Erving State Forest

Star3.64
11 reviews
1 Laurel Lake Road, Erving, MA 01344
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

853 ft

Price

$17 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open season from Mem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Massachusetts DCR site

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Erving State Forest
$17.00 - $54.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$17 per night for Massachusetts residents and $54 per night for non-residents. There is a $4.50 non-refundable transaction charge for each...
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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

3.64

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlake

"User reviews highlight the natural beauty, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities at Erving State Forest. However, some concerns with safety, staff behavior, and a lack of cell service are noted."

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Campground Map

1 Laurel Lake Road, Erving, MA 01344

Erving State Forest

1 Laurel Lake Road, Erving, MA 01344

Driving directionsFrom North: Take Rte. 91 South to exit 27 (Rte. 2 East). Turn left at the fire station on Church St, travel 0.9 miles, turn right on Swamp Rd, and the contact station is 1.5 miles on the right. From South: Follow Rte. 91 North to exit 27 (Rte. 2 East) and follow the same directions as North. From West: Follow Rte. 2 East to Erving Center. From East: Follow Rte. 2 West to Erving, left on Rte. 2A (East Main St.), travel 0.7 miles, and then left on Moss Brook Rd for 1.9 miles. Bear left on Quarry Rd, and the entrance is on the left.
Access roads include paved routes with visible signage from major highways. Seasonal closures or navigation challenges are not mentioned.
Nearby places
Erving (2 miles), Greenfield (approximately 12 miles), Northfield (approximately 15 miles). Travel times not explicitly stated.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely available in Greenfield (approximately 12 miles away) or Erving Center (approximately 2 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Erving State Forest

Experience the full spectrum of New England's seasons at Erving State Forest. Summer days invite you to dive into refreshing lake waters, though occasional humidity reminds you you're in the heart of Massachusetts. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Winter brings a crystalline beauty to the landscape, with snow dusting the hemlock boughs and temperatures that make campfires especially welcoming.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season Memorial Day–Labor Day; swimming, boating and mid-June mountain laurels noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground listed open Memorial Day–Labor Day; closed outside that season.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Open season begins Memorial Day; pre-season spring camping not indicated.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter per stated open season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts currently listed.

About Erving State Forest

Perched gracefully on a wooded hillside overlooking the pristine waters of Laurel Lake, Erving State Forest offers an intimate camping experience with just 27 thoughtfully placed sites. This hidden gem beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of water adventures and forest exploration, where mornings begin with mist rising off the lake and evenings end with the gentle rustle of leaves overhead.
Erving State Forest offers a small and quiet camping experience with 27 well-maintained sites. The campground caters primarily to tent and standard camping, with no electrical or water hookups.
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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Erving State Forest is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Recreational activities include hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming at Laurel Lake. "The lake is small and lovely," with a brick-lined lakeshore that adds to its charm. Additionally, the park offers horseback riding, picnicking, and hunting opportunities.
HikingThe park features miles of hiking trails "interlaced by 8 miles of forest roads that lead to points of scenic interest."
FishingFishing is one of the popular activities at Laurel Lake. However, no specific details about fish species are provided.
SwimmingLaurel Lake has a large swim area and a beach described as "big, spacious, and nice." Lifeguards provide vigilant supervision, although some reviews note their strict approach.
BikingMountain biking is available within the park. A user review mentions biking to the lake: "I biked to Laurel Lake...the ride is easier by car, but biking is an option."
BoatingA boat ramp is provided for kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats. Boaters have access to Laurel Lake’s clear waters.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are centered around the swimming area and include sunbathing and picnicking on the spacious lakeshore.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPresence of black bears requires strict food storage. No food or toiletries should be kept in tents or campers.
Active AlertsNo active alerts currently listed.
Food Storage RequiredProvided at all campsites to protect against black bears.

Weather at Erving State Forest

Reviews

3.6
11 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Erving State Forest has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities at Erving State Forest. However, some concerns with safety, staff behavior, and a lack of cell service are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

The lake is consistently described as clean, beautiful, and ideal for swimming. Campground cleanliness and quietness also earn praise.
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include overly vigilant lifeguards, lack of cell service, and reports of safety issues involving other campers.
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive prepared with quarters for the showers, and consider the lack of cell service when planning. The park is ideal for quiet camping and lake activities.
Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Mid-June is noted for the blooming mountain laurels. Summer is the most popular season, with activities like swimming and fishing highlighted.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake is very clean and clear." "Yes, you need quarters for the showers, but they are clean and hot!" "Sadly, I feel like over the past couple years, the overall experience at mass state park...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some sites are noted to be close to the road, impacting privacy. Sites are uniformly sized and clean.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible flush toilets and campsites are appreciated, although no specific user feedback on accessibility features is provided.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed, provided leash requirements and a rabies certificate are met. No specific reviews highlight pet-related experiences.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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