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Established Camping

Willard Brook State Forest Campground

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**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

Willard Brook State Forest, near Ashby, Massachusetts, is a cozy campground that offers a peaceful escape into nature. With its picturesque setting surrounded by towering pines, it’s an ideal spot for tent camping, RVs, or even glamping in a yurt.

The campground features several well-maintained sites, with some offering a bit more privacy than others. Visitors have enjoyed the clean facilities, including flush toilets and a dishwashing sink, although there are no showers available. As one camper noted, “Site 3 is a great site. Large and separated enough from others.”

For those looking to stretch their legs, there are hiking trails nearby, and the small pond provides a lovely spot for swimming and picnicking. If you're up for a little adventure, you can hike to Pearl Lake State Park or check out the nearby Trap Falls for a scenic day trip. Whether you're here for a quiet weekend or planning a family gathering in the yurt, Willard Brook State Forest has a welcoming vibe that makes it easy to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

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Location

Willard Brook State Forest Campground is located in Massachusetts

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the Northeast: Take Rte. 495 to Littleton; take the Rte. 119 Exit. Follow Rte. 119 West approximately 21 miles through West Townsend to the campground on the left. 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 0.5 miles to the campground entrance on the right From the East: Rte. 2 West to Fitchburg and Rte. 13 North. Follow Rte. 13 North to Rte. 119 West in West Townsend. Turn left onto Rte. 119. Follow Rte. 119 approximately 4 miles to the park entrance on the left. Willard Brook State Forest: 10 Townsend Rd Ashby, MA 01431 Campground Address: 10 Townsend Rd Ashby, MA 01431 Campground Phone Number: 978-386-7146

Address

10 Townsend Rd
Ashby, MA 01431

Coordinates

42.66000004 N
71.79000075 W

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Connectivity

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    Excellent Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some 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)
  • Cabins
  • Yurts

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2022

More than quiet but no showers

A nice and quiet Campground- we were there alone…. But no showers and the men’s restroom was a complete mess!!!! Disgusting 🤮 For 40 US-Dollar far too expensive. I would call this not a Campground but more free camping in the woods.

Site10
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Willard Brook State Forest Campground by John , June 13, 2022
  • Review photo of Willard Brook State Forest Campground by John , June 13, 2022
  • Review photo of Willard Brook State Forest Campground by John , June 13, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2020

Small forest campground best suited for tents and small trailers

This small state forest campground in north/central Massachusetts is just up the hill from Damon Pond. I suggest downloading maps before you head out because cell service is iffy in the area.  

Sites are largely level, around a small, bisected loop with towering pines. Most of the sites are best suited to tents and small trailers (think teardrops and pop-ups), but a couple of sites can accommodate slightly larger units. They are level and there's not a lot of brush between sites, so not much privacy either. I liked site 3 for a bit more privacy ; it's also one of the 3 sites designated for an RV. Site 11 is larger and can accommodate a larger unit.

There is a large yurt suitable for 10 people. The yurt does offer electricity, but there are no hookups nor a dump station at the campground. There are flush toilets, but no showers. The small bathroom was under renovation autumn 2020. There is a dishwashing sink. 

There are hiking trails in the area and, of course, swimming at the small pond. A nearby roadside waterfall offers another picnic area opportunity. For a longer hike, you can hike to and from Pearl Lake State Park. Fishing, mountain biking, and geocaching are other activities available. There's a parking lot closer to the beach or it's an easy walk from the campground.

If you are from out of state, check fees carefully. In 2020 MA increased fees significantly in light of the pandemic. Prices are steep for what you get if you are out of state.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Willard Brook State Forest Campground by Jean C., December 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Willard Brook State Forest Campground by Jean C., December 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Willard Brook State Forest Campground by Jean C., December 18, 2020
  • (34) View All
Reviewed May. 25, 2018

Cozy, quiet, and comfortable

We stayed when there weren't very many other campers. Site 3 is a great site. Large and seperated enough from others. the water didn't taste too good. the bathrooms were clean. we stayed from thursday thru tuesday and the police drove through at least once a day that i noticed. not that they needed to. we are going back in aug and renting the yurt that they have there and bringing the whole family. its located not too far from the NH line and not too far from fitchburg

Site3
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 16, 2018

Hidden Gem

This campground is small - but its conveniently located near a larger city if you decide you want to venture back to civilization. The trails in the park are nice and well maintained. The larger pond has a nice beach and picnic area. Hang out by the stream with a little bridge and be lullaby-ed by the whooshing waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitors say in their reviews of Willard Brook State Forest?

Visitors appreciate Willard Brook State Forest's small, quiet atmosphere with its towering pine trees creating a peaceful setting. The campground receives positive feedback for its level sites arranged around a bisected loop. Campers note the convenient location near a larger city while still offering a woodland retreat experience. Most visitors enjoy the natural sounds like the stream that provides a soothing background. While many appreciate the clean facilities, some have noted inconsistent bathroom maintenance. The campground offers a good balance of natural setting with accessibility to civilization when needed.

What camping facilities are available at Willard Brook State Forest?

Willard Brook State Forest Campground features relatively level sites arranged around a small, bisected loop beneath tall pine trees. Restroom facilities are available, though they lack showers. The campground is situated just up the hill from Damon Pond, which has a beach and picnic area. Water is available but some campers note it doesn't taste great. The nightly fee is approximately $40. Cell service in the area is limited, so downloading maps before arrival is recommended. The campground has a generally quiet atmosphere with regular ranger patrols.

What hiking trails can I access in Willard Brook State Forest?

Willard Brook State Forest offers nice, well-maintained hiking trails throughout the property. The trail system connects various parts of the forest, including paths that lead to and around Damon Pond. Hikers can enjoy routes through towering pine forests and along the scenic stream with its charming bridge. The network of trails provides opportunities for both short strolls and longer hikes, suitable for various skill levels. For the best experience, download trail maps before visiting as cell service in the area can be unreliable, making on-the-spot navigation challenging.

How does Damon Pond Campground compare to other camping options in Willard Brook State Forest?

Willard Brook State Forest Campground is located uphill from Damon Pond and offers a different experience than the pond area. While Damon Pond features a beach and picnic facilities perfect for day use and swimming, the Willard Brook campground provides a more secluded woodland experience with sites nestled among tall pines. The Willard Brook sites are arranged in a small loop formation offering some privacy, particularly site 3 which is noted as being large and well-separated from others. Both areas complement each other, with campers able to enjoy the peaceful forest setting while having access to the pond's recreational opportunities.