How much does camping cost at Willard Brook State Forest?

Camping fees at Willard Brook State Forest range from $14-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Willard Brook State Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Willard Brook State Forest accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Willard Brook State Forest before I book?

Yes! Willard Brook State Forest has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Willard Brook State Forest?

Willard Brook State Forest is open Not explicitly stated.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Willard Brook State Forest?

Willard Brook State Forest does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Willard Brook State Forest have?

Willard Brook State Forest has 19 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Willard Brook State Forest?

Yes, pets are allowed at Willard Brook State Forest. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Willard Brook State Forest?

Willard Brook State Forest offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Willard Brook State Forest?

Popular activities at Willard Brook State Forest include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Willard Brook State Forest

Q: Can I have a campfire at Willard Brook State Forest?

Fire policies at Willard Brook State Forest: Firewood transportation prohibited; firewood must be purchased at the campground for $7 per bundle.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.81

20 reviews

260 Hosmer Road Ashby, MA 01431

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Willard Brook State Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Willard Brook State Forest 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

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Provider

978-386-7146

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

260 Hosmer Road Ashby, MA 01431

Willard Brook State Forest

260 Hosmer Road Ashby, MA 01431

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.

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.

Weather at Willard Brook State Forest

Best Time to Camp at Willard Brook State Forest

Fall is the standout season. Late September through October brings peak foliage, with daytime highs around 50–65°F and nights dipping to 30–45°F. Insects are gone, and the brook looks best framed by color. Weekends during peak color draw more visitors, so midweek is quieter. Summer is humid with occasional afternoon showers. Winter opens up for hardy campers who don't mind freezing temps and snow. Spring and fall are dry and crisp, good for hiking without the summer mugginess.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is the standout season with peak foliage, mild days and cool nights; insects largely gone.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season unspecified; reservations required throughout camping season.

About Willard Brook State Forest

Willard Brook State Forest sits near Ashby in central Massachusetts, tucked under tall pines at 741 feet elevation. The campground has 19 sites for tents and RVs (up to 20 feet, except site 11 which fits 35), plus a group yurt. Fees run $14–40 per night. There are no showers, and sites are close together with minimal screening. It's quiet when you get a considerate crowd, but enforcement of noise and generator rules is inconsistent.

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.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season. Late September through October brings peak foliage, with daytime highs around 50–65°F and nights dipping to 30–45°F. Insects are gone, and the brook looks best framed by color. Weekends during peak color draw more visitors, so midweek is quieter. Summer is humid with occasional afternoon showers. Winter opens up for hardy campers who don't mind freezing temps and snow. Spring and fall are dry and crisp, good for hiking without the summer mugginess.

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 SceneryWillard Brook runs through the property, carving its way over stones and creating pockets of rushing water and calmer pools. The forest is mostly pine, with some hardwoods that light up in fall. The canopy filters sunlight onto a needle-covered floor. It's a classic New England woodland scene, rolling and dense, with enough water features to keep things interesting if you walk the trails. Elevation here is gentle, not dramatic.

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.

Scenic ViewsScenic views include forested surroundings and water features like the brook.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe group yurt is a unique canvas-sided, cabin-like structure suitable for up to 10 people. It includes bunk beds, chairs, and tables but does not provide linens or eating utensils. The yurt is also wheelchair accessible with an accessible portable toilet on-site. Pets are not allowed in the yurt.

Best Campsites

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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 layoutSites are very close together with minimal separation. Most have a couple of trees. Maximum RV length is 20 feet except for site 11. The campground feels cramped overall.

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.

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Amenities available

The campground offers basic amenities suitable for a small, nature-focused camping experience. Below a pine canopy, there are 19 campsites and a group yurt that accommodates up to 10 people. The group yurt includes bunk beds, tables, and chairs, and is wheelchair accessible. Flush toilets are available, but there are no showers. The campground does not provide electricity or water hookups, sewer hookups, or a dumping station. Firewood must be purchased on-site and is only available by credit card ($7 per bundle).

Flush toilets

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

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

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.8

20 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Willard Brook State Forest has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

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

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

Accessibility Features

The yurt is wheelchair accessible, and there is an accessible portable toilet on-site.

Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on most sites, but not in the yurt.

Based on 20 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

MA residents get a hard-to-beat $14/night deal for fall midweek trips when the hardwoods peak and bugs are gone. The brook, swimming, and trail access make up for the tight layout if your neighbors are considerate.

Skip if

No showers, no hookups, and sites packed so close together that noise from the next campfire is unavoidable. Inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours and generator rules means a bad neighbor group can ruin your night.

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4.1

(74)

Pearl Hill State Park

105 New Fitchburg Road West Townsend, MA 01474, United States

Pearl Hill State Park sits in central Massachusetts near Townsend, offering 50 campsites beneath tall pines at 486 feet elevation. Sites range from $17 to $54 per night and accommodate tents, RVs, and groups. The park includes flush toilets, hot showers, and access to a day-use pond for swimming and fishing.