Pittsfield State Forest RV & Campground Guide
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Pittsfield State Forest is located in the town of Pittsfield in western Massachusetts. It covers an area measuring 11,000 acres and is home to Berry Pond, which sits atop Berry Mountain at an elevation of 2,150 feet, making it the highest natural body of water in the state. The region also contains numerous streams and waterfalls, as well as 65 acres of wild azaleas which blossom into a brilliant pink landscape in June. In this state forest, visitors can enjoy over 30 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. There’s also a campground, picnic areas, swimming beach, and opportunities to both fish and boat in Berry Pond.
During winter, the park gets especially cold due to its elevation, with temperatures dropping as low as 13°F during the night. With snowfall comes plenty of fun winter activities, however, including skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. There is also an on-site ski lodge available through the colder months. For those traveling to the state forest in summer, they can expect balmy temperatures as high as 79°F. Peak season at Pittsfield State Forest runs from mid-May to mid-October, however the area is open year-round. Keep reading to find out all there is to know about this state forest, including camping, activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 23°F - 67°F
Summer 53°F - 79°F
Fall 30°F - 71°F
Winter 13°F - 35°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Pittsfield State Forest
If you’re thinking about staying in or near Pittsfield State Forest, why not do so in an RV? Unlike tents, RVs provide you with a soft, comfortable bed, as well as your own private bathroom and fully-stocked kitchen. If you don’t own an RV, you can rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget or needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
Pittsfield State Forest has its own camping facilities, including 32 sites for tents, pop-up, group, and standard non-electric camping. Out of the three available campgrounds, Parker Brook is the only one that has space and facilities suitable for RVs. These include hot showers, flushable toilets and a dump station.
As you can imagine, these limited RV sites fill up quickly, so we’ve also listed three additional campgrounds and RV parks located near the Pittsfield State Forest.
Mt. Greylock Campsite Park
Mt. Greylock Campsite Park is a highly-rated campground located just over 15 minutes’ drive from the state forest. It’s located at the base of Mount Greylock Reservation and nestled in the surrounding woods, so you can expect beautiful scenery and plenty of serenity. The campground’s 112 sites can accommodate tents, pop-ups, trailers, motorhomes and RV's up to 45 feet. RV sites start at $40 per day.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: picnic tables, fire rings, recreational hall with games and TV, heated swimming pool, sports fields, fishing pond, toilets, hot showers, dump station.
Alps Family Campground Inc
Just over the New York border, yet only a half-hour drive from the state forest, is theAlps Family Campground Inc. It’s located in a beautiful, quiet country paradise, which is surrounded by nature hiking trails and stunning views. The season runs from May 1st to October 15th with a limited number of sites open year-round for self-contained RV’s. Nightly rates start at $32.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: gift shop, activity pavilion, video arcade, hot showers, firewood, basketball area, softball field, hiking trails, fishing pond, horseshoe pits, ice supply, propane, dumping station, laundromat, swimming pool, playground.
Bonnie Brae Campground and RV Park
Located just over 10 minutes’ drive from the state forest isBonnie Brae Campground and RV Park, which is also just a short walk from the scenic Pontoosuc Lake. Here, you’ll find a wide range of helpful amenities, as well as fun activities to keep the whole family entertained. Daily rates start at $42.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: picnic tables, fire rings, swimming pool, boat rentals, fishing pond, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities.
What to Do at
Pittsfield State Forest
Inside Pittsfield State Forest
With over 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, a large pond, and fun activities such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing to enjoy in winter, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in Pittsfield State Forest.
Hiking : Miles and miles of trails take you to some of the most stunning areas of the state forest. Not only are they well-maintained, but there’s also a trail to suit every level of hiker – including one that’s wheelchair accessible (the Tranquility Trail). Other popular trails include the Taconic Crest Trail, Lulu Brook Trail, Turner Trail and Berry Pond Trail.
Swimming and boating : A swimming beach gives visitors access to cooling, pond waters. Berry Pond can be used by those wishing to kayak or canoe, however no motorized boating is allowed.
Fishing : Berry Pond is the largest fishing area within Pittsfield State Forest and it is stocked with around 500 trout each year. Other species commonly found in the pond include brown bullhead, golden shiner, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed.
Mountain biking : The state forest offers plenty of trails suitable for mountain biking, with the most popular of these being located north and south of the top of the ridge near Berry Pond.
Winter activities : Snowfall gives visitors the chance to partake in even more fun activities, including cross-country skiing on many of the trails, as well as snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Be sure to contact the visitor center regarding weather conditions before you set out.
How to Get to
Pittsfield State Forest
From east or west: Take Massachusetts Turnpike (Rte I-90) to Exit 2 (Lee), to Route 20 west. Follow signs into park. Turn right onto Hungerford Street, then left onto West Street. Make a right on to Church Hill Street and follow the signs to the park.
From north or south: Take Route 7 to Route 20 West. Follow signs into parks.
Entering Pittsfield State Forest
Parking for day use costs $5 - $10 each day if you don’t already have aparking pass.
We’re very excited that you’re planning a trip to Pittsfield State Forest. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the area has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
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