Beartown State Forest Site 10, Great Barrington, MA

Introduction / Overview

For Massachusetts residents drawn to the serene beauty and authentic wilderness of the Berkshire Mountains, Beartown State Forest Campground offers a quintessential New England camping experience. Specifically, the highly desirable Site 10 represents one of the most picturesque spots within this small, intimate, state-run facility. Located deep within the 12,000-acre Beartown State Forest, this campground is a perfect example of a protected natural retreat maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Beartown is celebrated for its "primitive" classification, meaning it intentionally lacks modern hookups—a feature that appeals to true outdoor enthusiasts seeking an unplugged experience. The entire campground comprises only twelve single-family campsites, ensuring a quiet, low-impact atmosphere. Site 10 is one of the exclusive "waterfront" sites, positioned directly on the shore of the 35-acre Benedict Pond. This prime location rewards campers with stunning sunrise views and refreshing pond breezes, as enthusiastically noted by previous visitors.

While the campground embraces a rustic aesthetic, recent improvements have significantly enhanced visitor comfort. The facility now features new bathroom buildings with running water and clean, modern flush toilets, a welcomed upgrade for a primitive setting. The campground is best suited for tent camping, with Site 10 designated as tent-only, and is highly recommended as a tranquil base for exploring the rich hiking trails within the forest and the vibrant nearby cultural towns. The consistent feedback from local users highlights the beautiful landscape, the accommodating staff, and the overall quality of the visit, even while noting the small size and closeness of the limited campsites—a common trade-off for a high-demand waterfront location.

Location and Accessibility

Beartown State Forest Campground is ideally situated in the Southern Berkshires, providing a balance of deep-woods seclusion and convenient access to local Massachusetts culture. The general address, 6P45+3M, Great Barrington, MA 01230, USA, places it close to the charming and artsy town of Great Barrington, a short drive that connects campers to fine dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.

The state forest itself spans across multiple towns, including Monterey and Lee, making it an easy drive for Massachusetts residents arriving via the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) for those coming from the eastern parts of the state. The drive into the forest is part of the experience, traversing scenic, wooded roads that set the stage for the natural retreat. The campground is located near the end of the public road section, leading directly to Benedict Pond. Its Berkshire location makes it a highly valuable resource for hikers, as the legendary Appalachian Trail (AT) passes near Benedict Pond, making it a key access point for challenging and rewarding sectional hikes. The elevated terrain of the area ensures a beautiful setting, particularly during the stunning fall foliage season, which is one of the highlights of camping in Western Massachusetts.

Services Offered

As a primitive state forest campground, Beartown State Forest focuses on providing essential amenities that support an immersive outdoor experience while ensuring safety and cleanliness.

Campsite Configuration: The campground offers only 12 single-family campsites, with Site 10 being a highly desired, tent-only, waterfront spot.
Essentials Provided: Each site, including Site 10, is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, a fire ring with a cooking grate, and a metal food storage locker, which is mandatory for securing food due to the presence of black bears in the area.
Restroom Facilities: Recently upgraded, the campground provides modern bathroom buildings featuring flush toilets and running water. Please note, no shower facilities are available on-site, maintaining the primitive camping ethos.
Water Access: Potable drinking water is available from spigots placed conveniently throughout the campground loop.
Prohibitions: No electrical, water, or sewer hookups are provided at any campsite, including Site 10. Generators are generally prohibited during quiet hours.
Firewood Policy: To protect the Massachusetts forest ecosystem, outside firewood is strictly prohibited. Firewood must be purchased on-site (cash or card sales available).
Pet Policy: Pets are allowed but must be kept leashed at all times, and a current rabies certificate must be presented upon check-in.

Features / Highlights

The natural features and recreational opportunities at Beartown State Forest are the primary draw for Massachusetts outdoor enthusiasts, with Site 10 being strategically placed to maximize these highlights.

Waterfront Camping: Site 10 is one of a select few sites located directly on the shore of Benedict Pond, offering unparalleled views and immediate access to the water for early morning fishing or a quick dip.
Benedict Pond Recreation: The 35-acre pond is perfect for non-motorized boating (canoeing, kayaking), fishing (largemouth bass and pan-fish), and swimming at the designated beach area. The restriction to electric-only motors ensures a tranquil environment.
Extensive Hiking Trails: The state forest boasts over 20 miles of trails, ranging from the easy, family-friendly 1.7-mile Benedict Pond Loop Trail to more strenuous paths. A significant section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) passes through the forest.
Year-Round Activities: The extensive trail network provides opportunities for mountain biking and horseback riding in warmer months, and transforms into a snowy paradise for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling during the winter season.
Wildlife and Birding: The rich deciduous forest and wetland areas around the pond provide habitat for deer, bobcats, fishers, beavers, and a large variety of bird species, making it an excellent spot for nature watching.

Contact Information

To secure a reservation for Site 10 or any of the other limited spots at Beartown State Forest Campground, visitors must go through the official Massachusetts DCR reservation channels.

Address: 6P45+3M, Great Barrington, MA 01230, USA (This is a precise mapping coordinate within the state forest)

General Park Phone: (413) 528-0904 (Contact for Beartown State Forest Headquarters)

Reservations: Reservations must be made in advance via the Massachusetts DCR’s official camping reservation system (ReserveAmerica). Waterfront sites like Site 10 are in very high demand, and booking well in advance is strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during the peak season.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Beartown State Forest Campground is an ideal and highly suitable destination for Massachusetts residents looking to leverage their state park system. First and foremost, the DCR offers a significantly discounted nightly camping rate for MA residents, making this high-quality, high-demand location incredibly accessible and affordable. Site 10, in particular, offers a unique value—it is a rare waterfront campsite where locals can literally wake up to a "Sunrise view, pond breeze" right outside their tent, an unparalleled experience in the Berkshires.

The campground strikes a perfect balance: it is rugged enough to feel like a genuine escape into the wild, complete with the call of birds and the nearby presence of the Appalachian Trail, yet it is clean, well-maintained, and professionally staffed. The ability to spend a weekend enjoying pristine nature while being a convenient drive from the cultural amenities of Great Barrington offers the best of both worlds. For any Massachusetts resident who values quiet, non-motorized recreation—be it hiking the great trails, paddling Benedict Pond, or simply relaxing by a campfire—Beartown State Forest and its highly sought-after Site 10 offer a cherished, local, and protected sanctuary.