
Water access importance: Swimming areas provide crucial entertainment for families. Several campgrounds offer supervised swimming. At Tolland State Forest, "The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved the campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff," reports Nicole G.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At October Mountain State Forest, "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," explains one camper. RV sites in the lower section experience more noise from a nearby electrical station.
Leveling challenges: Many Berkshire campgrounds feature sloping terrain. "Our site was level but not all of them appeared to be so," notes Lee D. about Pittsfield State Forest. RVers should bring adequate leveling equipment as sites throughout the region often require adjustment.
Hookup verification: When booking sites with utilities, verify exact amenities. Some campgrounds have inconsistent labeling of power requirements. One camper at a local campground advises, "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."
