Lake Dennison Recreation Area

4.63

215 reviews

210 Baldwinville State Road, Winchendon, Massachusetts, 01436, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Massachusetts#1 Group Camping Massachusetts#2 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Massachusetts#2 +6 more

Quick Facts

833 ft

Price

$17 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

151 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

833 ft

Price

$17 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

151 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Dennison Recreation Area

$17.00 - $54.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees are $17 for Massachusetts residents and $54 for non-residents. There is a $4.50 non-refundable transaction charge for each reservation....

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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Provider

9782971609

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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 215 reviews

180 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlakestaff

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of Lake Dennison Recreation Area highlight its natural beauty, spacious campsites, and diverse recreational activities, but users have mixed opinions about the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the level of privacy at some sites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

210 Baldwinville State Road, Winchendon, Massachusetts, 01436, United States

Lake Dennison Recreation Area

210 Baldwinville State Road, Winchendon, Massachusetts, 01436, United States

Driving directionsFrom East: Rte. 2 West to Exit 82 then right on Baldwinville Rd. to the end. Then right onto Rte. 202 North 3.7 miles to park entrance on left. Second Lake Dennison sign. From West: Rte. 2 East to Exit 79, Rte 202 North 7.5 miles to park entrance on left. Campground entrance is the 2nd Lake Dennison sign.

Campground is accessible via paved roads from Rte. 2 exits. Entrance is marked by the second Lake Dennison sign.

Nearby places

Winchendon (0 miles), Templeton (8 miles), Gardner (10 miles), Worcester (40 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping essentials can be obtained in Winchendon and nearby Templeton.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Dennison Recreation Area

Experience the full beauty of New England's changing seasons at Lake Dennison, where crisp autumn mornings give way to warm afternoons perfect for lakeside activities. Summer brings ideal conditions for swimming and boating, while spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, though visitors should prepare for occasional snow and rain during the colder months. The area typically enjoys dry, moderate weather throughout much of the camping season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and camping; reviewers report buggy conditions and noise at times.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in MA

Noted as offering crisp autumn mornings and New England foliage; open into early October.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Facility opens Memorial Day; spring season not generally available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed after Oct 13; no winter operations described.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day until October 13th, with partial closures during off-peak months.

About Lake Dennison Recreation Area

Nestled along the pristine shores of an 85-acre lake, Lake Dennison Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore its 151 wooded campsites and dedicated group camping area. This tranquil retreat invites you to cast a line from the shoreline, paddle across mirror-like waters in your canoe or kayak, or dive into refreshing swimming holes on warm summer days. Miles of hiking trails wind through the surrounding forest, offering endless opportunities for adventure and wildlife watching in this peaceful corner of Massachusetts.

Lake Dennison Recreation Area is a versatile camping destination featuring a mix of tent-only, standard non-electric campsites, and a single large group site.

Historical SignificanceLake Dennison stands as a testament to thoughtful land management and conservation, forming an integral part of the Army Corps of Engineers' Birch Hill Flood Control Project. This engineering marvel not only protects downstream communities but has created a recreational paradise in the process. Today, the dedicated staff from DCR Otter River State Forest carefully maintain this balance between human recreation and environmental protection, ensuring future generations can enjoy this special place.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full beauty of New England's changing seasons at Lake Dennison, where crisp autumn mornings give way to warm afternoons perfect for lakeside activities. Summer brings ideal conditions for swimming and boating, while spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, though visitors should prepare for occasional snow and rain during the colder months. The area typically enjoys dry, moderate weather throughout much of the camping season.

ElevationThe campground's gently rolling terrain provides comfortable camping conditions while offering varied perspectives of the surrounding landscape and lake views throughout the property.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Lake Dennison, where towering hardwoods and evergreens create a natural cathedral around your campsite. As part of the greater Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area, the landscape teems with native wildlife - from deer grazing at dawn to great blue herons fishing in the shallows. The centerpiece 85-acre lake reflects the surrounding forest like a mirror, while interconnected trails lead adventurers through diverse ecosystems, each revealing new wonders around every bend.

