Beartown State Forest Park Entrance

- 5PW6+Q8, Monterey, MA 01245

For Massachusetts residents seeking a truly authentic and tranquil outdoor experience, Beartown State Forest Campground offers one of the most beloved and rustic camping destinations in the beautiful Berkshire region. Tucked away on over 12,000 acres of protected woodland, this state forest is a vital part of the Commonwealth’s recreational landscape, providing a genuine escape from the hustle of city life.

Unlike some of the more developed private parks, the Beartown campground is intentionally intimate and primitive, focusing on the natural environment and outdoor activities. It caters perfectly to those who prefer tent camping or small RVs, seeking a quiet and secluded experience within a stunning, wildlife-rich setting. Central to the park's appeal is the picturesque 35-acre Benedict Pond, which serves as the hub for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Beartown State Forest is a gem that holds special significance for local users. It recently underwent significant improvements, including the installation of modern bathroom facilities, making the overall camping experience more comfortable while retaining its rustic charm. Visitors consistently praise the clean facilities, the friendly park staff, and the incredibly peaceful atmosphere that defines this Western Massachusetts getaway. If you’re a local looking to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Berkshires, Beartown State Forest Campground is a must-visit.

The Beartown State Forest Park Entrance and Campground are located in the scenic town of Monterey, Massachusetts. The official DCR address for the park is 69 Blue Hill Road, Monterey, MA 01245, though the specific campground entrance is often found by using the general coordinates 5PW6+Q8. This location places the park squarely in the southern Berkshires, easily accessible from major population centers across the state, yet remote enough to feel like a true wilderness retreat.

The forest spans parts of Monterey, Great Barrington, Lee, and Tyringham, meaning it is conveniently located near other popular Berkshire destinations. From the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), travelers can take exits that lead into the Great Barrington or Lee areas, providing straightforward access via local routes like Route 23 or Route 102.

The campground itself is situated on a gentle, wooded slope leading down to the clear waters of Benedict Pond. Parking is available for campers, and the relatively small size of the campground (featuring only 12 sites) ensures that vehicle traffic and noise remain minimal, preserving the tranquil environment. During the peak summer season (Memorial Day to mid-October), a parking fee may be required for day-use visitors accessing the pond and beach areas.

While known for its primitive feel, Beartown State Forest Campground offers essential services and recent infrastructure upgrades designed to ensure a comfortable stay for Massachusetts campers.

• Campsites: A total of 12 well-maintained campsites are available, including four sought-after sites that offer direct access or views of Benedict Pond. Sites are suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs (up to 25 feet maximum length).

• Sanitation Facilities: Recent renovations have installed brand-new bathroom facilities equipped with running water and flush toilets. Note: This is a rustic campground, and showers are not provided.

• Water Access: Several new water spigots are conveniently located throughout the site, providing fresh drinking water for campers.

• Campsite Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring with a cooking grate, and a metal food storage locker, which is essential given the presence of black bears in the area.

• Pet Policy: Pets are permitted at most campsites, provided they have a current rabies certificate and are kept leashed at all times, adhering to DCR rules.

• Firewood: Campers must purchase firewood on-site, as the DCR prohibits the transportation of firewood into or out of any state campground to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

• RV Restrictions: There are no electric or sewage hookups available, reinforcing the primitive nature of the experience.

The extensive natural features of the surrounding 12,000-acre state forest provide limitless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts from Massachusetts.

• Benedict Pond: This 35-acre man-made pond is the focal point of recreation. It features a designated, unguarded swimming beach with a small sandy shore and an accessible boardwalk, making it a perfect spot to cool off on hot summer days. The pond is also popular for fishing and non-motorized boating, with a car-top boat launch available.

• Appalachian Trail Access: An incredible highlight is the 7.5-mile section of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) that passes near Benedict Pond and through the state forest, offering challenging terrain and spectacular views for serious hikers.

• Extensive Trail Network: Beyond the A.T., the forest boasts over 12,000 acres of land crossed by numerous trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The easy, 1.7-mile Benedict Pond Loop Trail is a popular, family-friendly option that circles the pond and offers excellent wildlife viewing.

• Winter Recreation: In the off-season, the forest is a haven for winter sports, with trails open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, allowing for year-round appreciation of the wilderness.

• Wildlife Watching: The park’s name is a reminder of the wildlife present. Visitors frequently spot deer, bobcats, fishers, and various birds. The mandatory use of food storage lockers is a critical part of coexisting safely with the forest’s namesake, the black bear.

All reservations and most official inquiries for this DCR campground are handled through the state’s reservation system or the main park office.

Address (Park Headquarters):

69 Blue Hill Road, Monterey, MA 01245, USA

Park Phone:

(413) 528-0904

Camping Reservations:

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak season, and can be made through the official Massachusetts DCR state camping reservation website.

Beartown State Forest Campground stands out as an ideal camping choice for Massachusetts residents for several compelling reasons, primarily centered on value and authenticity. As a state-run facility, it offers significantly reduced campsite rates for Massachusetts residents ($14 per night, as opposed to the higher non-resident rate), making a wilderness escape highly affordable. This financial benefit is a strong incentive for locals to explore their state parks.

Furthermore, the experience is a perfect blend of accessible nature and necessary comfort. The recent upgrades, providing flush toilets and running water, eliminate the hardship of truly primitive camping while the small size of the campground and the surrounding 12,000 acres of protected forest ensure the peace and quiet that city dwellers desperately seek. Its location in the Berkshires provides easy access to New England's most celebrated hiking and cultural landmarks, from the A.T. to Tanglewood. For a Massachusetts local looking for a weekend retreat that is rustic, clean, beautiful, and budget-friendly, Beartown State Forest Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to unplug and reconnect with the spectacular natural heritage of the Commonwealth.

Beartown State Forest Park Entrance

5PW6+Q8, Monterey, MA 01245, USA