Massachusetts' Camping Gem On One Of The State's Largest Bodies Of Water Is A Swim And Hike Paradise

In the rolling hills of western Massachusetts, the Berkshires are a beloved destination known for their vibrant arts scene and year-round outdoor recreation. One of New England's most iconic fall destinations, the region is home to miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through state forests and nature preserves like Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts, with panoramic views and challenging trails for adventurous hikers. Pristine lakes and rivers of the Berkshires offer idyllic scenes for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. In the winter months, the mountains and trails transform into a playground for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding.

About a 40-minute drive from the small but mighty mountain town of Stockbridge, Tolland State Forest on the beautiful Otis Reservoir is a western Massachusetts camper's paradise. This expansive body of water hosts a peaceful campground with waterfront sites, and offers everything from swimming off a sandy forested beach to hiking, paddling, motorboating, and fishing. Day-use facilities include hiking trails, a sandy swimming beach, and access to the boat launch while a campers-only swimming beach and picnic area mean private access for overnight visitors. Located about 2.5 hours from Massachusetts' capital city of Boston, this pristine state forest and state park campground offer peaceful lakeside camping in the heart of the Berkshires. This wonder of the Berkshires is a Massachusetts camping gem with everything you need to enjoy the outdoors.

Just 45 minutes from historic hubs of New England charm like the Western Massachusetts town of Sheffield, lies a campground located on a shady peninsula. Tolland State Forest Campground on the 1,065-acre Otis Reservoir has 93 campsites, each with a fire ring and picnic table as well as a food storage locker. This is important because bears are common in many parts of Massachusetts, and you don't want to attract them or other critters to your camp. While there aren't electric and water hookups available at campsites, there are restroom facilities throughout the park with flush toilets and showers for camper use. Many of the campsites are waterfront with serene views of the reservoir, offering a peaceful lakeside retreat for campers and nature lovers.

On top of incredible camping opportunities, Tolland State Forest offers all kinds of outdoor recreation. The Otis Reservoir is warm, clean body of water perfect for swimming, tubing, and waterskiing. Anglers can try their hand at fishing for species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, perch, trout, and pickerel. Paddle sports like kayaking and canoeing are popular along the reservoir's sandy shores, and sailboats, pontoon boats, and motor vessels under 24 feet in length are all welcome on the water. While on land, visitors can explore miles of multi-use trails for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and even street-legal OHV operators who obtain a free permit. Nature lovers can expect to see wildlife like bobcats, otters, beavers, foxes, and black bears (from a safe distance).

Interested in mixing some culture into your camping experience? Aside from its natural beauty, the Berkshire Region features artsy attractions like Tanglewood, New England's most cherished outdoor concert venue and summer home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as institutions like the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA) in North Adams. Charming towns like Great Barrington, Williamstown, and Stockbridge each offer a unique blend of culture, outdoor beauty, and local flavor. The Berkshires offer a perfect balance of outdoor adventure and local culture, just a few hours from Boston and New York City.

Looking for a quintessential New England getaway? Escape to a quiet romantic retreat in the rolling hills of Lenox, one of the Berkshires' gorgeous towns known for upscale shopping, high-end spas, and luxury resorts. Close to countless outdoor recreation opportunities, visitors to this famed region of Western Massachusetts can enjoy the beauty of nature with accommodation options that range from rustic to regal. Whether pitching your tent in campgrounds like Tolland State Forest or enjoying hotels like the Canyon Ranch Spa & Resort, a visit to the Berkshires is a rich and rewarding experience.