Geological RegionDiscover the natural wonders of North Central Massachusetts at Lake Dennison, where the region's characteristic rolling hills and dense forests create an idyllic camping destination. This carefully preserved section of the Birch Hill Flood Control Project showcases the area's unique geology, with its 85-acre lake cradled perfectly within the wooded landscape. The campground exemplifies the harmonious blend of human engineering and natural beauty that defines this special corner of New England.

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

14 cumulative days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of four adults or two adults and their children per site.

Groups

The group site is one of the largest in Massachusetts. It accommodates up to 25 people and is described as being a short walk (less than 5 minutes) from the lake.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are organized into loops (North, East, and Group), offering tent-only and standard non-electric sites. Group camping accommodates up to 25 people.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Reserve America.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-in camping is prohibited; reservations are required.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled with a $10 fee. Day-of cancellations result in the loss of the first night’s camping fee and incur the $10 fee.

AccessibilityNo specific information regarding accessibility features for people with disabilities was provided.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious, with some capable of accommodating large setups such as two tents and a screen house.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary between campsites. Some sites are clustered closely together and lack foliage, while others are described as large and spread out, offering more seclusion.

Total Campsites151 campsites

Recommended SitesWaterfront sites and tent-only sites, such as 80, are recommended for great views and privacy. Sites 60, 77, and 95 are good for tent camping.

Amenities available

Showers

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at Lake Dennison Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and non-gas-powered boating on the 85-acre lake. There are also 50 miles of mountain biking trails in the adjacent Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area.

HikingHiking opportunities are available, with access to trails in the Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area. There are also local trails that lead from the campsites to the beach.

FishingFishing is permitted and is a popular activity. Specific species are not mentioned, but multiple reviewers have recommended the lake for fishing.

SwimmingSwimming is available only in designated areas of the lake. Some reviews note that the swimming area is relatively shallow, with depths not exceeding waist height in most places.

BikingThe campground has access to 50 miles of mountain biking trails in the adjacent Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area, making it suitable for avid bikers.

BoatingBoating is limited to non-gas-powered boats such as kayaks and canoes. A boat ramp is available onsite.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is another recreational activity here. The wooded surroundings and the lake environment make it an excellent spot to observe local fauna.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as spiders in bathrooms, loud neighboring campers, and marshy terrain cited in reviews.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed only with campground-purchased firewood. Generators prohibited during quiet hours.

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

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital is Heywood Hospital (10 miles in Gardner). Police and fire services are available in Winchendon.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no explicit mention of trash or recycling facilities within the content, but improper waste management is not highlighted as a common concern.

Water FeaturesClosest feature is Lake Dennison, an 85-acre lake with a beach and boat ramp.

Camp HostFriendly staff noted frequently in reviews. Staff leaves at 8 PM, limiting oversight during night hours.

Weather at Lake Dennison Recreation Area

Reviews

4.6

215 reviews

Top-Rated

Lake Dennison Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Lake Dennison Recreation Area highlight its natural beauty, spacious campsites, and diverse recreational activities, but users have mixed opinions about the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the level of privacy at some sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 215 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's proximity to the lake, the variety of recreational activities, and the friendliness of the staff. "This campground beat all our expectations!" said one reviewer,...

Based on 215 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints centered on the cleanliness of restrooms (especially in the north section), the lack of cell service, and issues with noisy neighbors. Reviewers also disliked the high price and low...

Based on 215 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Choose campsites carefully for privacy; waterfront sites in the north section and specific tent sites (e.g., 8, 21, 24) are recommended. Bring your own firewood where allowed. Some reviewers...

Based on 215 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the COVID-19 pandemic, reviewers noted reduced capacity, which made the campground more peaceful. Summer months are described as buggy, and some reviews highlight noise issues during peak...

Based on 215 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Lovely campground. Choose your site carefully." "The lake was warm and clean." "Bathrooms are horrible. Just drive to the campground next door." "The sites are spacious and most are fairly private."

Based on 215 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Positive mentions for sites 7, 8, 9, and 95 for their privacy and proximity to the lake. Tent sites 6 and 7 are highlighted for being separate enough to offer a sense of seclusion.

Based on 215 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, with a limit of four pets per site. However, one reviewer expressed frustration that dogs are not allowed at the designated swimming beach, stating, "It was a bit...

Based on 215 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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