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Nature
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Established Camping

Federated Womens Club State Forest

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Federated Womens Club State Forest near Petersham, MA, features forested terrain with a mix of hardwood and conifer trees. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the Quabbin Reservoir and Harvard Forest for additional outdoor activities.

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Location

Federated Womens Club State Forest is located in Massachusetts

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the East/Southeast/Northeast Take I-495 to exit 29, Rt. 2 west Follow Rt. 2 west for 42 miles to exit 16, Rt. 202 south. Turn right at the end of exit ramp onto Rt. 202 south. Drive 2 miles on Rt. 202 south and take a left onto Rt. 122 south. Drive 3.6 miles on Rt. 122 south to State Forest Rd. on the right. Take this right and follow for 1.7 miles to the gated park entrance. (See Otter River State Forest for vehicle access).

Coordinates

42.48763738 N
72.25596874 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Fires

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3.0

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1 Review

Reviewed Nov. 8, 2020

Rustic campground in a small state forest

It's very hard to find information about this campground which is closed for 2020. When open, it's for walk-in only and you need to check in with Erving State Forest (about 15 miles away) first, but there is a phone number to contact them. The entrance road is marked with signs, but I accidentally drove past it the first time, but Google Maps took me directly to it. It's a long curvy road that ends with a small parking lot at a T junction. In Nov 2020 the road to the left is closed because a bridge is out; the road to the right leads to the campground and Gate 36. This was gated in Nov 2020 as the campground was closed due to Covid-19, so I'm not sure if they'll open it in the spring.

Some of the sites are definitely walk-in, with a narrow trail leading from the road. It's possible to park at other sites; I'm guessing the gate at the beginning of the road toward the campground is open when the campground is open. If so, high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred.  There's no map on the website and the one I found online  elsewhere was outdated/incorrect and the one painted on a campground board could be clearer. I didn't find all of the campsites.  Bring your own water. There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field.

If you continue past site 15, you'll head through Gate 36 out toward Soapstone Hill which offers a great view of Quabbin Reservoir and sunsets.

This website provides some general information about hikes and exploration in the area that surrounds the Quabbin Reservoir. https://quabbinvalley.wordpress.com/  You'll find cellar holes throughout, remnants of the towns lost in the 30s to create the reservoir.

Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here. If you're into geocaching, download those, too. There are several along the entrance rd and in teh area.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Federated Womens Club State Forest by Jean C., November 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Federated Womens Club State Forest by Jean C., November 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Federated Womens Club State Forest by Jean C., November 8, 2020
  • (21) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Federated Women's Club State Forest?

Federated Women's Club State Forest offers primitive walk-in camping only. The campground requires visitors to check in at Erving State Forest (approximately 15 miles away) before setting up camp. Facilities are minimal, focusing on a natural camping experience. The campground operates seasonally and has been known to close temporarily, so contacting the management office via phone before planning your trip is essential to confirm availability and current regulations.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy in Federated Women's Club State Forest?

The Federated Women's Club State Forest provides various outdoor recreational opportunities in a serene natural setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking through wooded trails, wildlife observation, and nature photography. The forest's quiet atmosphere makes it ideal for birdwatching and peaceful walks. While specific amenities aren't extensively developed, the natural environment offers opportunities for forest bathing, stargazing, and disconnecting from urban life. Contact the forest management for current trail conditions and seasonal activity recommendations.

Where is Federated Women's Club State Forest located in Massachusetts?

Federated Women's Club State Forest is located in Petersham, Massachusetts. The entrance to the forest is marked with signs, though it can be somewhat challenging to find. For administrative purposes, the forest is managed in connection with Erving State Forest, which is approximately 15 miles away. Visitors should note that despite being in Petersham, all check-in procedures must be completed at Erving State Forest before camping. Contact the management office for specific directions and GPS coordinates to ensure you can locate the entrance.