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This seasoned camper explains why a quiet and secluded state park in the Berkshires provides the ideal setting for novice adventurers.

Any week between Easter and Halloween is appropriate for camping in New England, but late summer and early fall are especially opportune times to head out to the Berkshires for a family camping trip. The Mohawk Trail State Forest camping area is comfortably nestled in over 6,000 acres of woodland in the northern region of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts. The campground season is from mid-April to mid-October, but off-season camping is available for those with a true wilderness spirit. This state campground and the surrounding area exude a humble simplicity that fits the needs of a variety of camping families of all levels of experience or inexperience, making it equally ideal for first-timers and seasoned campers alike

At Mohawk Trail ( 413/339-5504 , 175 Mohawk Trail/Rte. 2 Charlemont, MA 01370), it's worth booking in advance to secure one of the 16 waterfront tent/RV sites along the Cold River. Adults can enjoy the soothing rush of the water, and it is a perfect spot for kids to explore the riverbed while safely climbing on the low, sturdy rocks. Guided nature programs are run throughout the camping season giving families the opportunity to explore the numerous trails and wildlife of the Berkshires.

Cabins Make It Easy for the Tent-Challenged

Each of the 56 campsites is conveniently equipped with onsite parking, picnic tables and fire rings. Hot showers, washing and dumping stations are all within a close walk or drive from any campsite.

Six log cabins are available year round for families who want the experience of the outdoors with a solid roof over their heads. Cabin lodging is still a semi-rustic experience with wood fire stoves for heating and no running water; however, electrical power gives a modern twist on "roughin' it." All the cabins are set up with a kitchen table, chairs, beds with mattresses, cupboards and counter space, as well as a wood stove for indoor and outdoor cooking.

The large three-room cabin sleeps five, the small one-room cabin sleeps three and the daily rates are very affordable at $50/day and $30/day respectively. While quaint and charming, they have no frills, so all camping related equipment needs to be brought along, including linens, kitchen and personal items. The third lodging option is the teepee site. With its two tent-covered picnic tables and large replica teepee for sleeping accommodations, it is an ideal place to host a group Pow-Wow. Kids are sure to love the playful atmosphere the teepee invokes, but be warned that the vacation will probably not come to an end without hearing the whooping calls of little Indians.

Communing With Nature

The Berkshires are truly a unique blending of the present and the past. Campers benefit from tranquil familiarity of a return to their roots, where around every corner there is the imminent suggestion of the Native Americans that inhabited the forest before the emergence of the modern world. Miles of hiking trails meander through the state forest, including the Mahican-Mohawk Trail, the legendary footpath the natives used to travel between the Hudson and Connecticut River valleys. Numerous pre-settlement old growth trees like the eastern hemlock, sugar maple, and yellow birch highlight the age of the forest.

Even the most active family can keep busy on the campground by taking advantage of all it has to offer, from fishing at Trout Brook to swimming, canoeing and hiking. There is a handy online calendar of Berkshire family events and several outdoor adventure companies nearby for activities like kayaking, white water rafting and river tubing.