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Otter River State Forest

The best camping in Otter River State Forest, MA

100% (4)

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Stories from the community

Anna

1 week ago

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Turtle Path Camping Site

Emily and her husband were very kind and accommodating. They have a lovely property and, while tricky to back into, it was a great place to be for a week. The woods behind the house are nice and there are many trails nearby to hike and explore. Quiet, pleasant , and beautiful area all around.

Lasagna

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tripp Mine Gemstones & Camping

I’ve become a regular ! Love this site and the vibes. Good people

Elena

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Winimusett Farm

A friend and I stayed here over the weekend in mid-November. We enjoyed our trip, the cabin is cozy, and Misty was very communicative and helpful! The directions were thorough, and we had no problem using the cabin. Outside temperature was ~28-45°F, but the wood stove was very effective and the cabin became very toasty. One thing to note is that the solar-powered battery banks had little charge. The string lights only worked for 20 minutes on our first night, and their battery banks did not recharge the next day. The large solar-powered battery bank that powered the lamp in the corner had only about 6 hours of charge. We're guessing that the weak fall sun, combined with cloudy conditions, meant these battery banks didn't fully charge. This might be something to consider when packing for a fall/winter trip. We're glad we brought flashlights, a rechargeable lamp, and some pillar candles. We also brought our own kitchen supplies; not sure what to expect, but there were plenty of utensils, cookware, etc., even if we hadn't brought our own. The floor needed a little sweep when we arrived, but everything else was clean. Overall, we enjoyed our stay!

Clara

2 weeks ago

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

Our group of Book Club friends had the most wonderful stay at Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat! From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and cared for. Mary is an exceptional host—warm, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in creating a magical experience for her guests. Thank you, Mary, for opening your beautiful space to us! One of the absolute highlights of our stay was the pizza oven. It was such a hit—easy to use, incredibly fun, and the perfect activity to bring everyone together. We made some truly delicious creations and shared plenty of laughs around it. We also loved the variety of sleeping options throughout the property. With so many different configurations, everyone in our group found a cozy, comfortable place to settle in. It made the whole weekend feel relaxed, flexible, and tailored to us. We’re already talking about coming back. Salamander Hollow is a gem!

Jessica

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Peaceful Convenience

It was a perfect spot to stop off and refuel after a week on the road in our van. Thank you for having us Danielle!

Scott

3 weeks ago

18 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Turtle Bend Farm

Nice little out of the way spot located on the back of property on farm. Exactly as listed. Wildlife and farm animals all very friendly!

Larcey

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Atland Artist Residency

Cozy levels at an absolute maximum here!! I absolutely adored my stay, and can not wait to come back!

Matthew

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tripp Mine Gemstones & Camping

Didn't camp there, but Joseph was really nice and gave us a tour of the mining area, talked about where to best find what. The Garnet sites were rustic but looked comfortable, especially with the massive fire pit.

Ashley

3 weeks ago

Tent

7 nights at Atland Artist Residency

Tori was so accommodating and the property was absolutely gorgeous. I was there for the very end of the Massachusetts fall leaf season, tho I would imagine spring time would be a treat.

Sleeping amongst the trees is the best! Queen size bed - all linens provided. Wood stove to keep you toasty all night long!

Dustin

November 2025

1 night at Quarry Brook

Definitely a unique camp experience! Nestled in the woods with a cozy fire while November rained and blew all night was so relaxing!

Mariel

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Grateful Acres Vermont

The area is right in the middle of the forest which made for a fun drive and just a beautiful landscape. We got unlucky that the first night was uniquely cold and windy but the host was so great at trying to accommodate and keep us warm. She was very available and considerate. I would highly recommend this place for the scenery and the host!

Scott

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Grateful Acres Vermont

Fantastic communication! The road into this site was fantastic! The site was as advertised. Noah and his mother Steffanie run a beautiful grateful Dead themed property! We stayed in sight one I had a picnic table and a fire pit Wood was close by and reasonably priced at five dollars!

Heidi

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Grateful Acres Vermont

Green acres was a wonderful spot just like advertised. Stephanie and her son Noah were excellent hosts with fantastic communication!

Tom

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

The cabin/library was cozy, the tipi was super cool and bigger than I expected it to be. Bring a sleeping pad, the ones in the library were a little thin. Beautiful and very private site.

