How much does camping cost at October Mountain State Forest?

Camping fees at October Mountain State Forest range from $17-$54/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is October Mountain State Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

October Mountain State Forest accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at October Mountain State Forest before I book?

Yes! October Mountain State Forest has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit October Mountain State Forest?

October Mountain State Forest is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at October Mountain State Forest?

Yes, October Mountain State Forest has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does October Mountain State Forest have?

October Mountain State Forest has 44 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at October Mountain State Forest?

Yes, pets are allowed at October Mountain State Forest. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at October Mountain State Forest?

October Mountain State Forest offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at October Mountain State Forest?

Popular activities at October Mountain State Forest include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

October Mountain State Forest

Q: Can I have a campfire at October Mountain State Forest?

Fire policies at October Mountain State Forest: Firewood sales are credit card only and must be purchased on-site due to state regulations.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.12

90 reviews

256 Woodland Road, Lee, MA 01238, United States

Featured in:Mountain Camping Massachusetts#2 Forest Camping Massachusetts Fall Camping Massachusetts +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Massachusetts DCR Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Massachusetts DCR Official Website

Get Directions

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...

Standard Site Fee$17.00

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Provider

413-243-1778

I manage this campground

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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

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.

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.

Weather at October Mountain State Forest

Best Time to Camp at October Mountain State Forest

Fall is peak season for the forest, not the campground. Mid-September through mid-October brings brilliant foliage, daytime highs around 50–65°F, and nights in the 30s–40s, ideal for hiking and photographing the gorge and ridgelines. The campground closes after Labor Day, so fall visitors use the forest for day trips only. Spring and summer offer dry, warm conditions for trail exploration. Winter brings heavy snow that limits access.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Campground open Memorial Day–Labor Day; lake access, trails and local cultural events boost summer appeal.

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.

About October Mountain State Forest

October Mountain State Forest campground sits within Massachusetts' largest state forest, offering 44 sites plus three yurts across a tiered layout in the Central Berkshires. Sites accommodate tents and RVs up to 50 feet, with nightly fees from $17–$54 (out-of-state visitors pay more). The campground closes after Labor Day, but day-use access to the forest's 17,000 acres and trails remains open year-round.

October Mountain State Forest offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and yurts. The sites are generally non-electric.

Historical Significance

Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, sits within easy reach and offers excellent performances. Schermerhorn Gorge's ancient rock formations have attracted scientific interest for generations, though specific geological dates aren't detailed in available records.

Weather and SeasonsFall is peak season for the forest, not the campground. Mid-September through mid-October brings brilliant foliage, daytime highs around 50–65°F, and nights in the 30s–40s, ideal for hiking and photographing the gorge and ridgelines. The campground closes after Labor Day, so fall visitors use the forest for day trips only. Spring and summer offer dry, warm conditions for trail exploration. Winter brings heavy snow that limits access.

ElevationThe campground rests comfortably in the rolling hills of the Berkshires, where the mountain air feels refreshingly crisp and clean, offering relief from summer heat and spectacular views across the forested valleys.

Natural Features and SceneryThe forest spans 17,000 acres of terrain carved by ancient geological forces, ranging from meadows to rugged ridges at roughly 1,086 feet elevation. Schermerhorn Gorge is the standout feature: a dramatic canyon cut through bedrock by millions of years of erosion, with waterfalls and moss-covered rock walls that make it one of the region's most photographed spots. Black bears, wild turkeys, and rare wildflowers inhabit the forest. The campground itself sits in woodland with some sites on gravel patches and others more naturally spaced.

Geological RegionSet in the heart of the Central Berkshires, October Mountain State Forest encompasses a remarkable 17,000-acre landscape shaped by ancient geological forces. The forest's diverse terrain ranges from gentle meadows to rugged ridges, with trails that guide visitors through the spectacular Schermerhorn Gorge—a geological marvel where millions of years of erosion have carved a dramatic canyon through the mountain's bedrock, creating one of the region's most photographed natural wonders.

