Address
100 Winsor Dam Rd., Belchertown , MA 01007
Details of Quabbin Reservoir
Overview of Quabbin Reservoir
Quabbin Reservoir is one of the largest unfiltered water supplies in the United States. Along with the Wachusett Reservoir and Ware River, it is the source of high quality water for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water supply system. The 412 billion gallon reservoir covers 39 square miles with 181 miles of shoreline. Recreational activities are regulated and limited to protect 3 million people’s drinking water.
Hours for Quabbin Reservoir
General Hours of Operation
General restrictions allow visitors through designated gates and areas one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset. However, this does not apply to vehicle access.
Vehicle Access
Vehicles must exit the park at the posted time. The time is posted at mid and east entrances, at the Quabbin Tower, Enfield Lookout, Hanks Meadow, and Goodnough. This time changes throughout the year. As of December 1, 2019, hours are 6:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Quabbin Visitor Center
The Quabbin Visitor Center is open 7 days/week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
Parking at Quabbin Reservoir
Parking is free at the Quabbin Reservoir except for the three Boat Launch Areas. You can reach the Administration Building and Quabbin Visitors Center through the West Gate. The Quabbin Observation Tower can be reached from the East Gate and Middle Gate.
The three Boat Launch Areas, open during the fishing season, have the following parking fees:
- Vehicle: $6
- Vehicle and Trailer: $8
- Season Pass: $50
- Seniors and handicapped visitors (with placard): Half price
Activities at Quabbin Reservoir
Scenic Views
The New Salem and Enfield lookouts offer magnificent views of the reservoir.
Fishing
You may fish by boat or along the shoreline. There are restrictions to protect the water supply. Boats are available to rent.
Educational programs
The Quabbin Visitors Center is open 7 days a week and offers many programs.
All Activities at Quabbin Reservoir
- Running and walking
- Fishing
- Boating (motorized)
- Boating (non-motorized)
- Biking
- Cross-country skiing
- Hunting
Facilities at Quabbin Reservoir
- Education programs
- Picnic areas (carry-in, carry-out)
- Restrooms
- Visitor center
- Observation tower
- Boat rentals
Restrictions at Quabbin Reservoir
All activities have restrictions to protect the water supply. State regulations prohibit anything that could pollute the water.
- No dogs
- No swimming
- No grills/stoves/fires of any kind
- No alcoholic beverages
- No camping
- No drones
- No horses
- Entry and exit through designated gates or areas only
- Hunting is limited to the annual Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt
- Cross-country skiing and biking only in designated routes
Boating:
- Boats used only for fishing; there must be fishing tackle in the boat
- Boats can only be launched from designated boat launch areas
- All private motorized boats must have a Quabbin Boat Seal
- No private non-motorized boats; rentals are available from DCR at Boat Launch Areas 2 and 3
More info for Quabbin Reservoir
Learn about the Quabbin Park Cemetery
Learn about fishing and boating on Quabbin Reservoir
Quabbin Park Brochures
- Quabbin Park Brochure
- Quabbin Park Visitor Center Loop Trail Brochure
- Quabbin Park Middle Gate to Observation Tower Trail Brochure
- Quabbin Reservoir Dog Brochure
Additional Resources
- Watershed Regulations
- Quabbin Reservoir Watershed System Public Access Summary
- DCR Watershed Management programs
- Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA)
- History of the DCR/MWRA Water Supply (MWRA website)
Any questions please call the Quabbin Visitors Center at (413) 323-7221