Camping in Otter
River State Forest |
New Winchendon Rd., Baldwinville
978 939-8962
Otter River State Forest is a popular camping
and day-use facility in a beautiful area of north central Massachusetts.
Its developed facilities are centered on Beaman Pond and include
85 campsites,
a swimming beach, ball field and picnic areas. Yurt camping is also
available. Otter River State Forest was the first area acquired
by the State Forest Commission in 1915.
History
Some of the forest area was cleared in the nineteenth century for
small farms. After the state acquired the land, it was reforested
with groves of pines which were planted by the Civilian Conservation
Corps in the 1930s. The CCC also built the first campground sites
in the area. The vegetation is now a transition zone between three
forest types: oak and hickory, northern hardwood, and the pines.
The forest is home to numerous wild flowers and shrubs, deer, chipmunks,
catbirds, warblers and vireos.
Recreational Opportunities
Universal Access, Camping, Fishing, Group Day Use, Hiking, Hunting (Restrictions), Interpretive Program , Mountain Biking, Pavilion (50 maximum), Picknicking, Restrooms, Showers, Skiing (Cross-Country), Swimming, Walking Trails.
Trail Map
Click here to view trail map for Summer
Use
Click here to view trail map for Winter
Use
Things to know before you go…
• Campground Office Hours: 10am–10pm
• Camping Season: mid-May through mid-October
• Swimming is permitted from 10am to 8pm at designated buoy
areas only.
Park Directions
Otter River State Forest is located in north central Massachusetts.
From the east: Take Rte. 2 west to exit 20, then
right onto Baldwinville Rd. to the end, right again onto Rte. 202
north. Follow 202 north 1.2 miles to the park entrance on the left.
From the west: Follow Rte. 2 East to exit 20, then turn left onto Baldwinville Rd. till the end, then right onto Rte. 202 North. Follow 202 North 1.2 miles to the Park entrance on the left.
Other State Parks
Nickerson State Park and Shawme-Crowell
State Forest also offer yurt camping.
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