Scenic ViewsThe campground features forested views, with some sites offering vistas of Schermerhorn Gorge. However, noise from the nearby electric substation may disrupt the ambiance.

Lodging & AccommodationsThree yurts are available at the campground, accommodating 4-6 people each. These provide an alternative to tent or RV camping, especially during inclement weather. Reviews note that the yurts are clean, spacious, and well-maintained, with one user saying, 'Yurts were great! Clean and nicely furnished.'

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the authoritative sources or reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

4adults or 2 adults with children.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground uses a three-tiered structure with separate areas for tents, RVs, and yurts. Sites near the entrance are close together and often cramped. Some sites are gravel patches on hilly, uneven terrain. Spacing improves farther from the entrance, though reviews consistently mention limited privacy overall.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the official Massachusetts DCR reservation system.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up camping allowed. Reservations required.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations require a phone call to the campground on the day of arrival. A $10 fee applies to cancellations and changes. Day-of-arrival cancellations result in the loss of the first night’s camping fee plus the cancellation fee.

AccessibilityThe campground is not wheelchair accessible, as noted in the authoritative description. Additionally, user reviews state that the campground is 'not handicap accessible' and describe the terrain as 'very hilly.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some described as small and others capable of accommodating RVs up to 50 feet in length. Yurts offer additional space and shelter.

PrivacyUser reviews indicate that campsites offer limited privacy, with some described as 'close together' and 'cramped,' particularly those near the entrance.

Total Campsites44 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose higher-numbered campsites (18-20 or 30-40) for less noise from the power plant and road. Yurts offer better shelter during rainstorms.

Best CampsitesSites 18–20 and site 25 get mentioned in reviews for better privacy and distance from the entrance. Sites closer to the entrance suffer noise from a nearby power substation and road traffic. Yurts provide more comfort during rain and on rocky ground.

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Amenities available

October Mountain State Forest offers a variety of amenities in its 44 campsites and 3 yurts. The yurts are cabin-like structures accommodating 4-6 people and are equipped with bunk beds, tables, and chairs, and access to water and electricity. However, linens and eating utensils are not provided. Comfort stations with hot showers and flushing toilets are available, although these facilities are not wheelchair accessible. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and food storage locker to safeguard against black bears, which are known to visit the area. The campground has no electricity, water, or sewer hookups, but there is a dump station for RVs.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided at each site for bear safety and are considered essential by management.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFirewood sales are credit card only and must be purchased on-site due to state regulations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services include the Lee Police Department (approximately 5 minutes away) and nearby hospitals in Pittsfield (approximately 30 minutes away).

Trash & RecyclingRecycling facilities are recommended by user reviews, and dumpsters are conveniently located near campsites for trash disposal.

Water FeaturesLaurel Lake Beach is nearby, offering swimming and a dock.

Camp HostStaff are described as friendly and knowledgeable, with specific mentions of helpful individuals like Rico and Dave.

Cell CoverageReviews mention that cell service can be spotty, with one reviewer noting 'Location is great, cell service spotty.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.1

90 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 90 reviews.

Site 25Mentioned
Site 25 is described as open and grassy, ideal for larger groups.
Site 10Issues noted
Site 10 is near the entrance and lacks privacy.

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Hikers and AT thru-hikers who want a base camp near Lee: sites 18-20 are quieter and more secluded, staff like Rico and Dave get consistent praise, and Laurel Lake is a short drive for swimming. MA residents also pay just $17/night.

Skip if

Out-of-state visitors paying $54/night will feel the sting fast, especially near sites like 10 where the electric substation hum and road noise carry all night. No hookups, no level ground on many sites, and no fall camping since it closes after Labor Day.

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2.8

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Beartown State Forest

69 Blue Hill Road PO Box 97, MONTEREY, Massachusetts, 01245, United States

Beartown State Forest sits in the southern Berkshires at 1,634 feet elevation, offering 12 primitive campsites near Benedict Pond. The campground operates Memorial Day through Labor Day only. Sites cost $14-$40 per night and accommodate tents or equipment up to 25 feet. Expect vault toilets, no showers, and very limited cell service.