Dar State Forest

4.62

53 reviews

78 Cape Street (Rte 112) Goshen, MA 01032

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Massachusetts#2 Forest Camping Massachusetts Fall Camping Massachusetts +6 more

Quick Facts

1,535 ft

Price

$17 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

51 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,535 ft

Price

$17 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

51 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Dar State Forest

$17.00 - $54.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees are $17 for Massachusetts residents and $54 for non-residents, plus a $4.50 non-refundable transaction fee per reservation. Additional...

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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Reserve America

Provider

413-268-7098

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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 53 reviews

447 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanhiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight DAR State Forest as a clean, family-friendly campground with numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities, spacious campsites, and scenic natural beauty."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

78 Cape Street (Rte 112) Goshen, MA 01032

Dar State Forest

78 Cape Street (Rte 112) Goshen, MA 01032

Driving directionsFrom the North: Rte. 91 South to Rte. 2 West, Greenfield exit. Follow Rte. 2 West to Rte. 112 South for 10 miles to Park Entrance on left. From the South: Rte. 91 North to exit 25 in Northampton. Follow Rte. 9 West to Goshen. Turn right onto Rte. 112 North. Park Entrance is 1 mile on right. From East and West: Massachusetts Turnpike (Rte. 90) to Exit 45 and Rte. 91 North to exit 25 in Northampton. Follow Rte. 9 West to Goshen. Turn right onto Rte. 112 North. The Park entrance is 1 mile on right.

Accessible year-round via paved roads. Directions provided cover all major routes and access points. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain not mentioned.

Nearby places

Goshen (1 mile), Greenfield (approx. 10 miles), Northampton (approx. 14 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be sourced from Northampton, approximately 14 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Dar State Forest

Experience four distinct seasons of outdoor adventure at DAR State Forest. Summer beckons with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for lakeside camping and evening campfires under star-filled skies. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a kaleidoscope of crimson, gold, and amber, with crisp air that invigorates hikers and photographers alike. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling enthusiasts. Spring awakens the forest with gentle rains and warming temperatures, as wildflowers push through the thawing earth and migratory birds return to fill the air with song.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season: warm lake swimming, beaches, boating, hiking; reviews emphasize summer popularity.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Popular in fall; good for hiking and scenic foliage; many positive seasonal reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring trout stocking, wildflower and mountain laurel blooms, good for fishing and nature viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling noted, but campground's formal camping season centers on summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season coincides with Memorial Day to Labor Day for a 14-day limit. No year-round closure mentioned, but pavilion reservations for 2021 were pending.
Current Alerts: No active alerts provided.

About Dar State Forest

Nestled between the shimmering waters of Upper Highland Lake and pristine wetlands, DAR State Forest offers 51 campsites in a remarkable wilderness setting. This enchanting forest serves as a living sanctuary where lucky visitors might glimpse majestic moose grazing at dawn, black bears foraging through the understory, or industrious beavers engineering their aquatic kingdoms. Each campsite provides a front-row seat to nature's grand theater, where the boundary between civilization and wilderness dissolves into the morning mist.

DAR State Forest accommodates a range of camping styles, including standard non-electric sites, popup/tent sites, and a group campsite with composting toilets. The campground also features a pavilion for day use.

Historical SignificanceIn 1929, the Daughters of the American Revolution made a remarkable gift to future generations by donating 1,020 acres to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, establishing what would become DAR State Forest. This generous act of conservation foresight created a lasting legacy, preserving this spectacular landscape for nearly a century of outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families seeking connection with the natural world.

Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons of outdoor adventure at DAR State Forest. Summer beckons with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for lakeside camping and evening campfires under star-filled skies. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a kaleidoscope of crimson, gold, and amber, with crisp air that invigorates hikers and photographers alike. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling enthusiasts. Spring awakens the forest with gentle rains and warming temperatures, as wildflowers push through the thawing earth and migratory birds return to fill the air with song.

ElevationPerched atop a scenic ridge overlooking Upper Highland Lake, the campground offers elevated perspectives that reward visitors with sweeping vistas across the water and surrounding wilderness. This strategic position provides natural cooling breezes in summer and stunning sunrise views that paint the lake in shades of gold and rose.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in a tapestry of diverse ecosystems where ridge meets wetland, creating a photographer's paradise of contrasting landscapes. In early summer, the hillsides burst alive with mountain laurels displaying their delicate white and pink blossoms like nature's own wedding bouquet. The interplay between the reflective waters of Upper Highland Lake and the mysterious depths of the adjacent wetlands creates an ever-changing canvas of light, shadow, and wildlife activity throughout the day.

