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Camping in the Berkshires

See The Berkshires, Massachusetts family vacation

Camping in the Berkshires

Glendale

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Massachusetts Department of Conservation
251 Causeway St.
Boston, MA 02114
877-422-6762
617-626-1250

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Hiking

Camping in the Berkshires Description

Legend has it that Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville built a historic friendship while hiking Monument Mountain. A hundred or so years later, folks continue to explore the nature and culture connection—nowhere more so than at October Mountain, where proximity to Tanglewood means you can makes s'mores outside your tent before partaking in the classics at the Shed. Abundant and beautiful natural resources here are plenty entertaining all by themselves, whether you're roughing it at Clarksburg State Park (outhouses only) or living it up with more fully equipped sites at Tolland State Forest.

Kid Tips

School-Age Kids: Camping doesn't always mean a tent. At Savoy State Forest, thrill kids by staying in one of the tranquil log cabins or try out a Yurt at October Mountain. Either way, reserve ahead as the number of such "luxury" facilities is limited.

Planning Notes

Reserve ahead. Reservations are accepted six months in advance. Some sites, like those near Tanglewood (particularly during big-name events), fill up in a hurry. The same is true at the lovely Beartown, which only has 12 sites. The moral of the story: reserve as early in that window as you can.
Get details. Those who don't know exactly what kind of campsite they'd like can do a quick scan of amenities on the Department of Conservation's website. Go straight to the cheat sheet at www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/camping2.htm.
Out of commission. Mount Greylock, one of the area's most popular spots and the peak that inspired Herman Melville to pen Moby Dick, is currently a tough place to visit. Automobile roads are closed for repairs, meaning the only campsites available are very rustic and accessible only by foot. Roads will reopen in 2009.