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Massachusetts
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Massachusetts State Parks

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USA Parks
Massachusetts
Central Region
Otter River State Forest
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Otter River State Forest Millers River © Roy Sunter
A view of the Millers River from McLaughlin Trail, Otter River State Forest, MA
Otter River State Forest Dragonfly © Roy Sunter
seen at the edge of Beaver Pond, Otter River State Forest, MA
Otter River State Forest Millers River © Roy Sunter
A view of the Millers River from McLaughlin Trail, Otter River State Forest, MA
Otter River State Forest Fringed Polygala © Roy Sunter
alongside Goodnow Rd, Otter River State Forest, MA
Otter River State Forest Frozen Pond © Bernard Kingsley
This pond is quite busy with animals during the summer, but now it is almost in suspension.
Otter River State Forest © Bernard Kingsley
Otter River State Forest Old Graveyard © Bernard Kingsley
In the middle of the park is an old cemetery which has graves dating back to the 1700s.
Otter River State Forest Veteran © Bernard Kingsley
Honoring veterans from the revolutionary war. The local veterans still place flags on these graves
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OTTER RIVER STATE FOREST
OTTER RIVER STATE FOREST
New Winchendon Rd.
Baldwinville, Massachusetts   01436

Phone: 978-939-8962
Reservations: 978-939-8962
Otter River State Forest is a popular camping and day-use facility in a beautiful area of north central Massachusetts. Its developed facilities are centered on Beaman Pond and include 85 campsites, a swimming beach, ball field and picnic areas. Yurt camping is also available. Otter River State Forest was the first area acquired by the State Forest Commission in 1915.
History of the Area
Some of the forest area was cleared in the nineteenth century for small farms. After the state acquired the land, it was reforested with groves of pines which were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The CCC also built the first campground sites in the area. The vegetation is now a transition zone between three forest types: oak and hickory, northern hardwood, and the pines. The forest is home to numerous wild flowers and shrubs, deer, chipmunks, catbirds, warblers and vireos.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Camping
1. Otter River State Forest Campground: This is the main campground within the state forest itself, offering 85 campsites for tents and RVs with picnic tables, fire pits and comfort stations.

2. Lake Dennison Recreation Area: Located just a short drive from Otter River State Forest, this area offers over 150 camping sites along with swimming areas in Birch Hill Dam.

3. Peaceful Pines Family Campground: Although not directly inside of the park boundaries it's only about a ten-minute drive away; they offer tenting as well as full hook-up RV spots.

4. Tully Lake Campground: About half an hour's drive north-east from Otter River State Forest lies another great option which has canoe rentals available on-site too!

5. Laurel Ridge Camping Area Inc.: A family-friendly campsite located around twenty minutes south-west of The Otter river state forest that provides facilities like water & electric hookup points at each site plus free Wi-Fi across their property.
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Trails
1. Beaman Pond Loop Trail: A 2-mile loop trail that circles the scenic Beaman Pond, offering views of local wildlife and diverse plant life.

2. Otter River State Forest Campground Trails: These trails are spread throughout the campground area providing easy access for campers to explore forested areas with a variety of flora and fauna.

3. Lake Dennison Recreation Area Trails: This network includes several miles of hiking paths around Lake Dennison, featuring beautiful lake views and picnic spots along the way.

4. Birch Hill Dam Trail: An approximately 5-mile round trip hike leading up to an impressive dam structure; this path offers panoramic vistas over surrounding landscapes from atop the dam itself.

5. Tully Mountain Hiking Pathway: It's a moderate difficulty level pathway which leads hikers through dense forests towards summit where they can enjoy breathtaking view points overlooking entire state park region.

6. Winchendon Springs State Park Connector: Connects Otter River State Forest with nearby Winchendon Springs via wooded pathways ideal for birdwatching or quiet contemplation in nature.

7. Laurel Loop: Short but sweet half mile loop showcasing some unique laurel groves within forest boundaries.

8. Pine Grove Path: As name suggests it takes you through towering pine trees creating serene environment perfect for leisurely walks.

9. Hemlock Ridge Nature Walk: Easy walking route designed specifically as educational tool highlighting various types native plants found within park.

10. Turkey Hill Brook Ponds Circuit: Approximately three mile circuit encompassing two ponds known habitat spot many species birds making it popular among bird watchers.

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Area Campgrounds
Pout & Trout Campground
94 River Road
North Rutland, MA
508-886-6677
Lamb City Campground
85 Royalston Road
Phillipston, MA
Peaceful Acres Campground
52 Flagg Road
Hubbardston, MA
978-928-4413
The Wagon Wheel Campground
909 Wendell Road
Warwick, MA
978-544-8120
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Elm's Bait & Tackle
56 Elm St
Baldwinville, MA
(978) 939-8075

Directions
Otter River State Forest is located in north central Massachusetts.

From the east: Take Rte. 2 west to exit 20, then right onto Baldwinville Rd. to the end, right again onto Rte. 202 north. Follow 202 north 1.2 miles to the park entrance on the left.

From the west: Follow Rte. 2 East to exit 20, then turn left onto Baldwinville Rd. till the end, then right onto Rte. 202 North. Follow 202 North 1.2 miles to the Park entrance on the left.

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Massachusetts
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Massachusetts State Parks

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