Find a state park near you. Read about preparing and planning your trip to a state park. This page includes information for parking, camping, park events, fishing, hunting, and more.
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Guide Visiting Massachusetts State Parks Guide
In this guide
Find a Massachusetts State Park
The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages 152 state parks across the Commonwealth. These protected lands include mountains, freshwater beaches, saltwater beaches, and much more.
View the full list of Massachusetts state parks
View the alphabetical list of state parks
View the list of state parks by region
If you know what you want to do in a state park, search parks by recreation type or amenities.
Key Actions for Find a Massachusetts State Park
Parking fees and passes for state parks
Many DCR facilities have a parking fee. Massachusetts residents pay lower fees than non-residents. Resident and non resident status is determined by the vehicle license plate. Some parks only charge fees during certain times of the year. Click the link below to view the most recent parking fees schedule for every state park.
Parking fee locations & schedule
Annual Parking Pass
You can save money on park visits by getting an annual ParksPass. A ParksPass waives the daily parking fee for most DCR parks. The parking pass costs $60 for Massachusetts residents and $120 for non-residents.
Learn how to get a ParksPass for DCR parks
These vehicles do not need a DCR ParksPass. Daily parking fees are waived for vehicles with a:
- Handicapped license plate or placard
- Purple Heart Recipient license plate or placard
- Disabled veteran license plate or placard
Senior ParksPass
Massachusetts residents aged 62 and older can buy a lifetime parking pass. The lifetime Senior ParksPass costs $10. Senior Parkspasses may only be bought in person or by mail.
Learn how to get a lifetime Senior ParksPass
Key Actions for Parking fees and passes for state parks
Additional Resources for Parking fees and passes for state parks
Find park information and restrictions
It is important to be prepared for your trip to a state park. Make sure you have a map, know park restrictions, and have a parking pass.
Look for these symbols at the top of state park pages to find out more about the park.
Check the "Accessibility" and "Restrictions" sections of park web pages for more information on rules and accessible recreation.
Key Actions for Find park information and restrictions
Accessibility at state parks
The Department of Conservation and Recreation's Universal
Access Program ensures that people of all abilities can enjoy the Massachusetts state parks system.
Through the Universal Access Program, DCR offers accessible recreation at parks across the state, including:
- Accessible hiking
- Accessible camping
- Accessible beaches and pools
- Accessible boating
- Accessible ice skating
- Accessible skiing
- Accessible fishing
- Accessible scenic views
Key Actions for Accessibility at state parks
Trail maps
Prepare for hiking, biking, and other recreation with a printable trail map. Every park with a trail map will have a download link for the map at the top of the park's web page. A full list of trail maps is linked below.
Key Actions for Trail maps
Reserve a campsite or day use site
Are you planning a big event or simply looking to go camping for the weekend? There are 29 state parks that allow camping and many have facilities for daytime use.
Camping
State parks with campgrounds will have the following link on their page:
Reserve a campsite
Through the "Reserve a campsite" link on park web pages you can find:
- Camping rates
- Amenities at campsites
- Available campsite types
- Camping season information
- Campground rules
Day use
There are 22 Massachusetts state parks with sites that can be rented for daytime use. Pavilions, picnic areas, and other sites are available for events, such as field trips, family reunions, and weddings.
Key Actions for Reserve a campsite or day use site
Weddings and other special events
Special Events
You need a special events permit to hold weddings, concerts, races, and other events at Massachusetts state parks.
How to get recreational permits or licenses
To keep park patrons and the environment safe, the Commonwealth offers services that prepare you for various types of recreation.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed at numerous state parks. It is important to know the hunting regulations for state parks to ensure everyone has a safe and fun time.
Learn about hunting in state parks
Buy your Massachusetts hunting license
Fishing
Fishing is popular at inland and coastal parks. In addition to acquiring a freshwater or saltwater fishing license, you will need to follow the fishing rules of the park you visit.
Learn more about fishing in state parks
Buy your freshwater fishing license
Buy your recreational saltwater fishing permit
Boating
Many state parks have boat ramps for public use. All motorized boats are required to be registered with the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Bureau of Registration and Titling
Find places to boat in state parks
Educational programs and park events
Many DCR state parks offer activities for all age groups. These activities can include:
- Nature walks
- Historical talks
- Tours
- Birdwatching
Parks that list educational programs will have a "Find park programs and events" link at the top of the park web page or at the bottom in the "More info" section. Through the link below you can view upcoming park events or search events by park.
Find park events and programs
Learn more about Massachusetts state parks
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
DCR oversees the operation of all Massachusetts state parks. DCR offers many programs and services to make sure you have the best parks experience.