October Mountain State Forest in Lee offers three distinct camping sections on different elevation tiers. The lower level contains RV sites, the middle has tent sites, and the upper section houses several yurts. Most campsites include fire pits and picnic tables, with bathhouses available on each level. The surrounding area features extensive hiking trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail, with wooden walkways installed over muddy sections for easier access during wet conditions.
What to do
Hiking the forest trails: October Mountain State Forest provides immediate access to hiking directly from the campground. "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 one visitor to October Mountain State Forest Campground.
Explore local waterways: Lake Taghkanic State Park, approximately 30 minutes from West Stockbridge, offers swimming and water recreation. "Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails," writes a camper at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground. The park includes both a designated swimming beach and boat rentals.
Visit nearby historic sites: The region surrounding West Stockbridge provides access to cultural attractions. Campers at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills appreciate the location's proximity to regional attractions: "We rented a rustic campsite for a long weekend and it was way better than expected. The staff was helpful, the site was pretty and there are so many places to hike and the best of the Berkshires so close by."
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds near West Stockbridge feature raised wooden platforms for tents, providing protection from wet ground. At Copake Falls Area, "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," according to a visitor to Taconic State Park.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. A visitor to Savoy Mountain State Forest notes, "The entire campground was very clean, as were the bathrooms. At check-in they will give you maps of hiking routes. Firewood is for sale onsite as are a few necessities."
Proximity to recreation: Glamping close to West Stockbridge, Massachusetts provides convenient access to both natural and cultural attractions. "This area has a large seasonal population but they are super friendly and it was a pleasure to see the kids (and adults) fishing, paddling on the lake, swimming in the designated area and sitting/playing on the nice beach," comments a visitor to Lone Oak Campsites.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the West Stockbridge area operate from May through mid-October, with some extending slightly longer. Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground has limited cell service: "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. Head toward Florida, MA on Rt 2 and at the height of land, you'll have good coverage."
Bear awareness: Several campgrounds in the region provide bear boxes at campsites. "Bear boxes are provided at each site as this is black Bear country," notes a camper at Savoy Mountain State Forest. Always store food securely and follow camp host guidance regarding wildlife.
Site selection matters: Campgrounds near West Stockbridge vary in privacy levels between sites. "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. Just plopped next to someone on the grass. Look for the sites that go off to the side (not on the loops) like 39-40," advises a camper at October Mountain State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activities: When glamping with children near West Stockbridge, select locations with organized programs. "Prospect 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," recommends a visitor to Prospect Mountain Campground.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide a comfortable introduction to outdoor recreation. Lone Oak Campsites offers various accommodation options, with one camper noting, "There are many ways to camp at Lone Oaks. Tenting to a RV, very family friendly. There's a full bar with adult only dancing up stairs in the lounge Saturday nights, and a DJ playing dance music for the younger crowed down stairs."
Check for swimming areas: During summer months, water access is important for families. "They have a pond for swimming and softball field. They allow late check ins!" notes a visitor to Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, making it convenient for families arriving after work.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: While several campgrounds accept RVs, full hookup sites are limited. At Northampton/Springfield KOA, "I was in the seasonal section, which has some interesting folks staying there. The site was very nice and felt private."
Uneven terrain considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging topography for larger rigs. "Sites vary from grassy meadows by the entrance to wooded canopies uphill," notes a camper at October Mountain State Forest, while another at Spacious Skies Woodland Hills mentions, "Although sites are squeezed in, it is a nice family campground. However the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table."
Check electrical capacity: Verify amperage before booking, as it varies between sites and campgrounds. Not all campsites provide the same level of electrical service, with some offering 30-amp and others 50-amp connections.
