Beartown State Forest
00 review69 Blue Hill Road PO Box 97, MONTEREY, Massachusetts, 01245, United States
Beartown State Forest
$14.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
$14 for Massachusetts residents, $40 for non-residents. A $4.50 non-refundable transaction fee applies to each reservation. Firewood costs $7 per bundle, and sales are by credit card only.
About this campground
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.
Historical SignificanceNestled in the heart of the southern Berkshires, Beartown State Forest stands as a testament to conservation and outdoor heritage. This protected landscape has long served as both an ecological treasure and a beloved recreational sanctuary, where generations of families have created lasting memories while exploring its trails and waterways.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationThe gentle rolling terrain of Beartown provides accessible adventures for campers of all skill levels, with subtle elevation changes that reveal new vistas and hidden corners of this enchanting forest.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry of babbling brooks that wind through ancient deciduous forests, where towering oaks and maples create natural cathedrals. Discover serene ponds that mirror the sky, their shores adorned with native flowering shrubs that burst with color each spring. Keep your camera ready—this is prime black bear country, where these majestic creatures roam freely alongside deer, foxes, and countless bird species.
Geological RegionBeartown State Forest showcases the stunning natural beauty of the southern Berkshires, where millennia of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of gentle rolling hills, pristine waterways, and diverse ecosystems. This enchanting region features classic New England deciduous forests interwoven with sparkling brooks and peaceful ponds, creating a perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground description does not provide specific information about accessibility for people with disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are standard-sized with a maximum equipment length ranging from 0 to 25 feet.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as wooded and tucked into a gentle slope leading to Benedict Pond, but there is no direct mention of the level of privacy between sites.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near the pond for better views and access to water activities.
Best CampsitesSites near Benedict Pond are especially popular.
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 4 adults or 2 adults and their children allowed per site.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are grouped in two loops: Sites 1-7 and Sites 8-12.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen between Memorial Day and Labor Day. No off-season camping.
Reservation PlatformsOnline reservations available through the Massachusetts state park website.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served may be limited due to the campground's small size.
Cancellation PolicyChanges or cancellations incur a $10 fee. Day-of-arrival cancellations result in the loss of the first night's fee and a $10 cancellation fee. Reserved sites are held until 8:00 AM the day after scheduled arrival.
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.Fishing
Fishing is available at the 35-acre Benedict Pond; however, details about fish species or fishing quality are not provided.Swimming
Benedict 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.Boating
Canoeing is listed as a facility, indicating that non-motorized boating is available on Benedict Pond.Wildlife viewing
The park offers opportunities to see deer, bobcat, fisher, and black bears. Rich deciduous forests and beaver ponds enhance the wildlife viewing experience.Winter Activities
Winter camping is not available. The park offers cross-country skiing as one of its activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like canoeing are available on Benedict Pond.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only with firewood purchased at the campground.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Generators can only operate during quiet hours for medical devices.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are frequent visitors; food must be stored in lockers provided. Limited cell service.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger Station available at 413-528-0904. Closest hospitals and police stations are in Great Barrington.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling policies are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated next to 35-acre Benedict Pond.
Common complaintsPrimitive facilities without showers or flush toilets. Cell service is very limited.
HostNo host information explicitly stated.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Beartown State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
What Campers Love
The campground's proximity to Benedict Pond and the serene environment were appreciated.
Common Concerns
No specific user complaints are detailed in the available review.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No tips or recommendations were provided by users.
Seasonal Insights
User reviews did not provide enough data to analyze trends by season.
Camper Quotes
"Unfortunately the campground is closed, but that means you can sit right by the water and not be bothered!!" - Kim Wheeler
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are available.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No pet-specific reviews are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025