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Top camping areas for fishing in Massachusetts

Escape to nature this summer!

Plan a day trip or camp overnight at one of these amazing waterfront getaways! Fish, hike, or just relax by the water. Remember, if you’re 15 or over, you need a fishing license. Buy your fishing license online.

Western Massachusetts

1. Clarksburg State Park in Clarksburg

Clarksburg State Park

With over 365 acres of hardwood forest surrounding Mauserts Pond, Clarksburg State Park is the perfect spot for camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing! Take advantage of 9.5 miles of foot trails surrounding the pond to look for wildlife, like moose or otters. There are 45 well-spaced and wooded campsites located near the pond. A cartop boat ramp is available for launching non-motorized boats. Ideal for beginner anglers, Mauserts Pond is a 49-acre, shallow, man-made pond offering great warmwater fishing opportunities. Just outside Clarksburg State Park, anglers will find excellent trout fishing opportunities along the North Branch of the Hoosic River, which is stocked with trout annually. Learn more about visiting Clarksburg State Park.

Click here to buy your fishing license.

2. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest in Goshen

DAR State Forest

Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and paddling in the Highland Lakes found in the DAR State Forest. Try fishing for trout in Upper Highland Lake, which is stocked annually each spring. Lower Highland Lake is popular with anglers for largemouth bass and yellow perch. There is a paved boat ramp on Lower Highland Lake and an informal ramp on Upper Highland Lake, suitable for launching canoes, cartop boats, and small craft with electric motors. The 50-site campground offered at DAR State Forest is situated on a ridge between lovely Upper Highland Lake and a scenic wetland where moose, bear, and beaver can be spotted. Hikers will enjoy 15 miles of trails with options for all experience levels. Try the Highland Lake Trail or make your way up to the DAR Fire Tower for a great mountain view. Learn more about visiting DAR State Forest.

Click here to buy your fishing license.

3. Mohawk Trail State Forest in Charlemont

Mohawk Trail State Forest

Mohawk Trail State Forest is one of the most scenic woodland areas in Massachusetts, covering 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, gorges, and woods. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. There are 47 wooded campsites available seasonally, and 6 log cabins available year-round. In the state forest, enjoy trout fishing on the Deerfield River and Cold River. You may also try trout fishing in the Chickley River or Clesson Brook just outside the state forest. Learn more about visiting Mohawk Trail State Forest.

Click here to buy your fishing license.

4. Tolland State Forest in Otis

Tolland State Forest

At the center of Tolland State Forest sits the 1,065-acre Otis Reservoir, which has a large concrete boat ramp and ample shore access for fishing. Anglers will enjoy catching a variety of fish here, including bass and stocked trout. There are 92 campsites available on a peninsula that juts out onto the Otis Reservoir, providing a unique camping experience for all to enjoy. 
Learn more about visiting Tolland State Forest.

Click here to buy your fishing license.

5. Beartown State Forest in Monterey

Beartown State Forest

This 12,000 acre forest is the perfect place to visit, no matter the season! Swim, fish, or boat in Benedict Pond. A gravel boat ramp is available to launch cartop boats, canoes, and small electric crafts. Shore fishing access is excellent from many areas of the shore for largemouth bass, yellow perch, and golden shiners. Talk a walk along the 1.5 mile loop around Benedict Pond and look for wildlife including deer, bobcats, and even bears. Learn more about visiting Beartown State Forest.

Click here to buy your fishing license.

Central Massachusetts

6. Lake Dennison Recreation Area in Winchendon

Lake Dennison

Visitors can choose from 151 wooded campsites on the shores of beautiful Lake Dennison. Enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, and non-gas powered boating, plus access to 50 miles trails for hiking, walking, and biking in the adjacent Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area. With the exception of the public beach and campground, the shores are undeveloped along Lake Dennison, offering a tranquil setting to fish, paddle, or hike. You can also stop by the neighboring Otter River State Forest for even more camping and fishing opportunities. Learn more about visiting Lake Dennison Recreation Area.

Click here to buy your fishing license.

7. Wells State Park in Sturbridge

Wells State Park

Conveniently located in the center of the state with beach access to the pristine Walker Pond, Wells State Park has over 1,470 acres of parkland for camping, hiking, biking, and fishing. Reserve one of 60 camp sites near the pond and enjoy hiking up Carpenter Rocks for a fantastic view of the park. Launch your boat from a gravel ramp or enjoy shore access. Anglers will be delighted to catch many good-sized largemouth bass and chain pickerel as well as bluegill, yellow perch, and white perch. Learn more about visiting Wells State Park.

Click here to buy your fishing license.

Southeastern Massachusetts

8. Myles Standish State Forest in Carver

Myles Standish State Forest

Located just an hour outside of downtown Boston, Myles Standish is a premiere destination for year-round family fun! Bring your trailer, R.V., or tent and grab one of 400 campsites that are tucked into the forest or set along the edges of four of the park’s many ponds. Miles of hiking, equestrian, and bicycle trails lead visitors into the forest and along the ponds for fishing, boating, and swimming. Fearing Pond, located in the southern section of Myles Standish, is stocked with trout in the spring and fall. There are several other ponds within the park, including Charge Pond, Curlew Pond, and Barrett Pond, for anglers to explore. This campground is a great home base for exploring nearby historic Plymouth. Learn more about visiting Myles Standish State Forest.

Click here to buy your fishing license.

9. Nickerson State Park in Brewster

Nickerson State Park

Covering 1,900 acres, Nickerson State Park on Cape Cod has 8 freshwater ponds for fishing, plenty of wooded trails for hiking and walking, and more than 400 campsites! Nickerson offers excellent bass fishing and four of the ponds in the park (Cliff Pond, Flax Pond, Little Cliff Pond, and Higgins Pond) are stocked with trout each spring. Learn more about visiting Nickerson State Park.

Click here to buy your fishing license.

Northeastern Massachusetts

10. Harold Parker State Forest in Andover

Harold Parker State Forest

Live in the Boston area? Harold Parker State Forest is an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, just an hour north of Boston. With 35 miles of trails, 11 ponds, and 89 campsites, there’s something for everyone here! You can enjoy fishing for largemouth bass and other fish from shore, or launch a canoe or kayak at Field Pond. Learn more about visiting Harold Parker State Forest.

Click here to buy your fishing license.

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