Glamping in Petersburg, New York offers elevated camping experiences at elevations ranging from 800 to over 2,000 feet, creating variable temperatures even in summer months. The region sits at the junction of the Taconic Mountains and Berkshire Hills, with cool summer nights dropping to the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Water-based activities remain popular due to the region's numerous ponds, reservoirs and proximity to the Deerfield River.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Molly Stark State Park Campground features a trail to Mt. Olga with a fire tower providing Green Mountain views. The 1.7-mile round trip connects to additional trails in the Hogback Mountain Conservation area. "There is also hiking at the campground and that is a definite plus! I loved staying in the lean-tos because it is perfect camping no matter the weather," notes Angelica H.
Water recreation: The 25-acre reservoir at Woodford State Park Campground offers paddling and swimming options from May through October. "Our dog loved getting a little swim! The reservoir is beautiful- plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming," shares Melissa S. The campground rents canoes and kayaks at reasonable rates, with separate swimming areas for day users and campers.
Local exploration: The region provides access to historic New England towns within 30 minutes. "We unexpectedly had a free Saturday afternoon and night and 2 borrowed kayaks. This was our first visit to Woodford," says Melissa S., highlighting the area's spontaneous adventure opportunities. The Appalachian Trail crosses nearby, offering day-hiking segments for campers without backcountry gear.
What campers like
Peaceful water features: The campgrounds in this region typically offer water access that creates natural soundscapes. "We heard coyotes at night and loons in the morning," reports Melissa S. about her Woodford State Park experience. Many sites back up to water bodies where wildlife viewing becomes part of the camping experience.
Kid-friendly environments: Family camping thrives in the Petersburg area with designated activities. October Mountain State Forest Campground provides varied camping terrain from "grassy meadows by the entrance to wooded canopys uphill," as Faith B. describes. "Great trail system starts right at the edge of the campground also."
Site variety: The topography creates distinctive camping experiences even within the same campground. "Sites are either wooded or open in the sun, with good distance between sites," notes Heather C. about Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground. The varied landscapes allow for selection based on privacy preferences or sun exposure needs.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping accommodations near Petersburg close after Columbus Day weekend through Memorial Day. "Vermont state parks try to camp there 3-4 times a summer," mentions Melissa S., highlighting the limited season. For cooler weather camping, be prepared for overnight temperatures that can dip into the 40s even in early fall.
Reservation requirements: Many of the more popular glamping sites require advanced planning. Spacious Skies Woodland Hills accommodates late arrivals but fills quickly in peak season. "We rented a rustic campsite for a long weekend and it was way better than expected," reports Amy G., who found availability despite not booking far in advance.
Variable amenities: Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between locations. "The bathroom was the best I've seen camping very clean and updated and honestly gorgeous," reports Beck P. about Molly Stark State Park. Other campgrounds may offer more rustic facilities with token-operated showers costing $0.25 per minute.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy the natural encounters common at these campgrounds. "We were greeted by some turkey and visited by some deer," notes Tarah Z. about her stay at Piebald Mountain. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing times, particularly around water features.
Water safety preparation: Bring personal flotation devices for children as not all swimming areas have lifeguards. "Perfect for families! There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean tos, and a few (hard to get) cabins," shares Sambath T. about Woodford State Park, noting the "beautiful clean swimmable lake with a walking trail around it."
Activity planning: Schedule organized activities to complement unstructured outdoor time. Savoy Mountain State Forest offers access to "two ponds for swimming and fishing" according to reviews. Many campgrounds offer weekend programming during peak season, with some providing equipment rentals for outdoor recreation.
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: RV campers should research site dimensions carefully. At Lake Lauderdale Campground, "The campground is acres and acres of beautiful land," according to Sarika R., but some sites have limited level areas. Sites on inclines can challenge leveling systems and stabilizers.
Hookup limitations: Many glamping areas near Petersburg offer limited or no hookups. When available, electric service is typically 30-amp, requiring adapters for larger rigs. Water and sewer connections are less common, making tank management essential for longer stays.
Road access considerations: Mountain roads accessing these campgrounds can present challenges. The Berkshire region's narrow, winding roads require careful navigation with larger vehicles. "It is important to follow the directions and turn off of Rt. 2 onto Central Shaft Road," advises Heather C., warning that "The other road that accesses the campground is nearly unpassable with an rv."
