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.

Willard Brook State Forest

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Ashby, MA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Ashby, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Ashby, MA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Ashby

The Best Camping Near Ashby, Massachusetts

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.

Hidden Gem

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

Cozy, quiet, and comfortable

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.

Small forest campground best suited for tents and small trailers

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.

Photos of Willard Brook State Forest

Real photos from real campers