OTTER RIVER STATE FOREST
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.
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.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Swimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
1. Otter River State Forest Campground: This is the main campground within the state forest itself, offering 85 campsites for tents and RVs with picnic tables, fire pits and comfort stations.
2. Lake Dennison Recreation Area: Located just a short drive from Otter River State Forest, this area offers over 150 camping sites along with swimming areas in Birch Hill Dam.
3. Peaceful Pines Family Campground: Although not directly inside of the park boundaries it's only about a ten-minute drive away; they offer tenting as well as full hook-up RV spots.
4. Tully Lake Campground: About half an hour's drive north-east from Otter River State Forest lies another great option which has canoe rentals available on-site too!
5. Laurel Ridge Camping Area Inc.: A family-friendly campsite located around twenty minutes south-west of The Otter river state forest that provides facilities like water & electric hookup points at each site plus free Wi-Fi across their property.