Beartown State Forest

Star3.67
8 reviews
69 Blue Hill Road PO Box 97, MONTEREY, Massachusetts, 01245, United States
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,634 ft

Price

$14 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open between Memoria...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation site

Official Website
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Beartown State Forest
$14.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$14 for Massachusetts residents, $40 for non-residents. A $4.50 non-refundable transaction fee applies to each reservation. Firewood costs $7 per...
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Standard Site Fee$14.00
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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Reserve America
Provider
413-528-0904
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What Campers Say

3.67

Mixed Reviews

Based on 8 reviews

4 Google reviews

Some mention

cell service

"Limited user reviews are available. One review notes that the campground was closed at the time but praises its serene environment for sitting by the water."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Beartown State Forest

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

Driving directionsFrom East or West/MassPike (I-90): Take Exit 10 in Lee. Follow MA Rte. 102 west for 4.7 miles to Stockbridge. Turn left and follow U.S. Rte. 7 south for 6.1 miles to Great Barrington. Turn left and follow MA Rte. 23 east for 5.3 miles to Monterey. Turn left onto Blue Hill Road then follow the brown lead-in signs; 0.5 miles to park headquarters on left, or 2.2 miles to park entrance on right (Benedict Pond Rd.)
Accessible via major highways including MassPike (I-90) and U.S. Route 7. Conditions vary with seasonal weather.
Nearby places
Lee (15 miles), Great Barrington (6.1 miles), Stockbridge (4.7 miles), Monterey (2.2 miles).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Monterey and Great Barrington.

Best Time to Camp at Beartown State Forest

Experience the full spectrum of New England's seasonal magic at Beartown. Winter transforms the forest into a crystalline wonderland with freezing temperatures and blankets of snow, perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. As spring arrives, the forest awakens with wildflowers and rushing brooks. Summer brings idyllic 70-80°F days ideal for swimming and hiking, while autumn paints the deciduous canopy in brilliant golds and crimsons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and peak season: swimming, boating, hiking and full trail access in warm months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Deciduous oaks and maples imply strong fall color and scenic value for autumn visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site is closed until Memorial Day despite spring wildflower/shore bloom mentions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in the off-season; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. No off-season camping.

About Beartown State Forest

Escape to the tranquil wilderness of Beartown State Forest, where 12 intimate campsites await those seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience. This hidden gem invites adventurers to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the great outdoors through pristine hiking trails, refreshing swimming spots, and the simple pleasure of sleeping under a canopy of stars.
Beartown State Forest offers primitive tent and standard non-electric camping. There are no cabins, glamping options, or dedicated group camping accommodations.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM to 9:00 PM during summer.
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14 cumulative days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Beartown State Forest can engage in various outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park features a 1.8-mile Benedict Pond Loop Trail and an extensive network of trails across 12,000 acres. Hunting is also permitted within designated seasons.
Hiking"An extensive network of trails on over 12,000 acres offers visitors a chance to glimpse deer, bobcat, fisher, and other wildlife, including the park's namesake, the black bear." The Benedict Pond Loop Trail spans 1.8 miles and is described as a highlight year-round.
FishingFishing is available at the 35-acre Benedict Pond; however, details about fish species or fishing quality are not provided.
SwimmingBenedict Pond attracts swimmers during warm months. Safety measures or facilities specific to swimming are not detailed.
Biking"Bicycling (Mountain)" is listed as a facility, but no further details on trails or difficulty levels are provided.
BoatingCanoeing is listed as a facility, indicating that non-motorized boating is available on Benedict Pond.
Wildlife viewingThe park offers opportunities to see deer, bobcat, fisher, and black bears. Rich deciduous forests and beaver ponds enhance the wildlife viewing experience.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are frequent visitors; food must be stored in lockers provided. Limited cell service.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are provided at each campsite to protect against wildlife.

Weather at Beartown State Forest

Reviews

3.7
8 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Beartown State Forest has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Limited user reviews are available. One review notes that the campground was closed at the time but praises its serene environment for sitting by the water.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's proximity to Benedict Pond and the serene environment were appreciated.
Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific user complaints are detailed in the available review.
Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No tips or recommendations were provided by users.
Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews did not provide enough data to analyze trends by season.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Unfortunately the campground is closed, but that means you can sit right by the water and not be bothered!!" - Kim Wheeler
Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are available.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No pet-specific reviews are available.
Based on 8 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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