Willard Brook State Forest

4.23

20 reviews

260 Hosmer Road Ashby, MA 01431

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Massachusetts Mountain Camping Massachusetts Forest Camping Massachusetts +4 more

Quick Facts

741 ft

Price

$14 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open season unspecif...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Willard Brook State Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

741 ft

Price

$14 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open season unspecif...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Willard Brook State Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Willard Brook State Forest

$14.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$14 per campsite for Massachusetts residents, $40 per campsite for non-residents. There is an additional $4.50 non-refundable transaction fee for...

Standard Site Fee$14.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

978-386-7146

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 20 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

Some mention

noise

"Reviews are mixed. Some appreciate the quaint, quiet nature of the campground, while others criticize the lack of privacy and amenities like showers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

260 Hosmer Road Ashby, MA 01431

Willard Brook State Forest

260 Hosmer Road Ashby, MA 01431

Driving directionsFrom the Northeast: Take Rte. 495 to Littleton; take the Rte. 119 Exit. Follow Rte. 119 West approximately 21 miles through West Townsend to the campground on the left. From the West: Follow Rte. 2 East to Rte. 31 North in Fitchburg. Follow Rte. 31 North through Fitchburg to the Town of Ashby and the intersection with Rte. 119 East. Follow Rte. 119 East approximately 0.5 miles to the campground entrance on the right. From the East: Rte. 2 West to Fitchburg and Rte. 13 North. Follow Rte. 13 North to Rte. 119 West in West Townsend. Turn left onto Rte. 119. Follow Rte. 119 approximately 4 miles to the park entrance on the left.

Road access is via state highways, primarily Route 119 and Route 31. No specific mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain. Trailers longer than 20 feet may face difficulty in maneuvering.

Nearby places

Ashby (approximately 0.5 miles), Townsend (approximately 4 miles), Boston (approximately 50 miles)

Nearby supplies

Firewood must be purchased at the campground for $7 per bundle (credit card only). Additional supply locations are not specified.

Best Time to Camp at Willard Brook State Forest

Experience the full spectrum of New England's captivating seasons at Willard Brook. Spring and fall bring crisp, dry air perfect for hiking and campfire conversations under star-filled skies. Summer transforms the forest into a lush, green sanctuary where warm days give way to humid evenings, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that release the sweet scent of pine. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those brave enough to embrace the freezing temperatures and discover the forest's quiet, frozen beauty.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Swimming and family camping appeal in summer, but lack of showers/hot water and close sites are drawbacks.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as 'crisp, dry air perfect for hiking' and strong seasonal appeal for foliage and stars.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring noted for crisp air and hiking; good for birding and thaw-season woods, though mud is possible (not stated).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter trail sports listed, but limited winter amenities and small campground size lower comfort for cold weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season unspecified; reservations required throughout camping season.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are specified.

About Willard Brook State Forest

Nestled beneath a protective canopy of towering pines, Willard Brook State Forest offers an intimate camping experience with 19 thoughtfully spaced campsites. This hidden gem in the Massachusetts wilderness provides a perfect blend of comfort and nature, featuring modern flush toilets and a distinctive group yurt that creates memorable gatherings for up to 10 adventurers. While you won't find showers here, you'll discover something far more valuable – a genuine connection with the pristine New England forest that surrounds you.

Willard Brook State Forest offers 19 campsites under a pine canopy, alongside a group yurt. Campsites are suitable for tents and pop-up trailers, and pets are allowed at most sites. There are no hookups available.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this serene forest may be quietly kept, the land itself tells timeless stories through its ancient pines and weathered stones, inviting visitors to create their own chapters in this peaceful wilderness setting.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of New England's captivating seasons at Willard Brook. Spring and fall bring crisp, dry air perfect for hiking and campfire conversations under star-filled skies. Summer transforms the forest into a lush, green sanctuary where warm days give way to humid evenings, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that release the sweet scent of pine. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those brave enough to embrace the freezing temperatures and discover the forest's quiet, frozen beauty.

ElevationThe gentle terrain of Willard Brook creates an accessible outdoor experience, where the forest floor rises and falls with the natural contours of the Massachusetts landscape, offering easy exploration for campers of all abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard of quintessential New England beauty, where crystalline Willard Brook dances over moss-covered stones, its melodic tumbling providing nature's soundtrack. Majestic pine groves stretch skyward, their evergreen boughs creating a natural cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The quick-moving waters carve their ancient path through this timeless landscape, offering endless opportunities for quiet contemplation and photographic moments.

Geological RegionDiscover the heart of Central Massachusetts' natural splendor, where centuries of geological artistry have sculpted a landscape of rolling forests and dynamic waterways. Here, the bedrock of New England rises to meet towering pine forests, while Willard Brook has carved its signature through the terrain, creating a diverse ecosystem where rushing waters meet tranquil forest glades in perfect harmony.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

14 cumulative days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Four adults, or two adults and children per site.

Groups

Yurt accommodates up to 10 people. Sites allow up to 4 adults or 2 adults with children.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground includes 19 campsites and a group yurt.

Reservation PlatformsReservation details available online or by phone.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-in camping allowed; reservations are required.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee. Day-of-arrival cancellations result in the loss of the first night’s camping fee plus the $10 cancellation fee.

AccessibilityThe yurt is wheelchair accessible and offers an accessible portable toilet on the site.

Site SizeSites have a maximum equipment length of 20 feet, except for Site 11 which accommodates up to 35 feet.

PrivacyUser reviews suggest little to no privacy at sites, with comments like "tiny campground with little to no separation of sites, 2 trees max.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites with maximum equipment lengths of 35 feet (e.g., Willard Brook 11) may be preferred for larger vehicles.

Amenities available

Flush toilets

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Willard Brook State Forest offers a variety of activities including swimming, fishing, hiking, birding, horseback riding, and winter trail sports.

HikingHiking is available within the park, providing access to classic New England woods.

FishingFishing is permitted and accessible on-site as part of the recreational offerings.

SwimmingSwimming is available within the facility, making it a family-friendly destination.

BikingMountain biking is listed as an activity within the facility.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsElectrical service in yurts is not reliable for medical equipment. Trailers longer than 20 feet face maneuvering difficulties. Firewood transportation is prohibited.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are specified.

Fire PolicyFirewood transportation prohibited; firewood must be purchased at the campground for $7 per bundle.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include local hospitals and police stations, but specific institutions are not listed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the available source materials.

Water FeaturesSwimming and fishing access available. Features a tumbling brook.

Camp HostNo host information specified.

Weather at Willard Brook State Forest

Reviews

4.2

20 reviews

Satisfactory

Willard Brook State Forest is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed. Some appreciate the quaint, quiet nature of the campground, while others criticize the lack of privacy and amenities like showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is described as a "nice quiet gem for Massachusetts residents" and "quaint but awesome little spot for family camping."

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Users have noted issues such as "no hot water," "no showers," and "campground being tiny with little to no separation between sites."

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers should note that there are no showers, and firewood must be purchased on-site and by credit card only. Pets are permitted on most sites but not in the yurt.

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No detailed seasonal trends are provided in the user reviews.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Quaint but awesome little spot for family camping." - Kyle Wilson. 2. "Tiny campground with little to no separation of sites, 2 trees max." - C S. 3. "There is no showers. Only electricity is in...

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific details include max equipment lengths of 20 feet for most sites and 35 feet at Site 11. The group yurt is highlighted for its unique accommodation.

Based on 20 reviews