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Signs & Maps
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Established Camping

Otter River State Forest

Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect

There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

There is a 6-ton limit for the bridge in the campground. RVs weighing more than 6 tons cannot access sites 28-78.

**Walk-in Registrations are not permitted. Advance Reservations can be made same day up until 2 pm on date of arrival.**

Please note that firewood sales are by credit card only, and effective 2021, the cost of firewood is $7 per bundle. Massachusetts prohibits the transportation of firewood or any wood products into or out of any DCR campground.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Otter River State Forest, near Baldwinville, Massachusetts, is a fantastic spot for those looking to unwind in nature. This campground offers a mix of tent sites, RV accommodations, and even cabins, making it suitable for various camping styles.

The area is known for its beautiful trails and the river that runs through it, perfect for hiking and exploring. Campers have mentioned that the sites vary in privacy, with some offering a more secluded experience, while others are closer to the main road. One reviewer highlighted site 28 as a top choice for feeling immersed in the woods.

Facilities here are decent, with clean bathrooms and showers available. Visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the chance to disconnect, as cell service can be spotty. As one camper put it, “It was just a relaxing weekend in the woods with some good friends.”

For those who enjoy a quick dip, there are designated swimming spots in the pond, although they’re on the smaller side. If you’re up for a little adventure, there are also nearby lakes for more extensive water activities. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by the fire or hiking the trails, Otter River State Forest is a solid choice for a camping getaway.

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Location

Otter River State Forest is located in Massachusetts

Detail location of campground

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

Address

86 Winchendon Road
Baldwinville, MA 01436

Coordinates

42.62549439 N
72.07935375 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin
  • Yurts

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

14 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2024

Perfect escape

Very peaceful! Little hidden gem! We loved our weekend away

Site67
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Shannon S., August 26, 2024
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Shannon S., August 26, 2024
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Shannon S., August 26, 2024
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2022

Otter river is great!

I have a special place in my heart for state parks, and this one is great!

Site41
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Matt R., October 17, 2022
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Matt R., October 17, 2022
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Matt R., October 17, 2022
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2022

Some sites are hit or miss with privacy

My site (number 1) was good for not being on top of my neighbor but it was next to the tanger station. Some sites are pretty out in the open, close to the campsite road so they feel less like the woods. I would say the best site that feels most like you are in the woods and have the most space is 28. I would book there. The pond is kind of deceiving. There are 2 roped off spots where you can swim and those spots are small and not deep.  You cannot have floats. So its better for a quick dip than a hang out. Bathrooms are fine. Could use one more as its a hike in the morning when you really have to go(!) depending on your site. One thing with my site (1), it was listed as a shaded site but it absolutely was not a shade site. During mid day there is no shade at all. In the morning, as the sun rose (when I took the pics) there was some shade but thats because the sun was still rising. It was big enough to fit a 10 and 12 person tent with a canopy. Not all sites are that big but this one worked. Verizon service was limited to none depending on location, ATT was good

Site1
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Desiree M., July 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Desiree M., July 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Desiree M., July 6, 2022
Reviewed May. 27, 2022

Some great sites for seclusion

Stayed here a few times summer of 2021. Like the title states, if you are looking to get away and unwind this is a great place to do it in. Ample trails and the great river running through the area. Would go back again.

Sitemultiple sites
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Feb. 12, 2022

Nice place to get out

Went for a weekend away with some friends and it was just a relaxing weekend in the woods with some good friends. Good facilities, good location, no cell signal so your not on your phone a ton

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Apr. 21, 2021

Otter River

I stayed here in the summer of 2020.  The camp ground is clean nice with lots of trails for hiking and biking.  The bathrooms were clean and water was easy close to the camp ground.  If you drive they have a great breakfast place about two miles from the camp ground.  I would go again for people who want to be outside, but don’t want to rough it to much.

FYI Verizon cell service was pretty good

Site066
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Jamal C., April 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Jamal C., April 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Jamal C., April 21, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 8, 2020

Mixed bag at this campground

This is a smaller campground with a few loops of campsites. The sites that are near the small pond are generally larger and have better space for pitching a tent. The sites on the first two loops/spur roads are smaller and most of them are designated for tents only or tents/popups. Site 33 is large and level, suitable for an RV, but Group B site is right behind it, which may or may not be an issue.  Group A & C sites are also in the first two loops.