Site includes picnic table with umbrella, charcoal grill and firepit. Hammock and two Adirondack chairs

casey

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Grateful Acres Vermont

Love Grateful Acres! Definitely will be back soon!

Amir

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Goodfield Farm Rustic Camping

This a is an amazing place. So private with amazing open field and astonishing sky and star view. We went there once and then reserved it for three other weekends again. In my next review I’ll share some amazing images as well. It provide free fire wood 🪵 which is another great option at this location. This was the best camp site ever for us.

Timothy

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Goodfield Farm Rustic Camping

Great view. Very private. Looks out on a large field. Hosts were nice too.

Marlo

October 2025

1 night at Inn On The Horse Farm

I absolutely loved this country setting and historic 1800’s cottage. It’s basically a whole house to yourself. You will want for nothing. Just bring yourself, clothes & food. There are pots, pans, dishes, utensils and everything you need for a relaxing stay. I sat in the kitchen most of the time, to watch the beautiful horse right outside the sliding glass door. Moonfield I believe his name is. I walked around the property and took in all the charm of this place. It’s decorated appropriately and suits this cottage perfectly. The queen bed was the most comfortable sleep Ive had in a long time. Joan responded to any questions I had with lighting speed. This was the perfect getaway and I can’t wait to book again in the future.

Bill

October 2025

22 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Blueberry Orchard By The Pond

The very best thing about our night here was the loaf of fresh sourdough bread we preordered. Delicious!! Exceptional flavor and texture. The site was great too. Very private, level enough we didn’t need leveling blocks for our van. Beautiful spot.

Timothy

October 2025

Tent

5 nights at Turtle Bend Farm

Hosts are very accommodating. Always fun to try and figure out what the animals are up to. Beautiful view.

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Otter River State Forest

100%

(4)

Otter River Campground

75 sites · Tents, RVs · in Otter River State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds

Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

100%

(529)

11mi from Otter River State Forest · 5 sites · Lodging · Warwick, MA

Best HipCamp Massachusetts 2023 Best HipCamp USA Finalist 2023 Best HipCamp Massachusetts Finalist 2022 THERE IS WIFI, PRIVATE HOT SHOWER and FLUSH TOILET. EXCEPT FOR THE RECENTLY ADDED TULLY 'THOREAU' ISLAND. Salamander Hollow is a private, evolving honeybee and human being sanctuary on 17 acres of land abutting Massachusetts State Forest. We currently have a one-room, wood stove warmed, cozy sleeping loft for one or two - with two benches below on either side of room - for two sleeping bags; plus, a separate 22 foot Sioux tipi with two cots. There are two chairs in the tipi, which if removed at night, make floor room for four other sleeping bags. 'Forest Bathing' for miles! If you're a larger group booking Salamander Hollow main camp with its Sleeping Library, Tipi & Slovenian Beehive House, you might consider renting this additional Tiny Cabin want to entertain all in glamping style, utilizing its amenities; as well, providing another bathroom/shower and guest bedroom for those who prefer being indoors while in the great outdoors. Note that Kula Bata Tiny Cabin abuts the wheelchair accessible larger bathroom/shower which is available to those at the Salamander Hollow main camp, yet you are secluded with your own private entry points and private bathroom. A ten minute drive takes you to the parking area to hike up Tully Mountain. There is a grill, wood fired pizza oven, two fire pits and a hygienic Incinolet electric toilet on the property for night convenience, with small camp sinks for washing & teeth brushing. Take a short hike off the property to organic Chase Hill Farm for milk, eggs, seasonal veggies, grass fed meat and other goodies. Say hello to their cows, chickens, pigs, goats, pups and kids. Nestled across the road from Salamander Hollow is Timber Haven Farm, where you can schedule your pickup of bacon and eggs, while loading up on delicious Owl Energy Bars for your adventurous excursions. For those interested in the glamping side of camping, you will enjoy a remote rustic experience with a few creature comforts to keep you well read, clean and fed. Please bring your own bedding - pillows, sleeping bags, comforter, teddy bears.There is a wall mounted blue tooth car radio/CD player in Sleeping Library, so bring your pre-digital favorites. Classical CDs to listen to. Lots of eclectic books to peruse.Walkie talkies, a set of 4, are available upon request. Chess & poker sets, too. Electric 2-burner stovetop and griddle upon request. Bring fire-starters/newspaper for tinder. We suggest if you are staying more than a night or two in winter, you bring supplemental wood or we can direct you to a nearby stand. Next season, our own cut and split wood will be seasoned and available on site. We ask that you carry out trash and recyclables. An established Western facing four point sacred Medicine Wheel site being established on Askari Ridge - our name for the slope starting with the two fire pits - 'Askari' being Swahili for night guard. Here is where we envision a great touch-point area for those leading groups to be for a base-camp by day or night, where eventually a multi-use tenting platform/performance stage will be constructed for outdoor entertainment, creating an authentic 'stadium style' seating on the hill. You will see on your way up to Salamander Hollow main clearing - the Kula Bata Tiny Kabin on the left of the dirt road- now available to rent with its small guest room for two, infrared sauna, hot shower, kitchenette, dishwasher and laundry.

