Press Release: 2/5/2026

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces the Opening of Reservations for the 2026 Camping Season at DCR Parks

 



Reservations for DCR’s 25 Campgrounds Open to the Public on February 18; Campers Can Book Up to Four Months in Advance



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



2/04/2026



 



BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced that reservations for the 2026 state park camping season will open to the public on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 9 a.m. Camping season at DCR’s 25 campgrounds will begin in April and continue through October.



“Camping at a DCR park is a cherished tradition for families and friends from all over – many of whom return to the same campground year after year, and in some cases for decades,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Spending time together outdoors strengthens relationships, creates lasting memories, and helps foster the vital connection between people and nature, along with a shared responsibility to care for these special places.”



Campers should note the following prior to booking a reservation: 




  • Reservations are available up to four months in advance of arrival. 

  • Same-day reservations are available until 2 p.m. daily through ReserveAmerica

  • Campers should fill out all required fields of the reservation application at the time of booking to ensure a smooth arrival. 

  • Visitors without a reservation are not allowed in campsites; however, day-use areas are available for gathering and outdoor activities.

  • All pets must have physical proof of valid rabies vaccination. Entry may be denied at check-in if paper verification cannot be provided.  

     



Campground-Specific Updates




  • Fans of camping at Mount Greylock State Reservation and the Boston Harbor Islands are encouraged to monitor DCR’s website and social media accounts for updates on the camping schedule.

  • Savoy Mountain State Forest’s campground will close July 31, 2026, to accommodate the construction of a new bathhouse. 

  • This season, Washburn Island will be available for camping on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The campground at Washburn Island is accessible by private boat only. Please note that there is no on-site parking at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve or at the Town of Falmouth parking lot at White’s Landing. Campers are responsible for finding suitable parking arrangements. 



Since last season, DCR has made several improvements to its campsites including the new yurts at both Clarksburg State Park and Nickerson State Park.



A list of DCR campsites can be found at DCR's camping webpage. Campsites vary in offered accommodations, including showers, flush toilets, and R.V. water and power hook-ups.



Yurts can be reserved at Myles Standish State Forest, Nickerson State Park, October Mountain State Forest, Clarksburg State Park, Otter River State Forest, Shawme Cromwell State Forest, Wells State Park and Willard Brook State Forest. Cabins can be rented at Mohawk Trail State Forest and Savoy Mountain State Forest. For more information on camping in cabins and yurts visit DCR’s cabin and yurt camping webpage.



Additionally, approximately 20 of DCR’s campgrounds have accessible campsites that all provide accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and a flat, firm and stable surface for camping. For more information on accessible campsites visit DCR’s accessible camping webpage. 



Last year, DCR accepted nearly 65,000 camping reservations at parks across the state. For more information and questions about the 2026 camping season, visit the agency’s website or email dcr.campinginfo@mass.gov.