How much does camping cost at Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area range from $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area 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 Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area has 6 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 Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area?

Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area is open April to October for bathroom facilities; unspecified for other services.. 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 Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area?

Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area: No charcoal or open flames allowed; propane grills permitted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area have?

Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area. 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 Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area?

Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area

4.67

6 reviews

840 Hillside Street, Milton, Massachusetts, 02186, United States

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Massachusetts Mountain Camping Massachusetts Forest Camping Massachusetts +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

190 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Bathrooms are open s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Department of Conservation and Recreation Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 3 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

190 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Bathrooms are open s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Department of Conservation and Recreation Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A $45 non-refundable application fee for a special event permit is required for activities beyond self-catered picnics (e.g., catering, amplified...

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

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 6 reviews

552 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulshowersspaciousbeach

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews highlight the area's beauty and suitability for family and group gatherings, with particular praise for the cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Some concerns are noted about water quality and occasional restrictions on swimming."

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Campground Map

840 Hillside Street, Milton, Massachusetts, 02186, United States

Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area

840 Hillside Street, Milton, Massachusetts, 02186, United States

Nearby places

Milton (very close), Boston (~10 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are not specifically mentioned, but Milton and nearby Boston likely offer grocery stores and other essentials.

Driving directionsBy car -- From Route 93, take exit 3 (Houghton's Pond, Ponkapoag Trail exit) from Route 93. Follow the signs to Houghton's Pond. By public transportation -- MBTA: The Great Blue Hill and Houghton's Pond sections are accessible from the Red Line's Ashmont Station. From Ashmont, take the trolley to Mattapan. The Canton and Blue Hills bus services the Trailside Museum and Great Blue Hill on Route 138. For the Houghton’s Pond area, exit the bus at Blue Hill River Road. Cross the road and walk one mile east on Hillside Street.

Minimal parking near picnic areas; limited parking off Blue Hill River Road; additional parking available at the main lot at 840 Hillside Street. Important: Do not park on Blue Hill River Road.

Best Time to Camp at Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area

Spring is the sweet spot: mid-40s to mid-60s °F, wildflowers blooming, migrating songbirds active, and parking lots still manageable. Trails dry out by late April when bathrooms reopen. Summer brings beach crowds and warmer water. Fall offers foliage and mild temperatures, though facilities start closing. The prime season runs April through October.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 16% in MA

Called the 'sweet spot'—wildflowers, migrating birds, trails drying out and facilities reopening.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April to October for bathroom facilities; unspecified for other services.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Bathrooms are open seasonally from April through October, from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

About Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area

Houghton's Pond Recreation Area sits in the Blue Hills Reservation, a 7,000-acre natural sanctuary near Milton. The centerpiece is a spring-fed kettle hole carved by glaciers 10,000 years ago. The area offers three group picnic sites (ranging from 75 to 125 people), swimming, fishing, and miles of trails. Fees run $45 per night.

The area is suitable mainly for day-use group picnics, not overnight camping. Sites are categorized as GROUP PICNIC AREAS.

Historical Significance

The Massachusett Indians fished and hunted here. The Houghton family farmed the area until the late 19th century, raising crops and livestock along the shoreline before the land became part of the reservation.

Weather and SeasonsSpring is the sweet spot: mid-40s to mid-60s °F, wildflowers blooming, migrating songbirds active, and parking lots still manageable. Trails dry out by late April when bathrooms reopen. Summer brings beach crowds and warmer water. Fall offers foliage and mild temperatures, though facilities start closing. The prime season runs April through October.

ElevationWhile specific elevation measurements await documentation, visitors will discover gentle rolling terrain that makes exploration accessible for all ages and abilities, with subtle changes in topography that create diverse ecosystems and scenic viewpoints throughout the reservation.

Natural Features and SceneryLocated within the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation, features a 24-acre pond with an accessible beach, surrounded by trails ranging from easy lakeside paths to challenging climbs up Great Blue Hill, the highest coastal hill on the Atlantic south of Maine at over 630 feet.[1][2][5]

Geological RegionImmerse yourself in a remarkable geological story at Houghton's Pond, a stunning spring-fed kettle hole that serves as the crown jewel of the Blue Hills Reservation. This 7,000-acre natural sanctuary stands as a verdant oasis amid urban development, preserving a landscape sculpted by colossal glaciers 10,000 years ago. As these ancient ice sheets retreated northward, they left behind this perfectly formed basin, now filled with crystal-clear spring water and surrounded by the dramatic rocky outcroppings and rolling hills that give the Blue Hills their name.

