What a sweet little swimming spot! I last went to Dean Pond when I was a wee one, and seem to…read moreremember a sad little swimming area, no facilities and a non-existent beach (think "muck" between your toes and slimy little pond plants!). So...I really didn't have high expectations for this outing, but the pond is less than 15 minutes from my parents' house, so....off we went. Clearly, things have changed! The beach is now well defined AND nice and sandy (no muck....and good quality "sand castle sand" to boot!). My son and I had a great time playing, swimming and generally goofing around. The entry fee (parking) is $5, but that buys you a nice picnic area, changing facilities, real bathrooms, and nicely cared for grounds with plenty of room for sitting under the giant pines or eating a picnic meal. We went mid-week, and while there was a bus-load of campers, they were gone by 1pm, and we practically had the place to ourselves. This will definitely be a "must-go" place for us whenever we visit the grandparents!

It used to be a nice place for a lunch but it needs work. Time has left it behind and it is a…read moredreary place. It is unfortunate that it has been so forgotten. Money needs to be allocated towards restoring this place so that it can be something the community can be proud of. Some trails where a few people walk dogs but not much else going on there.

This is one of my absolute favorite places to hike! The trail around the main pond is very easy and…read morea very short hike. There are also a few places that have picnic table sites for you to grill at! I always notice people fishing, and I see people in the water with their inflatables. There are a few other trails to hike, which I highly recommend! The birding here is also fantastic. This place is magical!! Bring the pups! .... One last thought, just be aware that service is very patchy here!

Gorgeous lake and nature trails in a scenic, quiet, rural area. Nature-filled beauty! Picnic tables…read moreare great and often busy on holidays/weekends. I love this serene, beautiful place!

We camped at the group site here this past weekend (6/21-23). I would definitely recommend camping…read morehere with a large group, though it does book up quickly. The group site can accommodate up to 15 people. We had 12 and were MORE than comfortable. The site was large enough for all 6 of our tents and a canopy and could have accommodated more. There was plenty of grass and mulch to set up on, as well as ample space for parking, 2 fire pits, 2 picnic tables and an extra large grill, making it easy to cook for a big group. It was also far enough from other campsites to avoid bothering them, which we were concerned about with 12 young adults. It was located very close to the ranger station which had toilets but no showers. I never checked out the showers because we only stayed 2 nights but the bathrooms we used were clean and well kept. A few bugs in them late at night but that can't really be helped. The mosquitos were present but not as bad as some of the reviews I read suggested. Between the fire, a repelling device and bug spray we were not getting eaten alive. My friend did find one tick but caught it before it burrowed luckily. Just make sure you're checking for ticks each night. Some of the group went hiking which they said was lovely with pretty views. We checked out the beach which was a short walk from the group site. It was mainly set up for kids with a shallow roped off area, though there would have been nothing stopping you from climbing under the rope if you wanted to go for more of a swim. The water was still very cold that early in the season so I didn't get past my ankles. People were also fishing and launching kayaks near the beach. The park was pretty busy the whole weekend, so definitely not a secluded backwoods vibe, which was fine by me since I haven't camped much. I also appreciated the close proximity to Walmart which was useful for getting ice when we ran out. There is also a liquor store a short drive from the campsite, though officially alcohol is not allowed. All in all I would definitely come back here and reserve the group site again. It was an awesome trip for our larger group of friends.

Terrible place for a hike. Poor mapping. A lot of paved roads as "trails". Steer clear.read more

Do you have availability in august! Two adults maybe three for a night....flexible....clean good…read morebed....aug 7 -15..between those dates for 3/4 nights or week! Thank you Dayle two oldies .

Beautiful clear lake and no visible sign of weed populations. However, the Lake is a heavily…read morepopulated with numerous cottages & newer, oversized McMansion style Lake Compounds. With that comes loud and fast aquatic toys. The Lake Association (or MASS DEP) regulate the flow pattern of water craft to a counter-clockwise direction, only. Arm powered water craft (i.e. canoes, kayaks, SUPs) have some leeway to go clockwise, BUT you have to stay close to the shore, especially if going against the grain. All in all, this is a nice lake to paddle, power boat, and fish. I'd recommend off season such as spring and fall if you want a more tranquil experience.

I really do like this place and it's a great place to spend the day with family. My dad took me…read morehere often when I was my kids age and I kept on the tradition. No matter who has run this place it has always been kept clean and well maintained. Bathrooms can be an issue. Sometimes there are no restrooms. I have noticed a single outhouse there when siog was officially open. That would be my only complaint about this place is lack of bathroom facilities. The short hiking trail through the woods is lovely! You pass a swamp where you can observe wildlife. Lots a birds to watch. Bluebirds can be seen in the open areas and field there. I've seen rare species of turtles there. The beach is always nicely combed and maintained. There are geese there and they do leave land mines behind but I have seen staff attempt to clean it up too. They have picnic tables and pedestal type grills there too! You can go there any time of year but they are closed just like any other government run park in the off season. People are careful with their trash here for the most part. If they are closed , you can park on the road or the very limited parking spaces just before the gate with an easy walk in on the dirt road. I do have to warn you though. Once the weather warms up, the newly hatched northern water snakes do like to hang out in the dirt road going into the park. So use caution when walking. They can be grumpy little boogers. It's not uncommon to see a few dead ones there too from people driving in and out. Some of the animals/creatures we have seen here: beaver, mallard ducks, wood ducks, Canadian geese, buffing head ducks, crows, ravens, bluebirds, red wing black birds and other various birds, bass, pickerel, sun fish and kiver, catfish, northern water snakes, great blue heron, a very special and rare species of turtle that I will not name, snapping turtle, painted turtle, red ear slider and more. Noted: several different species of mushrooms and other different fungi. Blueberry bushes and clethera shrubs. Wild strawberry plants in the field. Tasty snacks in the springs and summer.

