Near Old Chatham, campers find lodging options in the western foothills of the Berkshire Mountains at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. The region experiences typical Northeast seasonal shifts with campgrounds primarily operating May through October. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, making most cabin facilities seasonal rather than year-round operations.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: October Mountain State Forest Campground connects to multiple trails directly from the camping area. "Beautiful area to hike. Quiet off the beaten path. There are 3 yurts available May-October," notes camper Cheryl B., who recommends the Marsh Trail specifically. Trails range from flat creek-side paths to more challenging mountain terrain.
Water activities on local lakes: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers swimming, boating, and fishing from May through mid-October. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campground. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days," reports Mellisa T. The lake rents kayaks and charges approximately $15 for use of personal paddleboards or kayaks on the water.
Family recreation areas: Many campgrounds maintain outdoor recreation facilities during the camping season. Copake Camping Resort provides "outdoor pool, horseshoes, mini golf, outdated playground, Washer/dryers, game room. Nice store with good prices," according to camper Reddy47. Most recreation facilities close by 9pm and typically require adult supervision for children under 12.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: While cabin accommodations often cluster in designated areas, tent and RV sites offer varying levels of seclusion. At October Mountain, "Some of the sites are very visible and a few are tucked away into the woods with privacy. Most are pretty close to their neighbors," reports Sandra G. Site layout significantly impacts the camping experience.
Clean bathroom facilities: Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites receives high marks for maintenance. "Love Bonnie Brae - perfectly located for fishing and hiking and breweries - great grounds - quiet and extremely well kept. Bathrooms were spotless and I saw them cleaned several times a day," writes Jenny C. Most campgrounds with cabins provide bathroom buildings with flush toilets rather than private bathroom facilities.
Natural water features: Many campers appreciate access to natural water. Dingman's Family Campground sits "right on the Delaware river" where visitors enjoy "walking access to the river where you can launch your kayak/go tubbing or just go for a swim," according to Dan M. Sites adjacent to water features typically fill fastest during reservation periods.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential, particularly for cabin stays. Sites at most campgrounds open for reservation between 3-6 months in advance. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, "Booking online can be a bit confusing, I had to call for explanation," notes Robert M. Holiday weekends fill months ahead.
Linens and equipment needs: Cabin rentals typically require guests bring their own bedding, pillows, and towels. Most provide mattresses on bed frames but no additional linens. Kitchen equipment varies significantly between properties, from no cooking facilities to basic refrigeration and microwave access.
Environmental considerations: Several campgrounds have location-specific environmental factors. At October Mountain, campers mention "a HUGE power station that emits a hum constantly. Super annoying and an eyesore," according to Trip Over Life's review. Other locations note seasonal insect activity, particularly in May and early June.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access timing: For families seeking swimming options, verify pool schedules as they often have limited hours. Facilities like Treetopia Campground offer swimming during peak season but may have restricted hours on weekdays or during shoulder seasons. Most campground pools close by 7pm daily.
Playground equipment quality: Playground facilities vary significantly between properties. Some campgrounds maintain modern equipment while others feature older installations. According to Reddy47, Copake Camping Resort has an "outdated playground" though functional for children.
Security features: Family-oriented campgrounds often implement security measures. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds provides "gated security" which campers appreciate, especially when leaving equipment unattended. "My husband went on a work trip and left me alone for a few days and we left our rig to take the train into the city for the weekend and we had no problems," notes camper C.O.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV sites with full hookups vary in size and privacy. "Our site was shady and long," notes April L. about Copake Camping Resort, though she mentions site maintenance has declined in recent years. RV sites near cabins often have 30-amp service rather than 50-amp connections.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds in this region have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. At Privacy Campground, Carol S. notes that "with that hill there's no place for larger RVs here unless they were to decide to use the field at the bottom." Most properties provide information about site grade when booking.
Utility reliability: Water pressure and electrical service can fluctuate at older campgrounds. Most cabin camping facilities maintain basic utilities but may not support high-demand appliances. RVers should verify amperage before booking and inquire about water pressure at check-in.
