Tolland State Forest

4.42

85 reviews

Tolland State Forest, PO Box 342, EAST OTIS, Massachusetts, 01029, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Massachusetts#3 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Massachusetts Group Camping Massachusetts +6 more

Quick Facts

1,526 ft

Price

$17 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Reservations are req...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,526 ft

Price

$17 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Reservations are req...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Tolland State Forest

$17.00 - $54.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees at Tolland State Forest are $17 for Massachusetts residents and $54 for non-residents. There is a non-refundable $4.50 transaction...

Standard Site Fee$17.00

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

4.42

Recommended

Based on 85 reviews

69 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Tolland State Forest Campground are mixed, with many praising its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and clean facilities but some raising concerns about noise and lack of enforcement of quiet hours."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Tolland State Forest, PO Box 342, EAST OTIS, Massachusetts, 01029, United States

Tolland State Forest

Tolland State Forest, PO Box 342, EAST OTIS, Massachusetts, 01029, United States

Driving directionsFrom the East: Massachusetts Turnpike Exit 41 (Westfield). Follow Rte. 10-202 South to Rte. 20. Proceed west on Rte. 20 for about 6 miles. Turn left onto Rte. 23 West. Follow Rte. 23 West through Blandford into Otis. About 1 mile past the Otis townline, turn left onto West Shore Road, then left onto Tolland Road. Follow signs. From North or South: Rte. 8 to Otis. Take Reservoir Road to Tolland Road. Follow signs. The campground is located 2 miles past the Tolland State Forest Headquarters.

Road access is primarily paved but can involve remote routes. Some user reviews caution against following GPS shortcuts, as they may lead to unpaved back roads and a one-lane bridge unsuitable for most vehicles. Official driving directions are recommended.

Nearby places

East Otis is the closest city. Distances to other population centers are not explicitly mentioned.

Nearby supplies

Firewood ($7 per bundle, credit card only) is available from the ranger station. Information on other supplies such as groceries or camping essentials is not listed.

Best Time to Camp at Tolland State Forest

Each season brings its own magic to Tolland State Forest. Summer transforms the campground into a waterfront paradise, with warm days perfect for swimming in the reservoir and lazy afternoons on the beach. As autumn arrives, the surrounding hills burst into a spectacular display of fall foliage, creating a photographer's dream. Winter blankets the forest in snow, with temperatures dipping near freezing and creating a serene wonderland for those seeking solitude. Spring awakens the forest with fresh blooms and migrating birds, though visitors should pack rain gear for the occasional shower that nourishes the emerging wildflowers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak: swimming, boating and lake activities shine, though sites can get crowded.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Berkshires foliage + trails and lakeside views make fall especially scenic and enjoyable.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers trails and fishing as activity ramps up; can be cool/muddy early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but limited winter-specific amenities; lower activity and accessibility.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Reservations are required. Specific open/close dates are not provided.
Current Alerts: None explicitly mentioned.

About Tolland State Forest

Escape to Tolland State Forest, where your campsite awaits on a scenic peninsula that stretches into the sparkling waters of Otis Reservoir. This beloved outdoor destination invites you to cast a line from the shoreline, launch your kayak into peaceful waters, or explore winding forest trails that reveal the beauty of the Berkshires. After a day of adventure, refresh with a hot shower and relax on the exclusive campers-only beach, watching the sunset paint the water in brilliant hues. While you'll find modern comforts like flush toilets and well-maintained facilities, the campground maintains its rustic charm without electrical hookups or dumping stations, allowing you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.

The campground offers diverse camping options, including tent-only sites, sites for RVs (without hookups), and group camping accommodations.

Historical SignificanceWhile the forest's ancient trees and pristine waters hold countless untold stories, the area's documented historical and cultural heritage remains a mystery waiting to be discovered by curious campers.

Weather and SeasonsEach season brings its own magic to Tolland State Forest. Summer transforms the campground into a waterfront paradise, with warm days perfect for swimming in the reservoir and lazy afternoons on the beach. As autumn arrives, the surrounding hills burst into a spectacular display of fall foliage, creating a photographer's dream. Winter blankets the forest in snow, with temperatures dipping near freezing and creating a serene wonderland for those seeking solitude. Spring awakens the forest with fresh blooms and migrating birds, though visitors should pack rain gear for the occasional shower that nourishes the emerging wildflowers.