Spending the day with the familia at the lake. Barely anyone here today (yay) and our choice of…read morepicnic table and grill. The beach is always well maintained by onsite seasonal workers and raked nightly. The grills are emptied nightly and the grassy areas well maintained and mowed. The do have ports potties but no indoor bathrooms or changing areas so come dressed with bathing suits on or hold a blanket around you old school style lol This beach does not have lifeguards but they do offer free life jackets in varying sizes. Free entry and parking is available with a few handicap spots. Carry in, carry out

The Quabbin Reservoir Visitor Center is well worth a visit. The history and evolution of the…read morereservoir including indigenous wildlife are explained in detail. Very friendly and helpful staff. Ample free parking, too. The Reservoir is astounding.

What a special day at Quabbin Reservoir! I've always been fascinated by the history of the towns…read morethat were flooded to create the reservoir, so getting to see it in person was something special and our friends told us the history while we drove around and saw different spots along the way. The views were absolutely beautiful, and we may have gotten a little too excited when we spotted the turkeys. The best part was sharing the day with friends we met on a cruise 24 years ago. Beautiful scenery, fascinating history, wildlife, and longtime friends... it doesn't get much better than that.

Convenient place to kayak and close to other favorite paddle destinations. Hamilton Reservoir has…read morea State boat launch, so expect some power boats and fishing vessels. Launching a kayak or canoe can be a little awkward from the edge of the boat ramp given possible boat traffic. Speaking of which, spring time is the best time to throw a line. Yes, even from a kayak. Through the summer months the "fishes" like to hide, at least from my novice hook and line. The Reservoir is bi-sected by a road causeway and essentially no a passage from side-to-side, unless you're willing to portage across the roadway. Despite, we found this to be a fairly relaxing loop to kayak and rubber neck at the cottages and high times along it's shores. Also, if you time your journey correctly, the Tree House Brewery is only the short distance away. If fresh brewed isn't your cup of tea, then I would suggest the Traveler Food & Books Restaurant which is even closer by along I-84.

The longest place name in all of North America. It's Lake…read moreChargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, or to the locals, Lake Webster. A small lake in an out of the way place, Southern Massachusetts near the corner of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Shaped a bit like a figure eight with two peninsulas that almost cut the lake in half, the name is from an Algonquin language and is humorously translated as: "You fish on your side, I'll fish on my side, and nobody fish in the middle." Cold and frozen at the beginning of February, the entrance I visited has a large parking lot and a large walking loop. Even in this weather, two women were getting their exercise.

I've been boating on this lake for 13 years, and yes--I can pronounce its full name, one of the…read morelongest place names in the world: Chargoggagoggmanchauggagaugchaubunagungamaugg. It's quite a mouthful! Purportedly the largest natural lake in Massachusetts, it's only about three miles long and one mile wide, which perhaps says more about Massachusetts lakes than it does this one. Still, it's a terrific local destination. The lake has a couple of marinas, three waterfront restaurants accessible by boat, a town beach with restrooms and a snack bar, and the popular Indian Ranch entertainment venue, which also includes an RV campground and the newer and quite good Samuel Slater's Restaurant. The lake offers something for almost everyone: fishing, swimming, boating, tubing, water skiing (there's even a water ski club), kayaking, and enough open water for all of those activities to coexist somewhat comfortably. Weekdays are wonderfully peaceful, making it easy to find a quiet cove or enjoy a leisurely cruise. Summer weekends, however, are another story. When the weather is hot, the lake becomes a very busy place. There are at least three eagle nests on the lake and one gas station. Unfortunately the gas station is currently closed. Dock space is in high demand, with waiting lists at the marinas. Development around the shoreline has steadily increased over the years. While a few natural stretches remain, nearly every buildable lot has been developed, and many of the original seasonal cottages have been replaced by sprawling year-round waterfront homes. I'm very fortunate to have this lake just a few minutes from home--and even more fortunate that I can usually enjoy it during the week, when the crowds are at work.

A short hike brings you to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by large boulders perfect for…read moresunbathing. The area is posted "no swimming", but there were people in the water. It is also posted "no picnicking". The Willimantic River is not known for it's purity, so bathe at your own risk. Although the hike is short and easy, it is rocky and tree roots are staggered throughout. If you're careful you could probably get away with flip flops. There is also a

It's been a few decades, but I want to throw in my 2 cents worth regarding the potential hazardous…read moreconditions. I was there in the spring with a couple of other experienced kayakers and we spent some time playing in the main pool, and then went to head further downstream. There's a large rock on the downstream left side and I thought I had plenty of room to go around it. However, it turned out that it was seriously undercut and just at the water surface. I got sucked over by the current, flipped when I hit the upstream side, and scraped my way slowly under the rock. The buoyancy of my kayak meant that it was pushing hard against the bottom of the rock and I was running out of air. (Spoiler alert - I survived.) I was about to bail out and let the current take me out of the overhang, but just then I felt the release, saw daylight, and rolled up to finish the planned trip. Wetter but wiser.

It was pouring down rain but the walk was still pittoresque. The flat terrain was perfect for a wet…read moreday

There were a lot of cars, but who knows where the people were? I read there was a park center with…read morerest room, but unclear how much of a trek it was from the parking lot and I'm afraid of ticks. No animals were allowed, although my dog would have loved it. I get it, but it would be more convincing if there wasn't some huge plant next door. For a the path was well maintained though, and small areas off the path you could get to without injury.