MA State Park Off-Season Camping 2011-2012 

DCR camping facilities are generally open from mid-May to mid-October. Outside of that time, the majority of the campsites are given a well-needed rest over the winter months. To accommodate customer requests for off-season camping, we offer recreational camping at the facilities listed below. Some facilities offer or require advance reservations which may be made by calling ReserveAmerica at 1-877-422-6762 or online at www.reserveamerica.com. There is a charge for this service.

For the hearty camper, off-season camping can be an exciting time to enjoy the great outdoors. It is also a time that may require additional or special equipment, as well as careful planning. We recommend that all campers interested in this type of experience do some research prior to making off-season camping plans. There are many websites that provide equipment lists, cautions and helpful tips for the winter experience. We encourage you to seek this information for your own safety prior to embarking on a winter camping trip.

Off-season recreational camping is subject to closure due to winter weather conditions.   Always contact the park prior to your arrival.

2011/2012 DCR Off-Season Camping Schedule

Southeastern Massachusetts

Scusset Beach State Reservation, Sagamore Beach
508-888-0859

• October  13, 2011 through April 28, 2012 for Thursday, Friday, Saturday night stays only 
• Open also the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve; open Sunday January 15, 2012 to accommodate Martin Luther King Jr. Day; open Sunday Feb 19, 2011 to accommodate President's Day and Sunday April 15, 2012 for Patriots Day.
• Self-contained campers only; no bathroom facility available off-season
• No dumping station available off-season
• Electric hookups included at each site during off-season; no water hookups available off-season
• Reservations accepted
• Walk-ins available first come, first serve

Shawme Crowell State Forest, Sandwich, 508-888-0351

• October  13, 2011 through April 28, 2012 for Thursday, Friday, Saturday night stays only 
• Open also the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve; open Sunday January 15, 2012 to accommodate Martin Luther King Jr. Day; open Sunday Feb 19, 2011 to accommodate President's Day and Sunday April 15, 2012 for Patriots Day.
• Heated bathroom facility available off-season
• No dumping station available off-season
• No hookups
• Reservations accepted
• Walk-ins available first come, first serve

Northeastern Massachusetts

Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury, 978-462-4481

• October 13, 2011 – November 26 2011 Thursday, Friday, Saturday night stays only
• Open also the Wednesday before Thanksgiving
• Heated bathroom facility available off-season
• No dumping station available off-season
• Electric hookups included at each site; no water hookups available off-season
• Potable water is available at the headquarters
• Reservations accepted
• Walk-ins available first come, first serve

Greater Boston Area - Cabins

Camp Nihan Environmental Education Camp, Saugus, 781–231-1203

• September through June open Thursday, Friday, Saturday only
• Group cabin camping, NO INDIVIDUAL CAMPSITES
• No showers, portable toilets only
• No drinking water, no public telephone
• Reservable cabins available year-round; cabins sleep 10 - 12 persons; groups must have an adult chaperone
• Reservations required, reservations accepted for cabins only (no pets allowed in cabins  or on cabin sites )

Western Massachusetts - Cabins

Mohawk Trail State Forest, Charlemont, 413-339-5504

• Off-season camping available for cabins only; reservations required
• Reservable cabins available January 6, 2012-December 31, 2012; cabins sleep 3 or 5 persons
• No pets allowed in cabins or on cabin sites
• Heated bathroom facility available off-season
• No dumping station available off-season
• No hookups

Savoy Mountain State Forest, Florida, 413-663-8469

• October 13, 2011  through  May 23, 2012 
• No heated bathroom or showers available off-season; composting toilets only
• No dumping station  available off-season
• No hookups
• Reservable cabins available year-round; cabins sleep 4 persons; no tent camping October - May
• Reservations required, reservations accepted for cabins only (no pets allowed in cabins  or on cabin sites )
• Walk-ins first come, first serve not available; please call the park for road and accessibility conditions

Western Massachusetts - Limited Service Camping

For those seeking a rustic camping experience, limited service camping is available. Please note these sites are frequently used by hunters. The amenities and staffing is limited and includes:

• Composting toilets only, no running water, no showers, no hookups
• Walk-in only availability, no reservations accepted
• Due to the possibility of inclement weather and/or possible closures, please call park prior to traveling during the off-season months.
  

Beartown State Forest, Monterey, 413-528-0904

• Please call the park to notify staff that you are interested in camping.

DAR State Forest, Goshen, 413-268-7098

• Please call the park to notify staff that you are interested in camping. 
• Camping is available at the groupsite only from October 10, 2011 through May 3, 2012.  The groupsite is large and campers may share the site with others. During the off-season, the groupsite is first come, first serve. During the main season, the groupsite is reservable through ReserveAmerica.
• The site is 1.5 miles from the plowed parking lot and after snowfall it is accessible by snowmobile, snowshoes, skis or by hiking only. No off-road vehicle use permitted.
• Campers parking in the plowed lot are advised not to leave valuables in their vehicles. Please leave a note in your vehicle letting staff know that you are camping and the date you plan to return to retrieve your vehicle.
• Campers can self-register at the contact station by filling out the forms provided and sliding payment and form through the slot in the door.
• Hunting is not permitted on the DAR State Forest property.

Mount Greylock State Reservation,  Lanesborough, 413-499-4262

• Campers are advised to call the Visitor Center located on Rockwell Road to register, 413-499-4262.
• Off-season camping at Mt. Greylock State Reservation is backcountry camping.  Campers should be prepared for significant snow and weather conditions, as well as strenuous hiking.  This is not a novice camping experience.   
• Roads/gates to the campground and mountain road are closed during the winter months. Campers can hike to the campground (shortest hike is approximately 2 miles) or the Appalachian Trail from trailhead.
• Off-season camping at the Mt. Greylock campground on Sperry Road is from late-October to mid-May.
• The campground is 6 miles from the plowed visitor parking lot and after snowfall it is accessible by snowshoes, skis or by hiking only. No off-road vehicle use permitted.
• Campers parking in the plowed trailheads are advised not to leave valuables in their vehicles.

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