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.

Trail Map

Summer    View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)

Winter       View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)

Campground map

View on screen

Download printable version (pdf)

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.

From the south: Route 190 North to Route 2 West to exit 20, follow state park signs to Route 202 North, campground is approx. 3.5 miles from Route 2 on the left. 

From the north: Route 495 South to Route 2 West, take Exit 20 off of Route 2, follow State Park signage 3.5 miles from Route 2 to the Park entrance on the left.

Other State Parks
Nickerson State Park and Shawme-Crowell State Forest also offer yurt camping.