Willard Brook State Forest
Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
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 VisitNovember
  • Site 8  Willard Brook State Forest. One of the sites designated for an RV
  • Damon Pond  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Trap Falls is a short drive away with a picnic area
  • Trap Falls
  • Entrance to pond and campground,  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Willard Brook State Forest
  • picnic area  Willard Brook State Forest
  • picnic area
  • Beach at Damon Pond
  • Yurt for 10  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Yurt for 10  Willard Brook State Forest. $90 for MA residents; $230 for out of state (based on your care license plate)
  • Site 21  Willard Brook State Forest. This one isn't listed on the website, so I wonder if it is a host site?
  • Site 20  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Site 3  Willard Brook State Forest this one is suitable for larger rigs
  • Site 3  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Water is available, but no hookups
  • Site 4  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Site 5  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Site 6  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Site 7  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Recycling and bathrooms.  Willard Brook State Forest,  Bathrooms under renovation autumn 2020
  • Dishwashing sink behind the bathrooms  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Site 9  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Trails to explore at  Willard Brook State Forest. You can hike to Pearl Lake State Park.
  • Campsites nestled among the pines  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Site 10  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Site 11  Willard Brook State Forest. This site is the best one for a larger unit.
  • Site 12  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Site 12  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Site 13  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Site 14  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Site 14  Willard Brook State Forest
  • Site 18  Willard Brook State Forest