Scenic ViewsScenic viewing areas are available. User reviews highlight beautiful surroundings and trails.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodge provided; the area is catered for day-use activities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Rental of picnic areas is for daily use only.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Picnic Site 3 accommodates up to 100 people, Picnic Site 4 accommodates up to 75 people, Picnic Site 5 accommodates up to 125 people.

Groups

Group picnic sites accommodate 75, 100, and 125 people, primarily for day-use.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree numbered group picnic sites, each with its own capacity (75, 100, and 125 people). The areas are separated but not heavily screened from each other.

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made directly through the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Special permits require an online application through https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-state-parks-special-use-permit.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly mentioned; parking and capacity issues suggest planning ahead is essential.

Cancellation PolicyA $45 non-refundable application fee is required. No specific details about reservation cancellation penalties are provided.

AccessibilityAccessible bathrooms, parking, and beaches. Vehicles are prohibited from the picnic area and there are handicap spaces available.

Site SizeGroup picnic areas with varying capacities (75, 100, and 125 people).

PrivacyGroup picnic areas appear open and clustered.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Picnic Site 5 for larger gatherings. Avoid swimming outside designated beach areas.

Best CampsitesNo specific campsite recommendations available from sources; campground operates seasonally with general access to pond and trails.[2]

Need help booking Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area?

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Amenities available

The Houghton's Pond Recreation Area in the Blue Hills Reservation offers a variety of amenities catering especially to day visitors. Key facilities include accessible restrooms and bathrooms (available seasonally from April to October), a designated beach for swimming, picnic tables, a playground, a concession pavilion, and a Visitor’s Center. Grills are propane-only and open flames are prohibited. First aid is available during the summer at the bathhouse, but alcohol is prohibited, and only leashed pets are allowed. The site also includes trash and recycling facilities, with explicit instructions to use dumpsters for pet waste.

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area provides a wide range of recreational opportunities, including swimming at a designated beach, fishing, hiking on trails within the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation, and picnicking. Additional features include a playground and sports fields.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Beach activities

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention brown water quality for swimming and parking limitations. Seasonal overcrowding may occur.

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.

Fire PolicyNo charcoal or open flames allowed; propane grills permitted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Milton. Contact numbers provided include Ranger Station (617-727-4573) and Direct Line (617-698-1802).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins provided. Campers must clean up and dispose of all trash and decorations before leaving.

Water FeaturesHoughton’s Pond is central to the recreation area, but swimming is only allowed in designated zones.

Camp HostA seasonal manager is available. User reviews mention friendly and informative staff.

Cell CoverageVerizon and T-Mobile reported as available.[2]

Weather at Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

6 reviews

Top-Rated

Houghton&Apos;S Pond Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the area's beauty and suitability for family and group gatherings, with particular praise for the cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Some concerns are noted about water quality and occasional restrictions on swimming.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Peaceful retreat minutes from Boston; accessible beach and swimming; extensive trails; free parking; playground and picnic areas; spacious bathhouse with showers.[1][2][8]

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include water quality ('the water is brown and not so inviting') and parking difficulties during busy periods. Swimming restrictions were also mentioned.

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visit on weekdays to avoid overcrowded weekends; parking lots close at 8pm; bring propane grills only, no charcoal or ground fires; no pets on beach; arrange transportation if booking through certain...

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is most active during summer, with amenities like restrooms and first aid available seasonally. Water quality concerns might affect swimming during peak seasons.

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

-'Nice place to walk around...Beautiful surroundings.' -Margo -'An undiscovered jewel of a place... How important it is to keep the park clean and welcoming.' -Margaret Kelleher -'Beautiful location....

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Picnic Site 3: Max capacity 100 people. Best for medium-sized gatherings. Picnic Site 4: Max capacity 75 people. Smaller group suitability. Picnic Site 5: Max capacity 125 people. Suitable for larger...

Based on 6 reviews