Quarry Brook

97%

(380)

33mi from Otter River State Forest · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Putney, VT

It all started on a first date in Boston....Nick had to excuse himself to take a phone call. His cow had fled its pasture. Much to Tara's surprise in that moment, this man she had just met was finishing his engineering degree at Northeastern, but was simultaneously building a homestead in Vermont. Fast forward 7 years, and here we are, building the life we only dreamed of. We yearned for simplicity. Deeper connections to our surroundings and mother nature. A calmer sense of place. The satisfaction that comes from growing food. Creating with our hands. We're a working farm and homestead. Every day at Quarry Brook is a new adventure, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re incredibly excited to share our little corner of southern Vermont and what we’re up to with you!

Peaceful Convenience

100%

(53)

31mi from Otter River State Forest · 2 sites · Lodging · Bolton, MA

Come experience New England, embrace the silence, enjoy this 2.5 Acres property Abutting over 100 acres of protected wetlands with access to a private Home; bathroom, screened in porch, use of kitchen for coffee etc. all to enjoy. A babbling brook, hammock trees, peaceful, and serene. The surrounding area is a right to farm community with local beautiful farms within five minutes in every direction property is on a known bike route (2 bikes available for use) The town host a wonderful winery local coffee shop and hiking trails (map book on site) multiple area conservation lands. Bolton is known for its apple farms in the fall for picking and spring time blossoms. August through September harvest (my favorite) plenty of pick your own everything! We have great historic towns surrounding us like concord, Harvard and Hudson voted best small town in America, so much history, dinning etc. cross country skiing. Convenient location to Boston. If looking for an stress free escape the home also offers 2 guest rooms available for rent within a meditative shared space. Fire pit outdoors, fireplace in doors.

The Cabin at Whispering Pines

37mi from Otter River State Forest · 1 site · Lodging · Weare, NH

Not currently accepting bookings, please check back in the fall! Here you will have the opportunity to truly experience peace, serenity, and self-reliance. Surrounded by wilderness, you will hike in 1/4mi to a rustic but self-sufficient cabin in the heart of NH. Solar electricity, rainwater collection, and woodstove for cooking, this cabin provides everything you need to survive and thrive.

Turtle Bend Farm

95%

(136)

49mi from Otter River State Forest · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Russell, MA

30 acres of cozy, south-facing slope nestled in the Berkshire foothills of Western MA. Right along the Westfield River, glorious views of rolling hills and cows and sheep frolicking in their pasture abound! This mid-century horse farm is being transitioned into a perennial plant nursery with a focus on delicious fruits, pollinator flowers and medicinal herbs - with cows, sheep and more!

Blueberry Orchard By The Pond

98%

(166)

48mi from Otter River State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Chester, MA

We can accommodate tents, cars, vans and RV's! Map of the property is in the photos. Drive down a gravel road to reach the blueberry patch, pull into the site, close the gate and you have 20+ acres for yourself, with great hiking, mushroom foraging and trails to explore nearby. There are several Falls and other water spots nearby (20 min drive)

The Moose Caboose Country Farm

95%

(77)

6.4mi from Otter River State Forest · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Phillipston, MA

