Press Release  DCR Announces the Opening of Reservations for Camping at DCR Parks

Boston — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced
that reservations for camping at parks across Massachusetts will open to the public on
March 6, 2024, at 9 a.m. Visitors can make reservations for one of DCR’s campgrounds
up to four months in advance of their arrival date through ReserveAmerica. Reservations
are available for DCR’s 25 campgrounds beginning in April and running through
October.

“One of our goals at DCR is to get more families outside and exploring our state’s
beautiful natural resources,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We know fresh air
and the outdoors play a critical role, not only for our physical health but our mental
health. Camping in our DCR parks is a fantastic opportunity for people to experience
nature, and we hope to see some new faces during the 2024 camping season.”

Over the past year, DCR has made significant investments in many of our campgrounds
across the state. The campground at Mohawk Trail State Forest underwent a $1.4 million
renovation following the discovery of algae in the water source feeding the bathhouses in
February 2023, including installing a new water system, repaving the campground’s
roads, replacing roofs on the cabins and administrative buildings, upgrading the bathroom
facilities, and repairing and restoring the chimneys in the Civilian Conservation Corps-era
(CCC) cabins. DCR reopened the campground on January 18 for the winter camping
season, which ends March 9. Additionally, DCR has invested $250,000 in new
campground equipment, including picnic tables, grills, and fire rings.

Before booking, it is important to note the updated information on this year’s camping
season:

• Reservations can be made up to four months in advance of your arrival date. That means if campers plan to arrive on August 12, the earliest they can book a reservation is April 12.
• DCR has streamlined the reservation process, but campers should fill in all the necessary fields when booking for a smooth check-in when they arrive.
• Campers can explore the Harbor Islands by camping on Peddocks Island.
• Camping at Beartown and Mt. Greylock will not be available this season, but fans of the campsites can email dcr.campinginfo@mass.gov for updates on their reopening.
• Same-day camping is available until 2 p.m. through ReserveAmerica, but DCR cannot accept walk-in camping. Visitors are not allowed at campsites this season, but campers and visitors can meet at the campsite’s day-use areas.

Interested campers can find a DCR campsite near them by visiting DCR’s camping webpage. DCR’s campsites vary in what they offer, from showers to flush toilets to R.V. sites offering electric and water hook-ups. Campers can also try camping in yurts at Myles
Standish State Forest, Nickerson State Park, October Mountain State Forest, Otter River State Forest, Shawme Crowell State Forest, Wells State Park or Willard Brook State Forest, or in cabins at Mohawk Trail State Forest or Savoy Mountain State Forest.

Last season, DCR welcomed more than 50,000 camping reservations across the
Commonwealth. For more information and questions about the 2024 camping season,
visit the agency’s website or email dcr.campinginfo@mass.gov.

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