Pearl Hill State Park encompasses 1,000 acres in north-central Massachusetts, and its campground in Townsend provides 50 drive-in sites across a wooded, hilly terrain managed by the state park system. The canopy runs heavily to pine and oak, which means dense shade over most sites but also a notable accumulation of sticky pine needles on the ground. Campers who've stayed here recommend raking or sweeping sites before setting up to avoid tracking sap-coated needles through camp. Sites 9 through 14 tend to offer more privacy than those near the restrooms, while sites 48 through 50, set up on the hill, are worth considering for the elevation and separation they provide.
Cell coverage is thin on the access road and variable throughout the campground. Verizon users have reported losing signal on the approach, with modest recovery higher up the hill, while AT&T users note roughly one bar at the sites and somewhat better reception near the bathhouse. Download offline maps before arrival. The campground connects by trail to Willard Brook State Forest Campground, extending hiking options well beyond the park's own loop trails, which include a 2.5-hour route with boulders and inclines.
The pond has a beach-side area with picnic tables and grills, though swimming closures due to bacteria levels have been reported in recent seasons, so it's worth checking conditions before planning a swim. Drainage on some sites can also be an issue after heavy rain. Bathrooms are centrally located and consistently receive high marks for cleanliness, with Alan noting they were "clean and well stocked." The campground runs mid-May through mid-October, with rates from $17 to $35 per night. RVs are welcome up to 32 feet, with electric, water, and sewer hookups available, and reservations are accepted, which is worth using for holiday weekends.
Description
Located in the north central area of Massachusetts, Pearl Hill's 50-site campground offers some of the largest and most private campsites in Massachusetts, all beneath a canopy of stately pines. Enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and swimming in the nearby day use area.
<u>Please read the important information below, prior to making a reservation.</u>
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. NO WALK-IN CAMPING ALLOWED.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Massachusetts state parks and campgrounds.
<font color="blue">Campsite Fees at Pearl Hill State Park $17 for MA resident / $54 for non-resident. THERE IS A $4.50 NON-REFUNDABLE TRANSACTION CHARGE FOR EACH RESERVATION MADE.</font>
This campground has a day use picnic area that is reservable. The rental fee is $50. Please be advised, the rental of the picnic area 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
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. <u>Day of arrival cancellations</u> 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.
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
**Walk-in Registrations are not permitted. Advance Reservations can be made same day up until 2 pm on date of arrival.**
April 1 through Labor Day Monday, the booking window will be open for new inventory at 8 am ET daily. During the off season, inventory opens at 9 am on weekdays and 10 am on weekends.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPearl Hill State Park Campground is located in Massachusetts near West Townsend
Directions
From the Northeast: Take Rte. 495 to Littleton and the intersection with Rte. 119 West. Follow Rte. 119 West approximately 19 miles to West Townsend. Turn left (south) on New Fitchburg Rd. Follow New Fitchburg Rd. 1 1/2 miles to the park entrance on the right. From the West: Follow Rte. 2 East to Rte. 31 North in Fitchburg. Follow Rte. 31 North through Fitchburg to the Town of Ashby and the intersection with Rte. 119 East. Follow Rte. 119 East approximately 2.5 miles to New Fitchburg Rd. in West Townsend. Turn right on New Fitchburg Rd. The Park entrance is 1.5 miles on the right. From the East: Rte. 2 West to Leominster and Rte. 13 North. Follow Rte. 13 North to Rte. 119 West in West Townsend. Turn left onto Rte. 119. Turn left onto New Fitchburg Rd. The Park entrance is 1.5 miles on the right. Campground Address: 105 New Fitchburg Road West Townsend, MA 01474 Campground Phone Number: 978 597 2850 Off-season Telephone Number: 978-597-8802
Address
599 Main Street
Townsend, MA 01474
Coordinates
42.65500032 N
71.75800027 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 38 min from Worcester, MA
- 42 min from Manchester, NH
- 1 hr 8 min from Boston, MA
- 1 hr 14 min from Amherst Center, MA
