Pittsfield State Forest

A good place to camp, or just plan a day-​hike with family or friends.
Form their site:
Streams, waterfalls and flowering shrubs abound in Pittsfield State Forest. 65 acres of wild azalea fields are a profusion of pink blossoms in June. The forest has two camping areas and two picnic areas. Fishermen frequent scenic Berry Pond, one of the highest natural water bodies in the state at 2,150 feet in elevation. The vista from the top of Berry Mountain, accessible by auto road from April to December, is a striking panorama and a great place to watch the sun set.
30 miles of trails encourage visitors to escape into the quiet of the state forest which follows the crest of the Taconic Mountain Range separating Massachusetts and New York. Access is available at several locations to the Taconic Crest Trail a 35 mile long hiking trail. The paved three-​quarter mile Tranquility Trail is popular with wheelchair-​users and other visitors who favor its smooth surface. A wheelchair-​accessible picnic area and restroom are located nearby.
Nearby Balance Rock State Park is located in the northeast corner of Pittsfield State Forest. Here a huge 165-​ton limestone boulder is balanced precariously upon bedrock, a natural curiosity.
ATV and Motorcycle Permit Information for 2010
DCR offers a limited All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Off Highway Motorcycle (OHM) trail system at Pittsfield State Forest for the 2011 season. Approximately 20 miles of trails was closed to OHVs in 2010 to protect resources regulated under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, (M.G.L. c. 131A). Approximately 14 miles of trails will open for ATV and OHM use beginning Saturday, May 28, 2011. In the interest of public safety, DCR has instituted a required trail permit for ATV and OHM users of Pittsfield State Forest ATV/​OHM trails. This process is intended to ensure that overuse of the limited trail system does not present a safety risk to motorized or non-​motorized users of the trails.

Great campground. Do not miss blueberry pond MA highest natural body of water! Too bad the showers will not be ready until next year…

I’ve been mountain biking and hiking here in the spring and fall, and snow shoeing in the winter. There are also lots of trails for quads and snow mobiles, which is why I’m giving three stars instead of four. No offense to those of you who like motorized vehicles, but they detract from my experience a little bit. I have enough noise in my life; I come to the woods for peace and quiet! Plus, they contribute to a lot of erosion on the trails, which makes for a much rougher ride if you’re biking. I will say, however, that all the motorheads I’ve encountered here have been considerate of those around them.
And fortunately, the park is large enough that you can avoid the hum of the engines and gasoline smell with a little effort. If you go deep enough, you really feel like it’s just you alone in the middle of the wilderness. What a fantastic place to hide a body.

Great State Park, well-​maintained, with a helpful, knowledgeable staff, and clean, up-​to-​date facilities.
The only downers were several water outlets that didn’t work, and that the tent site we stayed in (as with others we saw) was small and too close to the other sites around it for comfort. But we made do.
All told, a good value for a camping trip.

Gorgeous state park! Kind of a hike to drive to, secluded but very private and unbelievable surroundings. Restroom building is alright, cleaner than I expected but no showers. Be careful, you may see a bear!