Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground offers a serene and rugged escape into the heart of the Berkshire highlands. Located in the town of Florida, Massachusetts, this state-managed facility is a favorite for local residents who want to leave the hustle of the city behind for the quiet of the deep woods. The campground is unique for its history and setting; the 45 campsites are primarily situated within a former apple orchard, providing a blend of open, grassy spaces and shaded, wooded retreats. Established in 1918, the forest now spans over 10,000 acres of dense woodland dominated by sugar maples, beeches, and birch trees, making it one of the premier locations in the state for nature lovers.

As a quintessential Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) property, Savoy Mountain emphasizes a low-impact, traditional camping experience. It is a place where the stars are brilliantly visible due to the lack of light pollution and where the sounds of the forest replace the hum of traffic. Whether you are looking to pitch a tent in the historic orchard or reserve one of the sought-after log cabins overlooking South Pond, the forest provides a rustic "back-to-basics" atmosphere. Families and solo adventurers alike appreciate the forest's ability to offer solitude and high-altitude adventure while remaining accessible from major routes like the Mohawk Trail.

The campground is located at 319 Central Shaft Rd, Florida, MA 01247. For those navigating the area, it is important to follow specific local directions, as some GPS routes may attempt to lead vehicles down unmaintained woods roads that are impassable for standard cars or RVs. The safest approach is via Route 2 (the Mohawk Trail), turning onto Central Shaft Road. The campground sits atop the Hoosac Mountain Range, an extension of the Green Mountains, providing cooler summer temperatures and crisp mountain air that residents of the valley find refreshing.

Accessibility is a priority at Savoy Mountain, ensuring that the beauty of the Berkshires is available to everyone. The campground features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible parking lots, and designated accessible restrooms. While the terrain is naturally hilly and mountainous, the main facilities are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. Free on-site parking is available for campers, and the layout of the orchard loop is relatively flat and easy to traverse for children on bicycles or those taking a casual evening stroll.

Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground provides several essential services to ensure a comfortable stay while maintaining a wilderness feel. The services offered include:

• Tent and small RV/trailer camping at 45 designated single-family sites.
• Year-round rental of four rustic log cabins equipped with wood-burning stoves.
• Seasonal access to clean public restrooms and hot shower facilities.
• A sanitary dump station for the convenience of RV and trailer campers.
• On-site firewood sales (note: DCR policy prohibits bringing outside firewood to prevent pest spread).
• Interpretive and educational nature programs led by park rangers during the peak season.
• Designated picnic areas equipped with tables and grills for day-use visitors.
• Waste management and food storage lockers (bear boxes) at each site to ensure safety in bear country.

The highlights of Savoy Mountain are its natural wonders and the quiet, family-friendly environment. Visitors often return for the specific features that make this forest a standout in the Massachusetts park system:

• Tannery Falls: A spectacular series of cascades, including a 100-foot drop, accessible via a moderately challenging hike through old-growth forest.
• North and South Ponds: Tranquil bodies of water perfect for non-motorized boating, swimming at the North Pond sandy beach, and fishing.
• Over 50 Miles of Trails: A vast network of wooded paths suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and even cross-country skiing in the winter.
• The Bog Pond Trail: A unique hiking experience featuring floating bog islands and diverse wetland plant life.
• Wildlife Viewing: An excellent location for birding and spotting local mammals such as deer, bobcats, and occasionally moose.
• Dog-Friendly Atmosphere: Dogs are welcome at the campsites and on trails, provided they remain on a leash no longer than six feet.
• Exceptional Stargazing: Due to its elevation and remote location, the campground offers some of the clearest night skies in the state.

For those planning a visit or needing to check current conditions, the campground staff can be reached via the contact information below. Reservations are highly recommended and must be made through the official ReserveAmerica system for all Massachusetts state parks.

• Address: 319 Central Shaft Rd, Florida, MA 01247, USA
• Phone: (413) 664-9567
• Mobile Phone: +1 413-664-9567

What makes Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground worth choosing is its ability to offer a true "escape" without requiring a cross-country journey. For local Massachusetts residents, it provides a sense of rugged wilderness that is hard to find elsewhere. The cabins are a particular highlight; overlooking South Pond, they offer a cozy, picturesque retreat that is popular even in the colder months. These cabins come equipped with bunk beds and a wood stove, though guests should remember to bring their own linens and cooking supplies.

Additionally, the campground is worth choosing for its spectacular fall foliage. Toward the end of September and early October, the mix of maple and beech trees transforms the orchard into a vibrant canopy of gold and red. The proximity to Tannery Falls and Spruce Hill—which offers views of Mount Greylock—means that world-class scenery is just a short hike away from your tent. If you value a quiet, clean, and well-managed park where you can truly connect with the natural landscape of the Berkshires, Savoy Mountain is an ideal destination. Whether you are coming for the fly fishing, the challenging mountain trails, or simply to sit by a campfire under a blanket of stars, this campground delivers an authentic and memorable Massachusetts outdoor experience.