Douglas State Forest

Overview

Brochure InfoBordering both Connecticut and Rhode Island, this popular 6,282-acre state forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating and fishing at Wallum Lake and hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on miles of woodland trails. Facilities include two reservable pavilions, boat ramp, swimming beach, picnic area and restrooms. The Midstate Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that extends through central Massachusetts from the Rhode Island border north to Mt. Watatic at the New Hampshire border, runs through the forest. Douglas State Forest also includes a rare example of Atlantic White Cedar swampland that is accessed via a boardwalk trail. A 5-acre portion of this swamp is designated as a Massachusetts Wildland. Adjacent to a mowed field and close to the restrooms, a new pavilion has six 8' picnic tables with a 3' x 3' charcoal grill. The area of the field nearest the pavilion, can be used to set up a volleyball net (you bring) or other games. There is easy access to the beach. The CCC Pavilion was built about 75 years ago and offers four 10' picnic tables and a 3' x 3' charcoal grill. It is conveniently located at the bottom of our walkway from the parking lots.Key InfoOnce you have made your reservation, please call the park to discuss your plans for the day. The office telephone number is (508) 476-7872. Please be advised that this facility may reach parking capacity by 9:00AM on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. Once the parking lot is full, your guests will not be able to enter. Please plan accordingly. Alcohol is prohibited in all DCR Facilities. Please call the park for more details regarding your pavilion reservation. Please be advised, the rental of this facility is generally for a self-catered picnic or simple gathering. Should you be interested in having a caterer, or fundraising event, etc.(bounce house or amplified music not allowed), 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 All members of your party must pay the facility Parking Fee. Children must be attended at all times. Pets must be attended and leashed at all times; are prohibited from swimming, beaches and state buildings, including restrooms. Pick up after your pet and deposit waste in trash. Please clean up the area after use. Dumpsters are located in the parking lot. Do not wash dishes in bathroom sinks or at public faucets. Bring paper goods for your outing or plan to transport and wash dishes at home. Decorations may be hung with thumb tacks or tape. No duct tape, nails or staples. Remove all balloons and decorations. Pavilion reservations are rain or shine events. Reservations canceled prior to the reservation date, will receive a partial refund. Cancelations made the day of arrival will not be refunded any amount. Important Information for Daily EntranceDirectionFrom the West: Take MASS PIKE east (Rte. I-90E) to exit #10 in Auburn. Take Rte 395 South to Exit #2, Rte 16. Take a left onto Rte 16 East and follow for 5 miles. Turn right onto Cedar St to STOP. Go straight through stop onto Wallum Lake Rd. Forest entrance is 1 mile on your right. From the East/Boston/Southeast: Take MASS PIKE west (Rte. I-90W) to exit #10A in Millbury. Take Rte 146 South to exit # 3, Rte 16. Take a right onto Rte 16 West through Douglas center, towards Sutton/Webster. Turn left onto Cedar St to STOP. Go straight through stop onto Wallum Lake Rd. Forest entrance is 1 mile on your right. From Northeast/Worcester: Take Rte 495 to Rte 290 West to end through Worcester. Rte 290W turns into Rte 395 South. Follow Rte 395 S to Exit #2 in Webster, Rte 16. Take a left onto Rte 16 East towards Douglas. Follow for 5 miles. Turn right onto Cedar St to STOP. Go straight through stop onto Wallum Lake Rd. Forest entrance is 1 mile on your right. From Northwest: Take Rte 2 East to exit #33 in Leominster, Rte190 South. Follow Rte 190S to end onto Rte 290 West in Worcester. Take Rte 290W to exit #12, Rte. 146 South. Follow Rte 146S to Exit #3, Rte 16. Take a right onto Rte 16 West through Douglas center, towards Sutton/Webster. Turn left at Cedar St to STOP. Go straight through stop onto Wallum Lake Rd. Forest entrance is 1 mile on your right.Booking Window Product InfoFee Cancellation Desc Please read our Fees and Cancellation Policies Parking Fee for MA Resident: $9.00 Parking Fee for Non-Resident: $30.00 The park gates open daily at 9am, please plan to arrive early on weekends or your guests may not be able to enter. Once the parking lot is full, the park closes for the day and does not re-open to guests. Each vehicle must pay the parking fee.