Beartown State Forest Site 11

- Great Barrington, MA 01230

For Bay Staters eager to trade the routine of city or suburban life for the pristine beauty of the Berkshires, Beartown State Forest Campground offers one of the most authentic and beloved camping experiences in Western Massachusetts. Specifically, Beartown State Forest Site 11 is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is an entry point to over 12,000 acres of protected woodland, crystal-clear water, and a wide network of multi-use trails maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Located right on the shore of Benedict Pond, Site 11 is one of the most coveted spots in this small, rustic, and highly popular campground.

This facility appeals directly to the Massachusetts outdoor enthusiast who prefers a true woodland experience over a highly developed resort. The campground is notably primitive, lacking RV hookups and showers, which helps maintain a quieter, more natural atmosphere that many local campers appreciate. Its small size, with only twelve campsites, contributes to a more intimate and less crowded feel than larger state parks. For those in Massachusetts who seek peace, a genuine connection to nature, and an array of year-round recreational opportunities—from summer swimming to winter snowmobiling—Beartown State Forest is a celebrated destination.

The experience at Site 11, in particular, is defined by its prime waterfront location. Being one of the few sites nestled right on the pond's shore, campers enjoy immediate access to the water's edge, offering stunning views and the relaxing sounds of nature. As the forest's name suggests, the area is home to diverse wildlife, including its namesake black bear, emphasizing the need for proper food storage in the provided lockers—a necessary precaution that underscores the wild, untouched nature of the setting. For Massachusetts residents looking for a tranquil yet adventurous escape into the heart of the southern Berkshires, Beartown State Forest Campground, and its scenic sites like Site 11, provides an unparalleled opportunity.

Beartown State Forest is situated in the scenic southern Berkshires, primarily located near the historic and culturally rich town of Great Barrington, Massachusetts. The campground itself is centered around the tranquil Benedict Pond.

• Proximity to Great Barrington: The campground, and thus Site 11, is conveniently located just a short drive from Great Barrington, providing campers easy access to grocery stores, quaint New England shops, high-quality restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and the vibrant arts scene of the Berkshires.
• Berkshires Access: This location serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the wider region, including other DCR properties, historic homes like Naumkeag, and renowned attractions such as the Norman Rockwell Museum, all within a reasonable driving distance.
• Major Road Access: To reach the campground, visitors typically take Route 23 east from US Route 7 near Great Barrington, turning onto Blue Hill Road, which is marked with brown state forest lead-in signs. While nestled in the woods, access is straightforward and well-signed from the main thoroughfares.
• On-Site Accessibility: The campground features an accessible boardwalk, accessible camping sites, and an accessible fishing pier at Benedict Pond, demonstrating the DCR's commitment to accommodating all visitors, though the specific terrain of Site 11 may be more rustic.

The services at Beartown State Forest Campground are designed to support a rustic, comfortable car-camping experience, focusing on essential facilities and maintaining the natural environment.

• Campsite Amenities: Each of the twelve single-family campsites, including Site 11, is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring with a grate, and an individual water spigot for drinking water. Some sites also feature a BBQ pedestal.
• Food Storage Lockers: Due to the active presence of black bears in the forest, each campsite is furnished with a mandatory food storage locker, a critical safety service for all campers.
• Comfort Facilities: The campground provides vault toilets (some sources suggest flush toilets, while others mention new remote bathrooms), which are frequently praised by visitors for their exceptional cleanliness and maintenance, offering a higher standard than many primitive campsites.
• Boat Launch and Swimming Area: The park offers a car-top boat ramp for non-motorized boats (canoes, kayaks) and a designated, unguarded swimming beach area on Benedict Pond for all campers to enjoy.
• Firewood Sales: For compliance with DCR regulations, firewood must be purchased on-premises (cash only, as of public reports) to prevent the transportation of non-native pests, ensuring the health of the state forest.

Beartown State Forest and its campground are celebrated for their unique characteristics and the wealth of recreational opportunities they provide to local Massachusetts outdoor lovers.

• Waterfront Camping at Site 11: Site 11 is recognized as one of the highly desirable campsites situated directly on the shore of the beautiful 35-acre Benedict Pond, offering spectacular views and immediate access to water-based activities.
• Extensive Trail Network: The forest encompasses an impressive network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. This includes the gentle 1.7-mile Benedict Pond Loop Trail, perfect for families and nature watching, and a portion of the challenging Appalachian Trail (AT) for serious trekkers.
• Year-Round Recreation: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, Beartown State Forest offers year-round access for activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling during the winter months, making it a true four-season Massachusetts resource.
• Prime Wildlife and Nature Watching: The forest is an excellent spot for viewing local wildlife, including deer, bobcats, fishers, beavers, and a wide variety of birds. The rich deciduous forest, beaver ponds, and blossoming wildflowers add immense natural beauty to the experience.
• Rustic and Intimate Atmosphere: With only 12 campsites, the small, wooded campground offers a quiet, peaceful, and secluded experience, which is a major draw for Massachusetts campers seeking an escape from heavily trafficked parks.

For Massachusetts residents planning a trip or needing information regarding reservations for Beartown State Forest Campground, please use the official DCR contact channels. Note that specific site availability, such as for the sought-after Site 11, must be checked through the DCR’s reservation platform.

Address: Beartown State Forest (General Area), Great Barrington, MA 01230, USA (Note: Specific campground entrance/headquarters is often cited near Monterey, MA)

Park Headquarters Phone (Non-Reservation Inquiries): +1 413-528-0904

Reservation System: Reservations for MA DCR campgrounds must be made online through the official state reservation platform or by phone.

Beartown State Forest Campground, especially coveted waterfront sites like Site 11, is exceptionally suitable for Massachusetts residents for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, the facility offers a highly accessible yet wonderfully wild retreat into the state's most celebrated mountain region, the Berkshires. For a modest fee—significantly lower for MA residents than for out-of-state visitors—locals gain access to thousands of acres of premier state forest land, ensuring that an authentic, restorative outdoor experience is both affordable and close to home.

The true suitability lies in the unique combination of the primitive, uncrowded nature of the campground and the wealth of activities centered around Benedict Pond and the expansive trail system. Massachusetts locals value the opportunity to hike sections of the legendary Appalachian Trail, enjoy non-motorized boating and swimming in a pristine pond, and experience wildlife viewing in an area that feels truly preserved. It caters perfectly to those who own car-camping equipment and desire a high-quality, quiet escape without the distractions of modern hookups or large crowds. Beartown State Forest is a quintessential New England camping gem, offering Bay Staters a proud and perfect backdrop for building lasting outdoor memories across all four seasons.

Beartown State Forest Site 11

Great Barrington, MA 01230, USA