Camping around Washington, Massachusetts offers access to both the Berkshire Mountains and multiple state forests with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 feet. Fall temperatures drop to 30-40°F at night with daytime highs reaching 65-70°F in September, dropping to 45-55°F by late October. The region's predominantly hardwood forests feature maple, oak, and birch trees that contribute to the area's renowned autumn color displays.
What to do
Hiking near Mt. Greylock: The Mt. Greylock Campsite Park provides convenient access to regional trails. "The campground is a less than five minute drive to the visitors station at the base of Mt. Greylock. The sites were roomy and we had water and electrical hookups," notes one visitor. Several hiking trails start directly from the campground perimeter.
Swimming in natural settings: Lake Taghkanic State Park offers excellent swimming options just across the border in New York. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee to use your paddleboards/kayaks. Worth every penny," reports a camper. The park maintains a designated swimming beach with lifeguards typically on duty from mid-June through Labor Day.
Stargazing opportunities: The Berkshires region provides excellent night sky viewing 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," writes one Lake Taghkanic visitor. October Mountain State Forest also offers good stargazing opportunities when weather permits.
What campers like
Woodland privacy: Fernwood Forest Campground earns high marks for site separation. "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy. Very clean sites and facilities are cleaned to meet COVID requirements. Very quiet," writes one visitor. The campground features both wooded and partially open sites with varying degrees of privacy.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain exceptional bathrooms and shower facilities. "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is," notes one Lake Taghkanic visitor. Fernwood Forest receives similar praise: "Clean, quiet and well maintained. Washroom incredibly clean though."
Fall foliage viewing: The Berkshires region provides excellent autumn color typically from late September through mid-October. Northampton/Springfield KOA offers seasonal activities: "We went to this campground during fall foliage time. Very peaceful and very great staff. They had hayless rides and fire truck rides."
What you should know
Limited phone service: Cell coverage remains spotty throughout the mountainous terrain, particularly in valleys and remote campgrounds. Service improves near larger towns like Pittsfield and North Adams.
Terrain challenges: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills typifies the region's uneven ground conditions. "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are," reports one visitor. Another notes: "Although sites are squeezed in, it is a nice family campground. However the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table."
Weather variability: The Berkshires experience significant temperature fluctuations, particularly in spring and fall. "We've visited Fernwood Forest Campground twice and have been impressed with it both times. Large sites with trees give lots of privacy. Very clean sites and facilities," notes a camper who experienced rainy conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Prospect Mountain Campground offers numerous organized events. "Prospects mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," reports one visitor.
Platform tents for wet weather: Some campgrounds offer raised platforms that help during inclement weather. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection," notes a Lake Taghkanic camper.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds maintain swimming areas suitable for children. "I flew up here from Louisiana and met my sister in a primitive tent site. The grounds were absolutely beautiful and very well maintained! Pool was lovely and refreshing," shares a visitor to Prospect Mountain Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: When booking RV campgrounds near Washington, Massachusetts, research site dimensions carefully. "There is a tall canopy of large trees, deciduous and fir, giving a comforting ambience," reports one October Mountain State Forest Campground visitor. However, the forest setting means not all sites accommodate larger RVs.
Varying hookup availability: Electrical service ranges from partial to full hookups. At Prospect Mountain, "We did a three month seasonal Site. Staff is super nice and helpful. We had a nice quite spot even though we where in the road to the lake," reports a seasonal camper. Most campgrounds offer water and electric, with sewer connections available at select sites.
Road challenges: Access roads to many campgrounds feature steep grades and tight turns. At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, site accessibility varies significantly. "This campground has a lot of hills and some are pretty steep. Some of the sites are up hills and might be difficult for some to park their trailers," notes a visitor.