Geological RegionSet within the storied Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, DAR State Forest occupies a unique ecological crossroads where upland ridge habitat meets lowland wetlands. This diverse terrain, carved by ancient glaciers and shaped by millennia of natural forces, supports an impressive array of wildlife. The proximity of Upper Highland Lake to extensive wetland systems creates ideal conditions for iconic New England species like moose, black bear, and beaver to thrive, making every visit a potential wildlife viewing adventure.

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

Limited to 14 cumulative days occupancy in any one park 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.

Groups

The group campsite accommodates up to 50 people and is located 1.5 miles from the main campground. It offers composting toilets but requires water transportation from the main campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layout51 campsites spread across wooded areas with loops; group campsite located 1.5 miles away.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through ReserveAmerica.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-in camping allowed; reservations required for all sites.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations require a phone call to the campground on the day of arrival and result in the loss of the first night's camping fee and a $10 cancellation fee. Reservations with departure dates outside a 4-month window cannot be changed or cancelled until 18 days after booking.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible campsites, restrooms, and an accessible comfort station. A wheelchair-accessible trail is also available, catering to visitors with mobility challenges.

Site SizeStandard campsites can accommodate equipment up to 30 feet in length, depending on the site.

PrivacySites are generally well-spaced and wooded, providing a sense of privacy. However, one review mentioned that the campsites are not terribly private, with sound carrying between sites.

Total Campsites51 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose wooded sites for more privacy. Sites closer to the lake generally provide better views.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Activities you can enjoy

DAR State Forest offers a variety of recreational activities suitable for all age groups and skill levels. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and observing the abundant wildlife. The park also includes a fire tower that provides scenic mountain views, and sandy beaches for swimming and picnicking.

HikingThe park features 15 miles of trails suitable for all experience levels, including an accessible trail. A popular trail leads to the fire tower, which offers great mountain views. Trails are well-marked, although some are described as having tree roots and inclines that require careful attention.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, with Upper Highland Lake stocked annually with trout each spring. Lower Highland Lake is known for largemouth bass and yellow perch.

SwimmingVisitors can swim at sandy beaches located near the lake. The swimming area is described as warm and clear, with well-signed pool lines.

BikingThe park provides opportunities for mountain biking, though detailed trail information is not specified.

BoatingBoating is facilitated with a paved boat ramp at Lower Highland Lake and an informal ramp at Upper Highland Lake. Canoes, kayaks, and small electric-motor boats are permitted.

Wildlife viewingThe scenic wetlands and surrounding areas are home to moose, bear, beaver, and various other species. Wildlife observation is a key highlight of the park.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears frequently visit the campground. Food safety is emphasized to avoid bear encounters. Moose and other wildlife are also common.

Active AlertsNo active alerts provided.

Food Storage RequiredProvided at each campsite as a precaution against bears.

Fire PolicyFire pits provided at each campsite. Firewood must be purchased on-site.

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

Emergency ServicesEmergency services nearby include a Ranger Station at the campground (413-268-7098). The nearest hospital or police services are in Northampton, approximately 14 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground operates on a 'carry in, carry out' policy for trash. No on-site trash or recycling facilities are explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesClose to Upper Highland Lake and Lower Highland Lake, which offer swimming, fishing, and kayaking opportunities.

Camp HostRangers are noted for their frequent patrols, helpfulness, and knowledge.

Weather at Dar State Forest

Reviews

4.6

53 reviews

Top-Rated

Dar State Forest is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight DAR State Forest as a clean, family-friendly campground with numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities, spacious campsites, and scenic natural beauty.

Review Summaries

Based on 53 reviews

What Campers Love

Frequent praise for the cleanliness of the facilities, friendly staff, and well-maintained campsites. Activities like hiking, swimming, and wildlife observation are highly rated. The campground's...

Based on 53 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors note the lack of cell phone coverage and sound carrying between campsites. There are occasional complaints about noise from other campers during busy periods.

Based on 53 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own kayak or canoe for boating, as there are no rentals on-site. Use the food storage lockers provided to avoid wildlife encounters. Firewood must be purchased on-site, and credit cards...

Based on 53 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular in summer and fall, with activities like swimming and hiking frequently mentioned. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Spring is noted for trout...

Based on 53 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The lake is magical. No houses and this time of year, unbelievable mountain laurel blooms.' - Carol Lebold. 'The trails are well-maintained but still challenging.' - A. Blechner. 'Bathrooms have...

Based on 53 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 12 is specifically mentioned by a reviewer who visits annually. Sites are generally large, well-spaced, and wooded. Pavilion rentals are popular for day use.

Based on 53 reviews