Cabin camping near West Stockbridge, Massachusetts offers diverse accommodations throughout the Berkshire region. The area sits at elevations between 800-1,200 feet, making it cooler than surrounding lowlands, especially during summer evenings when temperatures can drop into the 50s. Most cabin sites remain open from mid-May through mid-October, with limited year-round options requiring advance planning.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground provides extensive trail access directly from the campground. "There are many hiking and driving trails around the area to keep yourselves occupied. The whole area is a really nice area," notes one visitor to October Mountain. The forest contains multiple trail systems suitable for day hikes.
Swimming spots: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers multiple swimming areas. "They have a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming," reports a camper at Copake Falls Area. Some parks divide swimming areas by depth or age appropriateness.
Waterfall exploration: Several cabin camping locations provide access to notable waterfalls. "This location was very accessible to the Bish Bash Falls trail and even had a few side trails to explore," notes a Copake Falls Area visitor. Most waterfall trails involve moderate hiking and can become crowded during peak summer weekends.
Fishing access: Multiple ponds and lakes provide fishing opportunities throughout the region. One visitor reported: "North Pond was a very peaceful area to enjoy while we stayed at Savoy, but when we attempted to swim at South Pond, we didn't stay very long due to the debris such as broken glass and nails." Fishing licenses required for ages 15+ in Massachusetts.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Campgrounds vary significantly in site spacing and privacy. A Privacy Campground visitor noted: "We're not fond of RV parking lots and the sites were well spaced which gets it many extra points." At October Mountain, one reviewer shared: "Some of the sites are very visible and a few are tucked away into the woods with privacy."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness stands out as important to cabin campers. "The bathrooms are small, but very clean," wrote a Bonnie Brae guest. Another camper noted: "Bathrooms, including showers, are clean and checked a couple of times/day" at Savoy Mountain State Forest. Most cabins without private bathrooms require short walks to centralized facilities.
Recreational variety: Beyond standard amenities, some locations offer extensive activities. A Lake Taghkanic visitor shared: "They have options for trailers, tent sites, platforms for tents and even some cabins. Small store in park that sells firewood and ice and a few other things you may need. Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails."
Natural surroundings: Campers frequently mention the natural settings. "This campground is at the base of October mountain. The sites are varied from grassy meadows by the entrance to wooded canopys uphill," notes a visitor. Many cabin sites feature established tree cover providing partial or full shade.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular cabin locations fill quickly, especially during peak season. "Reservations must be made in advance. Out of state guests will pay a significantly higher fee," noted a Savoy Mountain visitor during the 2020 season. Many parks maintain this price differential for non-residents.
Site variations: Within the same campground, cabin sites can differ dramatically. At October Mountain, "what site you get makes all the difference. There are Many, I would say most, Sites that you feel very exposed (Like I would not be comfortable staying there) and out in the open." Request specific site numbers when making reservations.
Connectivity limits: Cell service remains limited throughout the region. A Savoy Mountain visitor reported: "I had a flicking bar of coverage at the high point of the campground on Verizon, but all you MIGHT be able to do is text." Prepare for minimal or no connectivity at most cabin locations.
Weather considerations: The Berkshire region experiences temperature fluctuations. "This place, overall, is a good time if it's not below 60 and wet," noted an October Mountain reviewer regarding early season camping. Night temperatures can drop significantly, requiring extra blankets even in summer.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom proximity: When camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. At Privacy Campground, "Hiking up and down the hill to the bathroom does get old and there is really no place to park there like most places have without blocking the road." Choose cabin sites with reasonable bathroom access.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer structured swimming areas appropriate for different ages. At Copake Falls Area, one camper noted there are "2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of." Most lifeguarded areas operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Activity planning: Some locations provide organized activities. At Lake Taghkanic, "They have a large field for seasonal and large rv's to small wooded sites for tents... it is family oriented and has plenty of activities, but we ignored all that and were pleasantly left alone." Many locations offer weekend programming during peak season.
Noise considerations: Campground noise levels vary significantly. "This was a truly great campground, but it's proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends," notes a Copake Falls visitor. For quieter family experiences, consider weekday reservations or shoulder season visits.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For cabin campers considering RVs, site selection requires careful attention. "There are many ways to camp at Lone Oaks. Tenting to a RV, very family friendly," writes one camper. Most cabin locations also accommodate small to medium RVs, but size restrictions apply.
Utility access: While cabins typically offer basic electricity, RV hookups vary by location. "This is basic dry camping it is fun but there is no electric or water at the sites only in the bathhouse," notes a Copake Falls Area visitor. Check specific hookup availability when booking.
Seasonal considerations: Many RV-friendly campgrounds operate seasonally. "We stayed at a platform tent site and were able to park two vehicles on site but the grounds had plenty of parking not too far from the sites," shares a Copake Falls camper. Most locations close water systems after first frost.