🌻 Roam over twelve acres of beautiful fields and rolling hills with New England stonewalls at The Moose Caboose Country Farm! The land boasts seasonal organic fruits for the plucking—including raspberries, peaches, pears, tomatoes, peppers, and apples! 🪵 Forage free firewood for a campfire in a private peaceful country setting with excellent adventures and conveniences nearby including local farms, grocery stores, breweries with live music, hiking trails, and more! See a list of great places to visit below. ⛺️ All sites are first come first serve and may have a fire pit and/or table. Vivid nature and bright starry skies are unparalleled at The Moose Caboose Country Farm! **ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS** 🧭 The GPS will bring you to my mailbox—drive past it—an orange traffic cone and white wooden arbor structure mark the entrance—drive onto the grass and into the field. 🦋 You are welcome to explore the property; and to move available tables, chairs, and fire pits around as you like. No check in or check out needed—come and go as you please! 🏕️ Please be conscientious that the land is hilly, that camper trailers or RVs will likely need blocking, and tent campers prepare for a bit of a slope on some site locations. **PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY** PHILLIPSTON: 5-15 mins away ⛱️ Queen Lake Beach: 5 minute drive for swimming 🍎 Red Apple Farm: amazing country store, brick oven pizza, burgers and much more PETERSHAM: 15-20 mins away 👣 Brooks Woodland Preserve Hiking Trails: amazing trail hikes 🫐 Petersham Country Store: breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, plus anything you need GARDNER: 10-15 mins away 🍺 Gardner Ale House Restaurant 🛒 Hannaford Grocery Store 🥪 Jersey Mike's Sub Shop 🍔 99 Restaurant 💫 Walmart ATHOL: 10-15 mins away 🛒 Market Basket ☕️ Starbucks ☕️ Dunkin Donuts ERVING: ~20 mins away 🌳 Erving State Forest 💦 Laurel Lake: highly recommend—extremely beautiful!! HUBBARDSTON: ~15 mins away ⛱️ Comet Pond Sandy Beach WESTMINSTER: ~20 mins away 🍺 Wachusett Brewery: amazing beer, food & live music

SnugLife Camping

93%

(151)

21mi from Otter River State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging · Wilton, NH

Keith & I are happy to share our 52-acre slice of paradise with campers and fellow dog-enthusiasts. Come enjoy the Souhegan River, the woods and the myriad activities that southern NH has to offer. We're only 65 miles from Boston, but feel like you've left the world behind... Find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @snuglifecamping - because... The snuggle is real...

Sunrise Farm

98%

(585)

41mi from Otter River State Forest · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · East Dover, VT

Voted in the Top 3 in Vermont State by Hip Camp reviews since 2022 6 Sites are on Sunrise Farms 75 acre Conservation land with 50 mile view for Sites 1 and 2. Very quiet area with lots of wildlife and ponds and disc golf. Very quiet with great swimming and lots of hikes right from your sites. 2 of the Brookside Sites (Wishbone Left and Right) are close by (2.7 miles) where we have another 1/2 mile of river frontage and can handle bigger groups as Conservation land on Sunrise Farm only allows 4 campers per site. Sunrise Farm Sites 1 and 2 have oodles of space and Spectacular 50 mile views of Mount Monadnock with no house lights out there in the evening except the party string lights we provide. Site 1 (with entrance 70 yards south of the farmhouse) is best for camping in with up to 20 foot trailers or multiple tents …on the large flat spaces in the 25 acre field to choose from. Great Well water available near farmhouse. Biodegradable soaps Only if used in the ponds. Double Olympic sized Swim Pond we stock with Rainbow Trout to keep clear. We have been advised Not to allow imported firewood (can import Wood Beetle dangerous for our forest). - PLEASE use the Firewood bundle tubs we provide ($12.50) - pick up at the farmhouse or pull wood from the woods (and make it safer for use). Beautiful and plenty of wildlife nearby... as well as Outhouses are marked on Map we provide with solar lights marking them at night. Do Not Leave food out when camping or away from site. Bears are rarely seen but it is wild country. Sites have locking garbage lids. Unique and lovely as well as being next to trails and roads to miles of remote spots with very few if any ... people. In Winter we request only AWD vehicles go down to this site or park up by farmhouse and hike in so you can easily get out. When wet park up by the road if you have 2 wheel drive. Always WISE to arrive When LIGHT out as we do not live at the site and are not able to show guests to their sites as a result.

