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

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.

I really really love the lake it is so cool i go. Sking and I am very excited to get back there to…read morego swing sking and tubing their

The boat launch is a little awkward to use if you don't have a boat trailer, but entirely…read morefunctional. It is a wide ramp, with enough theoretical room for at least three vehicles abreast, at a time. However, the parking area is a few hundred feet away, back up the road. The Lake itself is very nice. The water is pretty clean (likely thanks to ongoing cleanup efforts). I just hope that there aren't any herbicides in the water I should be worried about. I haven't used the beach, here.

Fed by Aborn Brook, located at the south end Crystal Lake is replaced about once every year…read more The entire shore is lined by residential property with only one public beach located on Sandy Beach Road (Rt. 140) Off of Route 30 in Ellington, the State operates a boat launch on the west shore of the lake. However there is no public boat docking. There are also no restaurant or sanitary facilities located on the lake to the public. Occasionally ice cream trucks roll through for the little ones. If you're looking to kayak, paddle-board, relax and go tubing -- and you aren't a resident or local, I recommend finding street parking or walking over to the lake. Be careful, as some residents can be very picky about the parking situation The beach is open to the public from June 16-August 17. If you decide to park in the small beach lot, residents pay $5 and non-residents pay $10

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.

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.

This place was so much fun! The slides are long. The wait is between 10 and 15 minutes... But it's…read moreso worth it! I especially love the fact that it felt safe. There seemed to be gates and guards everywhere! The bathrooms were spotless. I loved the fact that there was a separate changing room for the ladies. Spots really are first come first served. The beach is basically almost all grass so I noticed a lot of people with massive tent, set ups and large swaths of area that they would claim, lol. As far as the pond goes, it is one of the cleanest and clearest I have ever seen. It's nice that you can bring floats from home, as well as goggles. The food was pretty decent! And was reasonably priced. Make sure you wear shoes or sandals on the deck of the concession stand because it gets really hot! The only reason I took off a star? This is a family establishment with kids running around. I'm the LAST person to be a prude but HOLY COW- I saw so many cheeks, lol...and I was a woman who DJ'd at strip joints for a year... I am all for women's rights, but this should definitely be a safe space for children. ..,also.... add clam strips to the menu lol

This place is really amazing. It runs like a well oiled machine. It was very crowded, but so…read moreorganized. Lifeguards and staff always around. Highly recommend it and I will definitely be back. The kids had a great time!

I seriously love this place. I've been coming to Ashley for the past 12 years to walk and enjoy…read morenature. Great place to go for a run or a nice stroll. Side note--Recently my brother's gotten into bird watching and was able to spot FIFTEEN new (to him) birds which he was hyped about. That being said, there are some spots throughout the year I would avoid as it's where the geese lay their eggs.

From the 1/2 Way to St. Patricks Day road race to Jacks Walk this is truly a great place for any…read moreoccasion. So many people were out and about over the weekend enjoying the first sunny day in a week. Seen a few people bring dogs in which is a no no so leave your loved ones at home if you have never been. There are clearly marked signs so don't be that person who gets fined $300 for your inability to follow instructions. Parking is hit or miss, there is plenty of it but you may need to park in the overflow lot where you enter.

It was very peaceful place to walk as well as very friendly people the little mini beach with the…read moresand is very cool

The playground fits into the park perfectly...a tree house and more…read more... Provided by Premier Park & Play from Newton, MA

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.