In the Greater Boston region, one of the DCR-sponsored campgrounds is held at Boston Harbor Islands. Boston Harbor Islands is a state park made of 17 islands in a 34 island chain. The park is located about 45 minutes from Boston by ferry. While visiting the park, people can explore bayberry fields, shell and slate beaches, hiking paths and historic forts. The islands of Grape, Bumpkin and Lovells feature primitive campgrounds which are available from late-June through September. Campers are required to make a reservation for campsites on Boston Harbor Islands. Food and water must be brought on to the islands and all trash must be taken when campers leave. Additionally, campers should be aware that the islands are often cooler than the mainland. Composting toilets are available on the islands, however, showers are not available.
Boston Harbor Islands
408 Atlantic Avenue
Suite 228
Boston, MA 02210
781-740-1605 ext. 205
mass.gov/dcr
In central Massachusetts, the Horseneck Beach State Reservation offers 100 campsites, flush toilets, showers and fireplaces. According to the DCR website, the park encompasses more than 600 acres of barrier beach and salt marshes at the western end of Buzzards Bay. Recreational activities at Horseneck Beach include swimming, boating, fishing and birdwatching. The campgrounds are located behind the dunes on the eastern end of the reservation in an area known as Gooseberry Neck. The campground office is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the camping season which runs from May to October. Campers should make reservations, as Horseneck Beach is one of the DCR’s most popular sites. Swimming is only allowed in certain areas.
Horseneck Beach State Reservation
Route 88 at Westport Point
Westport, MA 02970
508-636-8816
mass.gov/dcr
Willard Brook State Forest, located in northeast Massachusetts, offers 21 campsites from May to September. According to the DCR website, the park is located about 50 miles from Boston on a 2,597-acre site encompassing the towns of Ashby and Townsend. The campgrounds are situated on the banks of a rambling brook, under a pine canopy. While camping at Willard Brook, guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, picnic sites and mountain biking. The campground office is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. during camping season. Campers should be aware there are no showers available at Willard Brook.
Willard Brook State Forest
Route 119
Ashby and Townsend, MA 01431
978-597-8802
mass.gov/dcr
The Otter River State Forest is located in the DCR’s central Massachusetts region, features 85 camp sites, four yurt sites and three group camping sites. The campsites are located on the banks of the Beaman Pond in the town of Baldwinville. Recreational opportunities at Otter River include fishing, hiking, mountain biking and swimming. Swimming is only allowed in certain areas marked with buoys. Swimming hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The campground office hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and camping season runs from May to October. Campsites include flush toilets, showers, picnic tables and fireplaces.
Otter River State Forest
86 Winchendon Rd.
Baldwinville MA 01436
978-939-8962
mass.gov/dcr
The October Mountain State Forest is located in the western Massachusetts town of Lee. During the camping season, lasting from May to October, the DCR operates 46 campsites. Campsites feature flush toilets, showers, fireplaces and picnic tables, according to the DCR website. Fishing, hiking, nonmotorized boating, riding off-road vehicles and mountain biking are popular activities at the October Mountain State Forest. Hiking trails lead through the Schermerhorn Gorge and some intersect with the Appalachian Trail. Campers often have the opportunity to observe vast wild and plant life species.
October Mountain State Forest
256 Woodland Road
Lee, MA 01238
413-243-1778
mass.gov/dcr