ElevationThe campground's elevation creates the perfect microclimate for comfortable camping, though specific elevation details await your personal discovery when you visit.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to sunlight filtering through a canopy of mature trees, with glimpses of Otis Reservoir shimmering through the branches. The campground's prime location on a wooded peninsula offers breathtaking views in every direction – from the tranquil waters that lap at the shoreline to the rolling forested hills that frame the horizon. This natural amphitheater creates an ever-changing canvas of light, shadow, and reflection throughout the day.

Geological RegionNestled within the gentle embrace of the southern Berkshire Hills, Tolland State Forest occupies a stunning wooded peninsula that juts into the expansive 1,065-acre Otis Reservoir. This unique geological setting, where ancient hills meet human-made lake, creates a diverse ecosystem that showcases the best of Massachusetts' western highlands. The rolling terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, shaped by glaciers, time, and the enduring power of nature.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

14 cumulative days occupancy between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsite occupancy is limited to four adults, or two adults and the children in their care.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are spread across multiple loops; details of site grouping are available.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made in advance. The platform is not explicitly stated, though most Massachusetts state parks use ReserveAmerica.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot allowed; reservations are required.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations and changes incur a $10 fee. Day-of-arrival cancellations require contacting the campground via phone and result in loss of the first night's camping fee plus the $10 cancellation fee. Reserved campsites are held until 8:00 AM the day after the scheduled arrival.

AccessibilityThere are no accessible comfort stations within the campground, which may present challenges for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeVaries widely from tent-only sites to spaces accommodating RVs up to 35 feet.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some are "spaced out for privacy," while others lack seclusion, as noted by users who mentioned "not much privacy between the sites.

Total Campsites93 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend sites that offer privacy or are close to the beach.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a variety of recreational activities centered around the Otis Reservoir and the surrounding state forest. These include seasonal swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and biking.

HikingSeveral multi-use trails are open year-round for hiking. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty and allow exploration of the scenic southern Berkshire Hills.

FishingFishing is popular in the Otis Reservoir, which is stocked with trout and bass. Anglers may expect a rewarding experience with opportunities to catch game fish.

SwimmingThere is a designated swimming area with a sandy beach. The beach is clean, though some reviewers noted it can become crowded with day visitors.

BikingMountain biking opportunities are available within the campground, with trails providing scenic views and challenging terrain.

BoatingNon-motorized and motorized boating are supported, with a public boat launch available. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in black bear country, and campers are frequently reminded to use bear-proof storage lockers. Other wildlife, such as deer and birds, may also be observed in the area.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are present in the area. Food and toiletries must be stored in provided bear-proof lockers.

Active AlertsNone explicitly mentioned.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at each campsite for food and toiletries storage.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood must be purchased on-site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Emergency ServicesThe campground is situated 2 miles past the Tolland State Forest Headquarters, where emergency services can likely be coordinated. Specific details about hospitals, police stations, or ranger stations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the materials. Campers are required to store food and toiletries in bear-proof lockers to manage wildlife interactions.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Otis Reservoir, offering boating and fishing opportunities.

Camp HostRangers patrol the campground regularly to ensure compliance with rules.

Weather at Tolland State Forest

Reviews

4.4

85 reviews

Recommended

Tolland State Forest is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Tolland State Forest Campground are mixed, with many praising its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and clean facilities but some raising concerns about noise and lack of enforcement of quiet hours.

Review Summaries

Based on 85 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently mention the campground's cleanliness, scenic beauty, and variety of outdoor activities. Many appreciate the spacious campsites, clean bathrooms, and friendly, helpful rangers. The...

Based on 85 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include noise disturbances from large, unruly groups and lack of enforcement of quiet hours. Some users also highlighted maintenance issues, such as clogged shower drains and uncleaned...

Based on 85 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to select more private sites, purchasing firewood on-site as required, and bringing a rake to clean up campsites if necessary. They also suggest using the bear-proof...

Based on 85 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are popular seasons, noted for their vibrant outdoor activities like swimming and fishing. However, the campground can become crowded, and noise complaints are more frequent during...

Based on 85 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place to spend your weekend fishing, camping, boating, or just relaxing." - TheGreen-Rooster. "This is a great campground, there are many very large and well-maintained camping sites." - Matt...

Based on 85 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews are limited, but some areas are noted as better for privacy. Sites close to the beach tend to be noisier.

Based on 85 reviews

Accessibility Features

The absence of accessible comfort stations may make the campground less suitable for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 85 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome at the campground, which many users appreciate. Up to four pets are allowed per site, and proper documentation is required at check-in.

Based on 85 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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