Otter River State Forest
Open for the 2026 camping season, which runs from late May through mid-October. Reservations required through ReserveAmerica. No walk-in camping available.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 30 at 3:35PM EDT until June 30 at 4:00PM EDT by NWS Boston/Norton MA
At 335 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Ware, or 13 miles southeast of Amherst, moving east at 10 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Law enforcement. At 315pm Law Enforcement reported trees and wires down in Belchertown. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to trees and power lines. Locations impacted include... Palmer, Ware, Sturbridge, Barre, Warren, North Brookfield, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Brookfield, Hardwick, Oakham, Petersham, New Braintree, and New Salem.
Extreme Heat Warning issued June 30 at 1:25PM EDT until July 4 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Boston/Norton MA
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 112 expected. * WHERE...Portions of northern Connecticut, all of Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River, except for the South Coast and northern Rhode Island. * WHEN...From 10 AM Wednesday to 8 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
About
Otter River State Forest, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, provides a traditional New England camping experience in a 1,200-acre forested setting spanning the towns of Templeton, Winchendon, and Royalston. The campground wraps around Beaman Pond, offering wooded tent and RV sites that accommodate small self-contained units up to 25 feet. A 6-ton bridge weight limit restricts larger rigs from accessing sites 28-78. The campground features well-maintained comfort stations with flush toilets and hot showers, including one ADA-accessible facility. Four yurts provide canvas-sided accommodations with bunk beds, tables, benches, and electricity access for those seeking a step up from tent camping. Three group sites are available for larger parties. Recreation options include swimming and fishing at Beaman Pond, miles of hiking trails through mixed forest, and a basketball and volleyball court. Mountain bikers can access trails in the adjacent Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area. Pets are welcome on leash at regular campsites but are prohibited from yurts.
Directions
Follow Route 2 East to Exit 79. Turn right onto Route 202 North and travel 4.7 miles to the park entrance on the left.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $17 - $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 28ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (978) 939-8962 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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