October Mountain State Forest in Massachusetts has three distinct camping sections on different tiers of a hill. The campground offers varied sites from shaded wooded areas to open grassy spaces, with tent sites on the middle tier and RV sites on the lower level near the entrance station. Unlike traditional tent camping, the yurts in the upper tier provide enhanced insulation and protection from elements, making glamping close to Washington, Massachusetts an increasingly popular accommodation choice.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail systems: Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground connects to multiple trails perfect for day hikes. "We got to walk to many hiking and driving trails around the area to keep yourselves occupied. The whole area is a really nice area," notes a visitor. The campground provides maps of hiking routes at check-in.
Swimming in natural waters: The clean swimming areas at Taconic State Park offer refreshing alternatives to pools. "Two lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," reports one camper. The swimming areas are generally open from late June through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Waterfall exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to notable waterfalls within short driving distance. "Tannery Falls has a beautiful waterfall. About a 20 minute drive away, worth a visit," mentions a Savoy Mountain camper. Most waterfall trails are moderate difficulty and under 2 miles round trip.
What campers like
Multi-level campground layout: October Mountain State Forest features a tiered design that creates distinct camping zones. "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 a visitor. This separation helps maintain a quieter environment for tent campers away from RVs.
Clean facilities despite rustic setting: Despite being in remote forest locations, many campgrounds maintain good bathroom cleanliness. "The bathrooms were very clean. I felt safe in this campground," notes a camper at Savoy Mountain. Most campgrounds provide hot showers, though shower facilities may be limited to 1-2 stalls per gender.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills offers excellent wildlife habitat. "The pond has a fountain which sounds like a small waterfall at night, and wildflowers were in bloom," shared a camper. Early morning and dusk provide the best viewing times for native wildlife.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is extremely limited at most campgrounds in this region. "Not even a cell signal can get there, if your looking to unplug this is a great spot," notes a Savoy Mountain visitor. For emergencies requiring phone coverage, drive to higher elevations along Route 2.
Variable site privacy: Northampton/Springfield KOA and similar campgrounds have significant differences between sites. "Avoid front sites, the sites are very close together. Look for the sites that go off to the side like 39-40," advises one camper. Premium sites with more privacy typically cost $5-10 more per night.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during peak season. "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed," notes an October Mountain visitor. Reservations can be made through state booking systems or private campground websites 1-6 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Prospect Mountain Campground offers organized events for children. "Prospect mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides," reports a family camper. Most activities are included in camping fees, though some special events may have minimal charges.
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature updated play areas for children. "Great playground, pool and pirate ship," mentions a visitor to Country Aire Campground. Most playgrounds are centrally located near bathhouses or common areas for easier supervision.
Educational opportunities: Luxury glamping close to Washington, Massachusetts often includes nature programs. "We did an interesting tour of the neighboring farm where they make cow pots," shares a camper at Lone Oak. These educational activities typically run on weekends during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Elevation challenges: Mountainous terrain affects many campgrounds in this region. "The terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are," warns an RV camper at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills. Bring extra leveling blocks as many sites require significant adjustment.
Limited hookup information: Country Aire Camp Ground and others may have incomplete site details online. "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 an RVer. Call ahead to confirm exact hookup specifications before booking.
Access road considerations: Some campground approach roads are challenging for larger units. "The other road that accesses the campground is nearly unpassable with an rv, and there are signs about being toed at your own expense," notes a camper at Savoy Mountain. Follow specific driving directions provided by campgrounds rather than GPS navigation.
