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MA State Park Off-Season
Camping 2008-2009
DCR camping facilities are generally open from mid-April 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 1-877-422-6782 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.
2008/2009 DCR Off-Season Camping Schedule
Southeastern Massachusetts
Scusset Beach State Reservation, Sagamore Beach
508-888-0859
- October 16, 2008 through April 16, 2009
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday night stays only; open also the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve (Dec 31, 2008); open also Sunday Nov 9 and Monday Nov 10 to accomodate Veteran's Day; open also Sunday Jan 18, 2009 to accomodate Martin Luther King Jr. Day; open also Sunday Feb 15, 2009 to accomodate President's 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
- Walk-ins available first come, first serve
Shawme Crowell State Forest, Sandwich, 508-888-0351
- October 16, 2008 through April 16, 2009
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday night stays only; open also the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve (Dec 31, 2008); open also Sunday Nov 9 and Monday Nov 10 to accomodate Veteran's Day; open also Sunday Jan 18, 2009 to accomodate Martin Luther King Jr. Day; open also Sunday Feb 15, 2009 to accomodate President's Day.
- Heated bathroom facility available off-season
- No dumping station available off-season
- Walk-ins available first come, first serve
Northeastern Massachusetts
Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury, 978-462-4481
- October 23, 2008 through November 28, 2008
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday night stays only, plus 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
- Walk-ins available first come, first serve
Western Massachusetts - Cabins
Mohawk Trail State Forest, Charlemont, 413-339-5504
- October 19, 2008 through April 30, 2009
- Heated bathroom facility available off-season
- No dumping station, No hookups
- Reservable cabins available year-round; cabins sleep 3 or 5 persons
- Reservations required, reservations accepted for cabins only (no pets allowed in cabins)
- Tent sites are walk-in first come, first serve; please call the park for road and accessibility conditions
Savoy Mountain State Forest, Florida, 413-663-8469
- October 13, 2008 through May 14, 2009
- No heated bathroom or showers available off-season; composting toilets only
- No dumping station, 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)
- 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 planning to camp.
- Camping is available at the group site only from October 13, 2008 through April 30, 2009. The site is large and patrons will share the site with others. During the off-season, the group site is first come, first serve. During the main season, the site 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, 413-499-4262
- Please call the park to notify staff that you are planning to camp.
- Winter camping at Mt. Greylock State Reservation is backcountry camping.
- Roads/gates to the campground are closed during the winter months. Campers can hike to the campground (shortest hike is approximately 2 miles) from trailhead on strenuous trail.
- Off-season camping at the primitive overnight area on Sperry Road is from November 16 to March 31. Note: auto road access is not currently available until spring 2009.
- 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.
- Campers are advised to call the Visitor Center on Rockwell Road to register, 413-499-4262.
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