65, 67, 68 are walk-in sites, with the tent area lower, closer to the water.  At the top of the hill, there are several yurts available.

Dump station and additional swimming/water activities are a little farther down the road at Lake Dennison .

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Jean C., November 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Jean C., November 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Jean C., November 8, 2020
  • (113) View All
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2018

Family Friendly

This campground is clean and well kept. Lots of families here. Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both). One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts.

Reviewed May. 28, 2018

Otter River State Park

Otter River State Park is located in Winchendon, in north central MA proximate to the NH border. The park was certainly lovely, facilities clean and my stay pleasant. Sites were a bit small. The hiking trails in and around the camp trail were nice, but not overly remarkable. Don’t recall there being a ton to do in and around the neighboring towns. Really, this is a good, low-key spot for families looking to spend a couple days out of the city. It’s about a 1 1/2 hour drive from Boston. Kids can play safely and bike throughout the grounds.

Site58
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Rachel P., May 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Rachel P., May 28, 2018
  • Review photo of Otter River State Forest by Rachel P., May 28, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2016

Close to Boston but not recommended

I went with a group of 4 in mid-July. The campground was clean and well-maintained but the sites are quite small and close together. There were a ton of kids and it was pretty noisy until about 11pm and then starting again around 7am.

The hiking in the area isn't great. There are a few trails but not a lot of interesting features and very little elevation change. The biggest pro is that it's only an hour from Boston.

Checking in is a big process here - it took about 5-10 minutes to get past the front gate because they ask for so much info about your party.

One additional perk is the rangers leave you completely alone.

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2016

Too many kids, too little space

With the exception of a handful of the sites at this campground (mainly, the ones on the pond that go exceptionally quickly), the sites are too small, too close together, and there are a ton of kids. From my site, I could hear our neighbors blasting their radio all day (even after quiet hours), and another group of people somewhere further away singing pretty much all night.

The pluses are it's relatively close to Boston and Worcester if you need a day or two away (and can book one of the quieter sites), the bathrooms and showers are clean (and free), and the rangers are exceptionally friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about camping at Otter River State Forest?

Otter River State Forest offers a mixed camping experience. It's described as clean, well-maintained, and peaceful with friendly staff. The campground is particularly popular with families. Sites near the pond are larger and more desirable (they book quickly), while other sites tend to be smaller and closer together. Some campers note it can be noisy until quiet hours, especially during peak season. The location is considered a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts, perfect for those looking to unwind, with trails for hiking and biking, plus swimming options in the pond or a nearby lake.

Is there a map of Otter River State Forest campground sites?

Yes, maps of Otter River State Forest campground are available. The campground layout consists of a few loops with numbered sites. The campground is arranged with sites near the pond (generally larger) and sites on the first two loops/spur roads (typically smaller). Specific sites like #1, #33, and sites near the ranger station have been noted for their location and characteristics. For the most accurate and current map, check with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation website or contact the park office directly before your visit.

Can I find photos of Otter River State Forest campground online?

Yes, photos of Otter River State Forest campground are available online. You can find images showcasing the campground's wooded setting, pond area, hiking trails, and various campsites. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation website likely hosts official photos. The Dyrt and other camping platforms feature user-submitted images showing different aspects of the campground, including individual sites and facilities. These photos can help you get a visual sense of the campground's layout, natural features, and the varying sizes of campsites before your visit.

What amenities and facilities are available at Otter River State Forest campground?

Otter River State Forest campground provides clean bathroom facilities and accessible water sources near camping areas. The campground offers a small pond for swimming, plus your camping pass covers access to a larger lake a short drive away. There are multiple hiking and biking trails throughout the property. The campground is organized into a few loops with different site types - some designated for tents only, others accommodating tent/popup combinations. Sites vary in size, with those near the pond typically being more spacious. There's no cell service reported, making it ideal for a digital detox.