The camping areas near Williamstown, Massachusetts sit within the northern Berkshire Mountains with elevations ranging from 600 to over 3,000 feet at Mount Greylock's summit. Weather conditions vary significantly with temperature differences of 10-15 degrees between valley campgrounds and mountain sites. Many campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, typically closing between mid-October and early May due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Visit Jamaica State Park Campground where "There is plenty of trails in the area and you can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools." One camper noted the "Hamilton falls trail which then leads up hill for another mile to the falls. People have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls."
Summit views: Explore Mount Greylock's trails from Sperry Road Campground where "You will hear the bard owls call at night and not much else." The summit offers educational programs and dining options as "The summit lodge offers breakfast & lunch. Although a bit pricey, the large fire place, friendly hiker conversations, and a warm cup of coffee brightened our rainy day."
Water recreation: Enjoy swimming and boating at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground which offers "a gorgeous lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails." A visitor mentioned "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kayaks etc. Worth every penny."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the space at Fernwood Forest Campground where "Large sites with trees give lots of privacy." One visitor noted, "Clean, quiet and well maintained" facilities throughout the grounds.
Seasonal social activities: Many campgrounds host planned events throughout the season. At Mount Greylock Campsite Park, "There were activities planned for the weekends that we took advantage of too. The band on Saturday night was fun and we brought our chairs and a cooler up there after dinner."
Natural quiet: The region offers opportunities to disconnect. One Jamaica State Park visitor appreciated the "small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world." Campgrounds at higher elevations provide exceptional stargazing opportunities due to limited light pollution.
What you should know
Limited accessibility: Many campgrounds in the Berkshires have challenging terrain. At Mount 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. Our little ones had trouble going down the hills because of the loose gravel."
Weather variations: Mountain weather can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations. Temperature swings of 15-20 degrees between day and night are common, even in summer months. Pack accordingly with layers.
Wildlife awareness: Black bears are present throughout the region. Sperry Road Campground provides "bear boxes set apart from the campsite itself as black bears live in the park." Always follow proper food storage protocols at all campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Jamaica State Park, visitors mentioned a "fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls." Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities for rainy days.
Swimming options: Alpine Lake RV Resort offers water activities where "peaceful for such a large campground. Waterfront sites worth the dollars! Bring your boats and SUP boards for lots of fun!" Some sites have designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer junior ranger programs or guided nature walks. Take advantage of the "educational and entertainment programs scheduled throughout the weekend" at area parks to keep children engaged and learning about the local environment.
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: At Dorset RV Park, RVers should "Call them up and ask for their help choosing something that offers privacy." Another camper warned that "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver."
Leveling issues: The mountainous terrain creates challenges for RV parking. One camper at Dorset RV Park mentioned "The sites were level but some definitely were not," highlighting the importance of bringing adequate leveling blocks or hydraulic systems.
Road conditions: RV travelers should note that mountain roads can be steep with tight turns. A visitor to Krawczyk Farm stated they "were unable to get onto it with our travel trailer because of the tight parameters in which to maneuver." Always call ahead to confirm access for your specific RV length and height.
