By:
Submission
NATURAL FEATURES
Otter River State Forest was the first area acquired by the State Forest Commission in 1915 and also the first campground in the Massachusetts State Park system. 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 1930's. The forest of oak and hickory, northern hardwood and pines is home to numerous wild flowers and shrubs, deer, chipmunks and many species of birds.
RECREATION
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 ball field, basketball court, volleyball court and picnic areas. Many recreation opportunities are available and include a fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, and picnicking. Use the park's hiking trails or try mountain biking on the 9000 acres of the adjacent Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area.
FACILITIES
Otter River offers 73 campsites, three group sites, and four yurts. Comfort stations are located throughout the campground and offer hot showers and flush toilets. One comfort station is accessible, shown on the map. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. Yurts are canvas sided, cabin-like structures that can accommodate 4 to 6 people. Yurts offer bunk beds, tables with benches, and access to water and electricity. All of the yurts are accessible. (Linens and eating utensils are not provided.) NOTE: Electrical service is not sufficiently reliable for use with medical equipment. Pets are prohibited from yurts and yurt sites.
From the East/Northeast/Southeast: Take I-495 to exit 29, Rt. 2 west Drive 31 miles on Rt. 2 west to exit 20, Baldwinville Rd. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto Baldwinville Rd. Drive 2.5 miles on Baldwinville Rd. and turn right onto Rt. 202 north. Drive 1.2 miles on Rt. 202 north. Park entrance is on left.
Great camp grounds especially group sites! Has a nice beach are for kids not much shade so bring an umbrella.
It’s a really beautiful spot to hike, do a day trip or camping in summer. Sites go quickly as much as a year ahead. If you come in the off season be prepared to walk in about a quarter mile
Easy in, easy out, well maintained.. staff is super nice and friendly.. very clean and well maintained bathrooms/showers..
a little road noise from rt 202 but nothing over the top..
a smaller state park but perfect for a quick getaway..
Peaceful. The pond is little. There is a stream that runs through it so the top water is warm but its very cold water below that layer. The forest is nice is with walking trails. Decent bathrooms. Because its a smaller campground people are typically quiet. The only real downside is that its near a major road and during the day you can hear lots of cars but at night there's less traffic so its okay.
We spent the past weekend in yurt 3 and loved it! Such a great price for the yurt and a beautiful state park. Every employee we interacted with was very nice. Park and facilities were clean and showers were free, hot and had great water pressure. Pond near the campground was closed to swimming due to elevated bacteria levels, but our campground pass got us into Lake Dennison for free. Lake Dennison was gorgeous. Would 100% come back!
