Cancellation alerts

Otter River State Forest

We watch every site at Otter River State Forest 24/7, then email you the moment a cancellation opens up.

86% of weekends booked at top sites·Peak May–Jul·78 sites

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Park favorites

The 10 most popular campsites at Otter River State Forest

The hardest sites to book at this park, reserving 86% of weekend nights in peak season (May–Jul). Set up an alert and we'll email you on cancellations.

Site YURT1

Best here

Ranked #1 of 78

YURT · Sleeps 6

Site YURT2

Top pick

Ranked #2 of 78

YURT · Sleeps 6

Site YURT4

Top pick

Ranked #3 of 78

YURT · Sleeps 6

Site YURT3

Standout

Ranked #4 of 78

YURT · Sleeps 4

Site GRPB

Standout

Ranked #5 of 78

GROUP CAMPING · Sleeps 15

Site 045

Standout

Ranked #6 of 78

TENT ONLY · Sleeps 4

Site 067

Decent

Ranked #7 of 78

TENT ONLY · Sleeps 4

Site GRPC

Decent

Ranked #8 of 78

GROUP CAMPING · Sleeps 15

Site 065

Decent

Ranked #9 of 78

TENT ONLY · Sleeps 4

Site 053

Decent

Ranked #10 of 78

STANDARD NON ELECTRIC · Sleeps 4

These sites rebook within minutes of being cancelled. Set an alert at Otter River State Forest and we’ll email you the moment one opens up.

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About this park

Otter River's campground includes 73 campsites, four yurts and three group sites situated around two-acre Beaman Pond. Enjoy a new basketball court and volley ball court, miles of hiking trails and access to mountain biking in the adjacent Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area.

Location
Otter River State Forest was the first area acquired by the State Forest Commission in 1915 and also the first campground in the Massachusetts State Park system. Some of the forest area was cleared in the nineteenth century for small farms. After the state acquired the land, it was reforested with groves of pines which were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. The forest of oak and hickory, northern hardwood and pines is home to numerous wild flowers and shrubs, deer, chipmunks and many species of birds.

Recreation
Otter River State Forest is a popular camping and day-use facility in a beautiful area of north central Massachusetts. Its developed facilities are centered on Beaman Pond and include ball field, basketball court, volleyball court and picnic areas. Many recreation opportunities are available and include a fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, and picnicking. Use the park's hiking trails or try mountain biking on the 9000 acres of the adjacent Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area.

Nearby
While in the area, be sure to visit other nearby DCR properties: Lake Dennison State Recreation Area, Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area, Templeton State Forest, Willard Brook State Forest and Pearl Hill State Park.

Phone: 978-939-8962
Address: 86 Winchendon Road, BALDWINVILLE, MA 01436
Fees: Non-Peak Primitive Site $10.00 Non-Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00 Non-Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00 Non-Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00 Peak Primitive Site $10-$12 Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00-$24.00 Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00-$21.00 Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00-$23.00
Facilities: Otter River offers 73 campsites, three group sites, and four yurts. Comfort stations are located throughout the campground and offer hot showers and flush toilets. One comfort station is accessible, shown on the map. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. Yurts are canvas sided, cabin-like structures that can accommodate 4 to 6 people. Yurts offer bunk beds, tables with benches, and access to water and electricity. All of the yurts are accessible. (Linens and eating utensils are not provided.) NOTE: Electrical service is not sufficiently reliable for use with medical equipment. Pets are prohibited from yurts and yurt sites. A small pavilion is located by the day use area which includes grills and picnic tables. The pavilion can be reserved through ReserveAmerica. Rental does not include the daily parking fee of $8 for MA residents and $30 for non MA residents. Please be advised, the rental of this facility is generally for a self-catered picnic or simple gathering. Should you be interested in having a caterer, amplified music, a bounce house, fundraising event, etc. you will need to secure permission via a special event permit. There is a $45 non-refundable application fee, a Certificate of Liability Insurance will be required and you will be need to submit a Covid-19 Compliance Plan stating how you will meet the Governor’s guidelines. For more information, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-state-parks-special-use-permit After making your reservation, please give the facility a call to discuss your plans. There are NO HOOKUPS at this campground. A dumping station at a nearby Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground can be accessed for the convenience of our RV and trailer campers.
Directions: From the East: Rte. 2 West to Exit 82, right on Baldwinville Rd. to the end, then right onto Rte. 202. Go 1.2 miles on Rte. 202 North to the Park entrance on the left. From the West: Follow Rte. 2 East to Exit 79. Turn right onto Rte. 202 North and travel 4.7 miles to the Park entrance on left. Campground Address: 86 Winchendon Road Baldwinville, MA 01436 Campground Phone Number: Headquarters number: 978-939-8962

Important information

Specific to this facility: RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. NO WALK-IN CAMPING ALLOWED. One vehicle only may be parked at your site. A second vehicle can be parked in our overflow parking lot near the Contact Station. Please read the important information below, prior to making a reservation. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Massachusetts state parks and campgrounds. Campsite Fees at Otter River State Forest $17 for MA resident / $54 for non-resident. THERE IS A $4.50 NON-REFUNDABLE TRANSACTION CHARGE FOR EACH RESERVATION MADE. This campground has a day use pavilion that is reservable. The fee is $65 and can be reserved online. After making your pavilion reservation, please give the facility to discuss your plans. Massachusetts prohibits the transportation of firewood into or out of any DCR campground. Firewood must be purchased at the campground. Transportation of firewood or other wood products, may result in eviction. PLEASE NOTE THAT FIREWOOD SALES ARE BY CREDIT CARD ONLY. EFFECTIVE 2021, THE COST IS $7 PER BUNDLE. Check-in time is 1:00 to 9:00 pm; check out by 11:00 am. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 7:00 am. The use of generators is not permitted during quiet hours except for the purpose of operating a medical device. Reservation and Occupancy: Campers and/or camping equipment are limited to 14 cumulative days occupancy in any one park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Violators of the 14-day limit may have their reservation cancelled and be asked to leave the park. Reservations must be in the name of the primary occupant, who is at least 18 years of age. A photo ID is required at check- in and must match the name on the reservation. Campsite occupancy is limited to four adults, or two adults and the children in their care. Campsites are limited to two tents, or one tent and one trailer or RV, and two vehicles maximum (including tow trailers) per site. Reservations with departure dates outside the 4-month maximum window cannot be changed or cancelled until 18 days after the reservation was made. Cancellations and changes will incur a $10 fee. Day of arrival cancellations require a phone call to the campground and will result in the loss of the first night's camping fee, plus the $10 cancellation fee. Reserved campsites will be held until 8:00 am on the day after your scheduled arrival date. If we are not contacted, your reservation will be no-showed resulting in no refund. Camping with Pets: Pets are permitted at most campgrounds and there is a limit of four pets per campsite. A current rabies certificate must be presented at check-in. Pets must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended. Pets are not permitted in state buildings or when camping in a yurt or cabin.