Grateful Acres Vermont

99%

(540)

50mi from Otter River State Forest · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · West Dover, VT

Learn more about this land: Welcome to Grateful Acres Vermont, a 420 friendly, Grateful Dead inspired camping destination in the heart of the Green Mountains. We have space available for tents, campers, and trailers. Kayaks available to rent for use at the reservoir located just up the road. Just a family with some land in Vermont that we would like to share. PLEASE OBSERVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT

Tripp Mine Gemstones & Camping

99%

(84)

32mi from Otter River State Forest · 7 sites · Tents · Alstead, NH

Green Maple Farms and Tripp and Clark Mine. 104 acres, this unique property includes two mines with Aquamarine, Beryl, Feldspar, Mica, Pegmatite, Garnets, and more! Multiple creeks/brooks feeding the Island Mine and Cranberry Ponds. Minutes from Lake Warren, 15 minutes outside of Keene NH.

Goodfield Farm Rustic Camping

100%

(21)

24mi from Otter River State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Hardwick, MA

In the rolling hills of central Massachusetts, along the wandering path of the Ware River our farm is situated above the quaint village of Gilbertville. Our farm is walking distance from the Lost Towns Brewery, the Whistle Stop Diner, and Rose 32 bakery for all of your food needs. We are 15 minutes from the Quabbin Reservoir where you can walk or take your bike along the trails, and 15 minutes from the Swift River where there is world class trout fishing. Our farm boasts a large meadow, previously farmed by the Goodfield family for generations, overlooking a western hill range with long beautiful sunsets. We provide rustic camping on site, equipped with a fire pit and wood to use at your convenience. Consider us for a weekend getaway in the peaceful hills of central Mass, or reach out to us for longer stays. Park at the bottom of the hill and walk your way up to the campsite where a picnic table will be awaiting you.

The best camping in Otter River State Forest, MA guide

Overview

About

Explore the forested beauty of north central Massachusetts when you pitch your tent at Otter River State Forest. This place will have you singing sweet songs of freedom as you immerse yourself in the great outdoors. With prime spots right on the shore, you can wake up to the shimmering greatness that is Beaman Pond. Want to spice things up a bit? Snag one of the nomadic yurts of awesomeness to crash in. You get all the rugged escape you want with a zing of trendiness. Whether you're down for some fishing, buoy wading, or trail exploring, you’ll love your time at Otter River.

Notable campgrounds

Standard Campsites: Nestle into nature at one of the 76 campsites, perfect for tent and small RV camping.
Yurts: Experience a unique stay in one of the forest's yurts, blending rustic charm with a touch of comfort.
Group Sites: Gather your crew for a memorable group camping experience amid the forest's serene backdrop.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, especially during peak summer months when the forest's allure is at its zenith.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies; last-minute openings can be your ticket to an impromptu getaway.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding the perfect site.

When to go

The best time to visit Otter River State Forest is from late spring to early fall, when the park is fully accessible and activities like swimming and hiking can be enjoyed to the fullest. Winter brings a quiet beauty, though some facilities may be limited.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly, as conditions can change rapidly in the forest.
Remember that parking fees apply from May 14 to Labor Day, with different rates for MA residents and non-residents.
Accessibility is a priority, with options available for accessible camping to ensure everyone can enjoy the park.
Adhere to the park's restrictions, including no alcohol, on-leash dogs, and swimming only in designated areas.
Facilities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas enhance your visit, providing convenience amid the wilderness.

100%

4 ratings · 3 reviews

Recommends

· May 2019

Otter River Campground

This is a family favorite that my grandparents used to go to. Unfortuntetely due to run-off from a new construction site the swimming area was closed the last time we were there. Awesome Yurt Camping and Tent Camping. So peaceful and abundant wild blueberries to find and pick!

Carissa L.

5 reviews

July 2018

Otter River Campground

This is a nice family campground The sites are decent size..some are right next to each other...a few others are a bit more private. But it was clean...have access to Lake Dennison park too. If your looking for complete silence...book one of the farms on here close to you...super fun! But if you want bathrooms/shower...great area to walk around...easy pull up and camp....this is a good pick! And cheap to boot! $14 day Mass resident. .. $17 for out of staters. ...can't beat that! And close to the market for supplies and restaurants

Gary T.

11 reviews

Recommends

· August 2017

Otter River Campground

Very courteous staff - let us know when a big storm was headed our way, Small pond is good for little kids but for more swimming head to Lake Dennison either by trail from campground or short drive. GREAT SHOWERS!!!!! Nice place to camp when you want to get away but not too far away.