How much does camping cost at Pittsfield State Forest?

Camping fees at Pittsfield State Forest range from $14-$54/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pittsfield State Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield State Forest before I book?

Yes! Pittsfield State Forest has 2 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 Pittsfield State Forest?

Pittsfield State Forest is open May to September for peak camping.. 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 Pittsfield State Forest?

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

Can I have a campfire at Pittsfield State Forest?

Fire policies at Pittsfield State Forest: Campfires allowed using onsite firewood; sales only by credit card.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Pittsfield State Forest have?

Pittsfield State Forest has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pittsfield State Forest?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield State Forest?

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

What activities can I do at Pittsfield State Forest?

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

Pittsfield State Forest

4.21

33 reviews

1041 Cascade Street, PITTSFIELD, Massachusetts, 01201, United States

Pet FriendlyGreat for Groups

Featured in:Mountain Camping Massachusetts Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Massachusetts Boating Camping Massachusetts +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,150 ft

Price

$14 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,150 ft

Price

$14 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Pittsfield State Forest

$14.00 - $54.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees are $17 for MA residents and $54 for non-residents. Limited service sites charge $14 for MA residents and $40 for non-residents....

Standard Site Fee$17.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Reserve America

Provider

413-442-8992

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1041 Cascade Street, PITTSFIELD, Massachusetts, 01201, United States

Pittsfield State Forest

1041 Cascade Street, PITTSFIELD, Massachusetts, 01201, United States

Nearby places

Pittsfield (approximately 5 miles)

Downtown Pittsfield is nearby for supplies.

Nearby supplies

Downtown Pittsfield offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Driving directionsFrom East or West: Take Massachusetts Turnpike (Rte. 90) to Exit 2 (Lee) to Rte. 20 West. Follow signs into park. Turn right onto Hungerford Street, then left onto West Street. Make a right onto Church Hill Street and follow the signs to the park. The Cascade Street entrance is hidden on the left side of the road, if you reach the Dan Casey Causeway then you have gone too far. From North or South: Take Rte. 7 to Rte. 20 West. Follow signs into park. Turn right onto Hungerford Street, then left onto West Street. Make a right onto Church Hill Street and follow the signs to the park. The Cascade Street entrance is hidden on the left side of the road, if you reach the Dan Casey Causeway then you have gone too far.

Road conditions and accessibility vary seasonally. Some user reviews highlight potholes and challenges accessing the forest during early spring.

Weather at Pittsfield State Forest

Best Time to Camp at Pittsfield State Forest

Summer brings the most reliable conditions and full access to Berry Mountain's auto road (open April through December). Daytime temperatures reach 65-80°F with nights cooling to 45-60°F. Long daylight hours make hiking, swimming, and fishing ideal. Bring bug spray for mosquitoes and black flies at night. The campground fills quickly on summer weekends, so book ahead. Winter transforms the forest into cross-country skiing and snowshoeing terrain, though amenities are limited.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with reliable conditions, blooming azaleas and open auto road (Apr–Dec).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May to September for peak camping.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations year-round. Auto road to Berry Mountain accessible April to December.

About Pittsfield State Forest

Pittsfield State Forest's 40-site campground sits at the base of Berry Mountain in the Taconic Range. Sites accommodate tents, RVs up to 30 feet, and groups, with fees ranging $14-$54 per night. The campground provides a base for exploring 30+ miles of trails, Berry Pond at 2,150 feet, and the summit views from Berry Mountain.

The Pittsfield State Forest offers tent camping, RV camping (limited to smaller RVs), group sites, and a meeting room for day use. Primitive camping is also available near Berry Mountain.

Historical Significance

Balance Rock, a 165-ton limestone boulder, stands within the forest as a geological remnant of the glacial forces that shaped the Taconic Mountains. The boulder's precarious equilibrium has made it a natural landmark for generations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions and full access to Berry Mountain's auto road (open April through December). Daytime temperatures reach 65-80°F with nights cooling to 45-60°F. Long daylight hours make hiking, swimming, and fishing ideal. Bring bug spray for mosquitoes and black flies at night. The campground fills quickly on summer weekends, so book ahead. Winter transforms the forest into cross-country skiing and snowshoeing terrain, though amenities are limited.

ElevationAscend to Berry Pond, a pristine alpine jewel cradled at an impressive 2,150 feet above sea level—one of Massachusetts' highest natural water bodies. This elevated sanctuary offers a rare glimpse into high-altitude ecosystems, where the air grows crisp and clear, and the views become increasingly spectacular with every step of your journey upward.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain shaped by the ancient Taconic Mountains, where streams cut through the forest and wild azalea meadows bloom in spring. Berry Pond, perched at 2,150 feet elevation, is Massachusetts' highest naturally occurring water body. The summit of Berry Mountain delivers panoramic views across the Taconic Range. Reviewers consistently mention the sunset views from Berry Mountain and the scenic appeal of the pond area.

Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the ancient Taconic Mountain Range, a dramatic natural boundary between Massachusetts and New York that tells a story written in stone over millions of years. This rugged landscape features tumbling streams that have carved their paths through time, expansive wild azalea meadows that bloom in stunning profusion, and the crown jewel—Berry Pond, perched at 2,150 feet, offering visitors a rare high-altitude aquatic ecosystem found nowhere else in the state.

Scenic ViewsViews from Berry Mountain overlook Eastern New York and offer striking sunsets.

Lodging & AccommodationsA ski lodge meeting room is available for day use, featuring a kitchen and wooden tables. It requires reservation and includes a parking fee of $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for non-residents.

Programs & ActivitiesNull

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Limited to 14 cumulative days of occupancy between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Four adults or two adults with children. Two tents or one tent with one trailer/RV allowed.

Groups

Group sites include Bishop Field (max 25 people) and Lulu Group (max 35 people), both pet-friendly but without waterfront access.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo loops divide the campground: a modern area with accessible sites and flush toilets, and a primitive area closer to Berry Pond with vault toilets. Some sites in the open field accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, while wooded tent sites are more compact. Spacing varies, with the field sites offering less screening between neighbors.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through ReserveAmerica.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up camping allowed; reservations are required.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations and changes incur a $10 fee. Day-of-arrival cancellations require a phone call and result in the loss of the first night's fee plus the $10 fee.

AccessibilityAccessible restrooms and picnic areas are available, and the Tranquility Trail is a paved, accessible hiking trail.

Site SizeSites have varying sizes; some accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long, while tent sites are more compact.

PrivacyMixed privacy levels: 'Some sites, like 26-31, are in an open field with little privacy,' while others are more secluded ('Camping spots are secluded').

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, choose wooded or secluded sites near Berry Pond. Sites around open fields may lack privacy.

Best CampsitesSites 26-31 sit in an open field with RV access but minimal privacy. Sites near Berry Pond offer more seclusion and tree cover. Reviewers note spacious campsites overall but recommend thick sleeping pads for pebbly ground at some spots.

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Amenities available

Pittsfield State Forest offers a modern camping area with accessible facilities, including flush toilets, showers, and a bathhouse. A second primitive area provides composting toilets near Berry Pond. Campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food storage lockers. 'Be bear aware: Black bears are common in the area, and food/toiletries must be stored safely.' User reviews highlight the cleanliness of bathrooms and showers, with comments such as, 'Bathrooms were super clean,' and 'Showers had excellent water pressure,' showcasing well-maintained facilities.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Pittsfield State Forest caters to diverse interests with 30 miles of hiking trails, ATV/OHV paths, a swimming area, fishing at Berry Pond, and non-motorized boating. A scenic viewpoint at Berry Mountain offers stunning sunsets, while wild azalea fields bloom in June.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLocated in black bear country. Proper food storage is required to minimize bear encounters.

Food Storage RequiredProvided at campsites to ensure safety in bear country; large metal boxes noted in reviews.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

4.2

33 reviews

Satisfactory

Pittsfield State Forest is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight well-maintained facilities, stunning views, and diverse activities. Positive sentiments include 'Great amenities,' and 'Bathrooms were clean and modern,' but some critiques involve poorly marked trails and road conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showers, scenic views from Berry Mountain, spacious campsites, and abundant recreational activities. 'Bathrooms were super clean,' 'The sunset view at night is a must,' and...

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Poorly marked trails, small swimming area, potholes on the road, and lack of privacy in some sites. 'Trails poorly marked,' and 'Swimming area is VERY small.'

Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 26-31 described as 'best suited for RVs' but lacking privacy; other sites praised for seclusion.

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Drive to Berry Mountain for sunset views, bring thick sleeping pads for pebbly sites, and reserve sites early as it gets busy during prime camping season.

Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews focus on blooming wild azaleas and hiking, while winter visitors enjoy snow-related activities. Spring experiences may involve road challenges, as mentioned in, 'The potholes to get...

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Bathrooms were super clean.' 'The sunset view at night is a must.' 'Great place for camping, hiking, and mountain biking.'

Based on 33 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible restrooms and paved hiking trails received positive feedback. 'Tranquility Trail is popular for its smooth surface.'

Based on 33 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets allowed at most sites, with a limit of four per campsite. Review highlights include 'Great place for hiking with your canine companions.'

Based on 33 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Hikers, mountain bikers, and kayakers who want a real mountain setting without backcountry logistics. The Taconic Crest Trail starts here, Berry Pond has bass fishing and non-motorized boating, and the wooded tent sites away from sites 26-31 offer genuine seclusion.

Skip if

Non-residents will pay $54/night with a $20 parking fee on top, and the swimming area reviewers describe as very small. If a proper beach or full hookups matter, this place doesn't have either.

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(90)

October Mountain State Forest

256 Woodland Road, Lee, MA 01238, United States

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.