Camping opportunities near Old Chatham, New York extend across the border into the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts, where elevations reach over 2,000 feet. This region sits at the transition zone between the Taconic Mountains and the Hudson Valley, creating diverse terrain for campers. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 80°F during day, with fall nights dropping into the 30s.
What to do
Hiking local trails: October Mountain State Forest Campground offers excellent access to hiking paths directly from the campground. One camper noted, "Beautiful area to hike. Quiet off the beaten path. There are 3 yurts available May-October. Every site has a fire pit and a picnic table." The forest connects to longer routes including sections of the Appalachian Trail.
Swimming in natural settings: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground provides both a swimming beach and boating opportunities. As one visitor mentioned, "Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails." The park maintains designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season.
Wildlife viewing: Piebald Mountain visitors often encounter local wildlife. A recent camper shared their experience: "We were greeted by some turkey and visited by some deer. Comfy and cozy setting." The campground's natural setting attracts various bird species and woodland creatures.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Woodford State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. A visitor commented, "The bathrooms were the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever seen! The campsites are pretty big and somewhat private which is nice." Most sites maintain separation through natural vegetation.
Platform tent sites: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers elevated wooden platforms for tent camping. One camper explains their benefits: "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection! The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring." These platforms measure approximately 12' by 12'.
Quiet woodland settings: October Mountain State Forest Campground provides secluded camping experiences. A reviewer noted, "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. The campground was pretty quiet after 9PM." The campground has three distinct sections on different tiers of a hill.
What you should know
Variable site conditions: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills campsites have uneven terrain. A recent visitor cautioned, "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are," while another mentioned, "The site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow. Tricky footing for older folks."
Reservation requirements: Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground has strict booking policies. A camper noted, "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed." Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during peak season (July-August).
Seasonal considerations: The camping season typically runs May through October, with most state parks closing after Columbus Day weekend. Limited drinking water and bathroom access exist during shoulder seasons. A Savoy Mountain visitor mentioned, "It was early May and before the summer crowds. The pond has a fountain which sounds like a small waterfall at night, and wildflowers were in bloom."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park provides family-friendly amenities. A visitor described, "There was a very large open grassy field for play/sports, a playground and life guarded portion of the lake for swimming." The park charges additional fees for swimming areas.
Child-friendly environments: Woodford State Park welcomes families. A camper observed, "If you have kids and don't mind them making friends and roaming the campground then this is great! Boat rentals!" The park offers paddle boat and kayak rentals at approximately $10-15 per hour.
Farm animal interactions: Brookside Campground offers unique experiences for children. A guest shared, "Small farm right next to our site, goats, cow chickens, ducks, geese." Animal viewing opportunities provide educational experiences without requiring separate farm visits.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Waubeeka Family Campground offers RV accommodations with varying levels of privacy. One RVer mentioned, "Our site was more like camping in a Walmart parking lot with hookups. Golf carts everywhere." The campground has been renovated in recent years with improved facilities.
Full hookup availability: Spacious Skies Woodland Hills provides complete services for extended stays. A seasonal camper shared, "Our site #1A was a quick back in site with full hookups and a perfect view day or night, right on their pond. This area has a large seasonal population but they are super friendly." Sites include electric, water, and sewer hookups.
Orientation challenges: Some campgrounds have awkward site layouts. A Woodland Hills visitor noted, "This was my very first campground stay. Jamie was incredibly helpful, same with the staff that helped me park." Always check campground maps before arrival to ensure your RV will fit comfortably.
