offered by
DCR Office of Watershed Management
Department of Conservation & Recreation
related to
Accessible boating
Accessible fishing
Visit Massachusetts State Parks

Quabbin Reservoir

Address

100 Winsor Dam Rd., Belchertown , MA 01007
Directions 

Phone

(413) 323-7221
DCR Watershed Public Access Maps  Download Quabbin Reservoir fishing rules  Download Quabbin Park brochure   See real time view of Quabbin Reservoir from MWRA's Quab-Cam 
Historic site

Details

Overview

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

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 May 28, 2020, hours are 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Quabbin Visitor Center

The Quabbin Visitor Center is CLOSED to aid in the prevention of spreading COVID-19.

Parking

Parking in Quabbin Park and at gates around the Quabbin Reservoir is free. 

There is limited parking available at the main entrance to Quabbin Park.  To avoid overcrowding, consider entering Quabbin Park through the Middle or Eastern entrances and parking at Goodnough Dike, Hank's Meadow, or Quabbin Tower.  Click here for the DCR Quabbin Park Access Map.

A reminder to not bring your dog to Quabbin Reservoir, which is the source drinking water supply for 3 million people.  Dogs are not allowed in Quabbin Park or on any other part of DCR's Quabbin Reservoir lands; dogs are also not allowed in parked cars.  Click here for more information about where dogs are allowed on DCR properties.

Help DCR limit crowds and slow the spread of COVID-19 by respecting staff and parking signs in Quabbin Park, around the Reservoir, and on local roads.

2020 Fishing Update

The three Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Boat Launch Areas are now open for the 2020 fishing season. At this time, only private boats with intact Quabbin Boat Seals brought by a car registered in Massachusetts will be allowed. No rentals - boat, motor, canoe, or kayak - will be available. Cash or electronic payments will be accepted, as well as a 2020 Quabbin Fishing Season Parking Pass. 

In accordance with Governor Baker's order of May 6, 2020, all customers must wear face coverings when launching and retrieving boats and when interacting with DCR staff. Please be aware that check-in and launching procedures have been changed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Please follow all staff instructions.

Shoreline fishing is also open.

Activities

A couple sitting on rock ledge take in the magnificent mountain range vista

Scenic Views

The New Salem and Enfield lookouts offer magnificent views of the reservoir.
Man fishing in calm waters as dawn begins to break

Fishing

You may fish by boat or along the shoreline. There are restrictions to protect the water supply. Boats are available to rent.
Ranger sharing his knowledge of the park to kids.

Educational programs

The Quabbin Visitors Center is open 7 days a week and offers many programs.

All Activities

  • Running and walking
  • Fishing
  • Boating (motorized)
  • Boating (non-motorized)
  • Biking
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Hunting
  • Snowshoeing

Facilities

  • Visitor Center - CLOSED to aid in the prevention of spreading COVID-19
  • Education programs 
  • Picnic areas - CLOSED to aid in the prevention of spreading COVID-19
  • Restrooms - CLOSED to aid in the prevention of spreading COVID-19
  • Observation tower - CLOSED to aid in the prevention of spreading COVID-19
  • Boat rentals - CLOSED until further notice to aid in the prevention of spreading COVID-19

The shoreline fishing season at Quabbin Reservoir is now open.  Please practice social distancing and avoid crowds.

Restrictions

All activities have restrictions to protect the water supply.  State regulations prohibit anything that could pollute the water.

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
  • Boat and motor rentals are currently not available to prevent the spread of COVID-19
  • No private non-motorized boats; rentals are available from DCR at Boat Launch Areas 2 and 3 - All canoe and kayak rentals are are currently not available to prevent the spread of COVID-19

More info

Learn about the Quabbin Park Cemetery

Learn about fishing and boating on Quabbin Reservoir

Quabbin Park Brochures

Interactive Map

The Division of Water Supply Protection has developed an interactive map with detailed information about public access roads and trails around the Quabbin Reservoir.  There are two ways to access this map: one is an online program that is accessible from your desktop computer or mobile device’s web browser; the other is through an App you can download directly to your mobile device and use in the field.  The mobile device App is recommended for use in the field.

Click here to directly access the on-line Quabbin Reservoir Public Access Road and Trail Interactive Map. 

Please see the Instructions for Using the Quabbin Reservoir Public Access Road and Trail Interactive Map for information about the mobile app.

Kiosk Posters

Posters with information about various sites, facilities, and history are posted on kiosks around the Quabbin Reservoir watershed and in the Quabbin Visitors Center.

Additional Resources

Any questions please call the Quabbin Visitors Center at (413) 323-7221

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