October Mountain State Forest

Star4.21
90 reviews
256 Woodland Road, Lee, MA 01238, United States
Great Hiking

Quick Facts

1,086 ft

Price

$17 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

44 campsites

Season

Open season between ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Massachusetts DCR site

Official Website
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October Mountain State Forest
$17.00 - $54.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fees are $17 per night for Massachusetts residents and $54 per night for non-residents. A $4.50 non-refundable transaction fee applies to...
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Standard Site Fee$17.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
413-243-1778
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What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 90 reviews

78 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersstafffriendly

Some mention

noiseexpensive

"User reviews are generally positive about the cleanliness of facilities, the friendly staff, and the availability of hiking trails. However, many users mentioned noise from the nearby power station and road, as well as the cramped and hilly nature of some sites."

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Campground Map

256 Woodland Road, Lee, MA 01238, United States

October Mountain State Forest

256 Woodland Road, Lee, MA 01238, United States

Driving directionsFrom the East or West/Mass Pike (I-90): Take Exit 10 (old Exit 2) for Lee. Follow U.S. Rte. 20 West 1.1 miles through downtown Lee to Center St. Turn right onto Center St. (following the brown lead-in signs) bear left onto Columbia St., which then turns into Bradley St. At the Golden Hill Nursery turn right and then an immediate left onto Bradley St., which becomes Woodland Rd. Stay on Woodland Rd. (past the electric sub-station) to the campground entrance on the right. From North or South/Rte 7: At Walker St. stoplight turn left from north, or right from south, and continue into Lenox Dale for 1 mile. Turn right onto Mill St., cross the bridge, and continue for 0.5 miles to Bradley St. Turn left at the Golden Hill Nursery then an immediate left onto Bradley St., which becomes Woodland Rd. Stay on Woodland Rd. (past the electric sub-station) to the campground entrance on the right.
Access requires navigating narrow roads, particularly Woodland Road, which may be challenging for larger vehicles. Reviewers note issues for larger RVs and trailers. Seasonal closures or other obstacles are not explicitly mentioned.
Nearby places
Lee (approximately 5 minutes by car), Lenox (approximately 15 minutes), Pittsfield (approximately 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in downtown Lee, approximately 5 minutes away, offering groceries, fuel, and camping supplies.

Best Time to Camp at October Mountain State Forest

Each season paints October Mountain in dramatically different hues. Spring arrives with crisp, dry air perfect for hiking as wildflowers carpet the forest floor. Summer brings warm days ideal for exploring cool forest trails and starlit evenings around the campfire. Fall transforms the landscape into a breathtaking tapestry of gold and crimson under clear, cool skies. Winter blankets the forest in snow, creating a peaceful wonderland, though heavy snowfall may limit camping access during the coldest months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season access to trails, Laurel Lake swimming and nearby summer attractions like Tanglewood.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 4% in MA

Fall is highlighted for scenic foliage; review evidence strongly supports excellent fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings crisp hiking and wildflowers carpeting the forest floor, praised in descriptions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is open Memorial Day–Labor Day; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season between Memorial Day and Labor Day with reservations required. No walk-in camping is permitted.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts are explicitly mentioned.

About October Mountain State Forest

Nestled within Massachusetts' largest state forest, October Mountain State Forest campground welcomes adventurers with 44 thoughtfully arranged campsites cascading down gentle tiers through the woodland. Three cozy yurts offer a unique glamping experience for those seeking comfort amid nature. Beyond your campsite, miles of hiking trails wind through 17,000 acres of pristine wilderness, while the renowned Tanglewood music venue and other cultural treasures of the Central Berkshires await just a short drive away.
October Mountain State Forest offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and yurts. The sites are generally non-electric.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 to 9:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Campers are limited to 14 cumulative days occupancy in any one park between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

October Mountain State Forest provides a wide range of activities, including hiking, ATV and OHM recreation, snowmobiling, and hunting. The famous Appalachian Trail runs through the area. Visitors can also enjoy nearby cultural attractions such as Tanglewood.
HikingHiking trails range from beginner to advanced levels, including the Appalachian Trail. Reviews describe trails as well-maintained but note that some, like 'The Ledge,' can be challenging and slippery.
BikingMountain biking is available within the state forest, although detailed descriptions of trails are not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe forest is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears. Visitors are advised to use food storage lockers to avoid interactions.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears frequent the area, posing risks if food or toiletries are not secured in the provided lockers. The nearby electric substation emits a low-frequency hum, and some reviews note noise from nearby roads.
Active AlertsNo current alerts are explicitly mentioned.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided at each site for bear safety and are considered essential by management.

Weather at October Mountain State Forest

Reviews

4.2
90 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
October Mountain State Forest is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive about the cleanliness of facilities, the friendly staff, and the availability of hiking trails. However, many users mentioned noise from the nearby power station and road, as well as the cramped and hilly nature of some sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 90 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showers, friendly staff, scenic trails, and well-maintained facilities. Yurts are particularly appreciated for their comfort and cleanliness.
Based on 90 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from the nearby power station, lack of privacy between sites, hilly terrain, and limited cell service. Some users also noted that out-of-state fees are significantly higher.
Based on 90 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Select sites further from the entrance (e.g., 18-20) to avoid noise from the power station. Consider staying in a yurt during rainy weather for added comfort. Bring an air mattress for rocky or...
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Based on 90 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is praised for its accessibility to seasonal attractions like Tanglewood in the summer. Fall is highlighted for its scenic foliage, while winter activities like snowmobiling are...
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Based on 90 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The cleanest bathrooms out of any State Park.' 2. 'Yurts were great! Clean and nicely furnished.' 3. 'The campground is clean overall and the bathroom was nice, but unfortunately the noise ruined...
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Based on 90 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 10 is near the entrance and lacks privacy. Site 25 is described as open and grassy, ideal for larger groups. Sites 18-20 are quieter and more secluded.
Based on 90 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is described as 'not handicap accessible,' with hilly terrain making it challenging for those with mobility issues.
Based on 90 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome at the campground, but they must be leashed. They are not allowed in yurts.
Based on 90 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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