Dean Pond Recreation Area

1 review

1100 Dean Pond Road, Brimfield , Massachusetts, 1010, United States

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

656 ft

Price

$8 - $20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

No reservation avail...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

656 ft

Price

$8 - $20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

No reservation avail...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Dean Pond Recreation Area

$8.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MA resident parking fee is $8.00 per vehicle; non-MA resident parking fee is $20.00 per vehicle. Pavilion rental does not include vehicle parking...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

"User reviews for Dean Pond Recreation Area highlight its potential, as well as its existing amenities like hiking trails and scenic beauty. However, some expectations seemed imaginative, like turning the area into a ski slope or water park."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1100 Dean Pond Road, Brimfield , Massachusetts, 1010, United States

Dean Pond Recreation Area

1100 Dean Pond Road, Brimfield , Massachusetts, 1010, United States

Driving directionsDean Pond Recreation Area is located off of Rte. 20 in south-central Mass. From the west: Take Massachusetts Turnpike East (Rte. I-90E) to exit 8 in Palmer. Take Rte 32 South to Rte. 20 East. Follow towards Brimfield. Take a right onto Monson Road. Take your next left onto Dean Pond Road. Recreation area will be on your right in 2 miles. From the East: Take Massachusetts Turnpike West (Rte. I-90W) to exit 9 in Sturbridge. Take Rte. 20 West through Brimfield center. Take a left onto Monson Road. Take your next left onto Dean Pond Road. Recreation area will be on your right in 2 miles.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, with specific directions provided from both east and west along the Massachusetts Turnpike. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain are mentioned.

Nearby places

Brimfield: approximately 2 miles, Sturbridge: approximately 10 miles.

Nearby supplies

Wells State Park nearby at 159 Walker Pond Road, Sturbridge, MA (10 miles). Additional within 10 miles: auto repair, backpacking supplies, bank, ATM, and ice availability.

Best Time to Camp at Dean Pond Recreation Area

Experience the full tapestry of New England's seasons at Dean Pond, where each turn of the calendar brings new adventures. Winter transforms the forest into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering between a crisp 22°F and 34°F, perfect for invigorating cold-weather hikes. Spring awakens the woodland with temperatures climbing to a pleasant 74°F, painting the forest floor with wildflowers. Summer invites lazy afternoons by the pond with temperatures reaching a comfortable 82°F, while autumn's spectacular foliage display unfolds in mild 66°F weather. Throughout the year, refreshing rains nourish the forest, creating the lush landscape that makes this area so enchanting.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers hiking, fishing and pond/beach access; suitable for day visits and picnics.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in MA

New England forest setting implies strong fall foliage and scenic value during autumn.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Hidden waterfall and forest trails suggest good spring interest with runoff and budding scenery.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter 'crystalline' scenery is noted, but no groomed winter recreation or services are described.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: No reservation availability for pavilion in 2021.
Current Alerts: No pavilion reservations being accepted for 2021.

About Dean Pond Recreation Area

Nestled within the verdant embrace of Brimfield State Forest's western reaches, Dean Pond Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore its network of wooded trails and pristine waterfront. This forest sanctuary offers adventures for every season, where hikers share winding paths with equestrians, anglers cast lines into tranquil waters, and families gather beneath the shade of towering trees. With thoughtful amenities including a welcoming pavilion, well-maintained picnic areas, modern comfort facilities, and 100 feet of inviting beachfront along Dean Pond, this recreation area seamlessly blends wilderness exploration with creature comforts.

Dean Pond Recreation Area provides a pavilion for group gatherings but does not mention options for tent camping, RV sites, or cabins.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of New England's seasons at Dean Pond, where each turn of the calendar brings new adventures. Winter transforms the forest into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering between a crisp 22°F and 34°F, perfect for invigorating cold-weather hikes. Spring awakens the woodland with temperatures climbing to a pleasant 74°F, painting the forest floor with wildflowers. Summer invites lazy afternoons by the pond with temperatures reaching a comfortable 82°F, while autumn's spectacular foliage display unfolds in mild 66°F weather. Throughout the year, refreshing rains nourish the forest, creating the lush landscape that makes this area so enchanting.

Natural Features and SceneryDean Pond Recreation Area showcases nature's artistry at every turn, from the gentle undulations of its forested hills to the mirror-like surface of its namesake pond. Visitors often find themselves pausing in wonder at the hidden waterfall that tumbles through the woods, its melodic cascade providing a soundtrack to forest adventures. The dense canopy overhead creates a natural cathedral of green in summer and a kaleidoscope of colors in fall, while over 20 miles of interconnected roads and trails wind through this living landscape, revealing new vistas and secret spots with each exploration.

Geological RegionSet within the heart of Central Massachusetts, Dean Pond Recreation Area occupies a prime position in the western expanse of Brimfield State Forest. This region's distinctive rolling topography tells the ancient story of glacial movements that sculpted these hills and valleys millennia ago. The heavily forested terrain, characteristic of New England's mixed hardwood forests, creates a diverse ecosystem where oak, maple, and pine thrive alongside numerous wildlife species. The extensive network of over 20 miles of roads and trails follows the natural contours of the land, offering visitors intimate access to this remarkable geological and ecological treasure.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Reservations for the pavilion are currently unavailable for 2021.

Guests Allowed Per Site

75 guests permitted for the pavilion.

Groups

The pavilion (Pav 001) can accommodate up to 75 people. Vehicle access is restricted beyond the parking lot, and parking fees are required separately for each vehicle.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle shelter/pavilion site layout.

Reservation Platformshttps://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-state-parks-special-use-permit

Walk-in AvailabilityMentioned vehicular parking beyond the lot is prohibited; unclear availability for walk-ups.

Cancellation PolicySpecial events require non-refundable $45 application fee, liability insurance, and a Covid-19 compliance plan.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible drinking water, flush toilets, parking, and paved pathways.

PrivacyThe information does not explicitly describe the level of privacy at campsites.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended Sites75 guests permitted for pavilion; no pets allowed on the beach.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Dean Pond Recreation Area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The pavilion site is designed for group events and gatherings, though permits are required for certain activities.

HikingDean Pond Recreation Area has over 20 miles of roads and trails primarily used for hiking, walking, and horseback riding. It is heavily forested, making it a picturesque landscape for outdoor exploration.

FishingFishing is available at Dean Pond Recreation Area, but further details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is one of the listed activities at the campground, though specific details about species or recommended areas are not provided.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo explicit hazards mentioned; general safety measures include leash policies for pets and waste disposal.

Active AlertsNo pavilion reservations being accepted for 2021.

Weather at Dean Pond Recreation Area

Reviews

0.0

1 reviews

Limited Reviews

Dean Pond Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Dean Pond Recreation Area highlight its potential, as well as its existing amenities like hiking trails and scenic beauty. However, some expectations seemed imaginative, like turning the area into a ski slope or water park.

Review Summaries

Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

- Beautiful forested area with scenic surroundings. - Accessible hiking trails and fishing opportunities. - Ample space for group events at the pavilion.

Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of specific amenities like shower facilities or detailed trash facilities. - Some users express imaginative ideas that aren't aligned with current facilities.

Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Ensure to acquire necessary permits for special activities like caterers or music. - Pets should remain leashed, and owners should clean up after them.

Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Information about seasonal trends is not reflected in user reviews.

Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This place has endless potential. The waterfall gives the place the option for a water park, the circle parking lot can be converted into a race track, and the hill in the back can be cleared out...

Based on 1 reviews