Willard Brook State Forest
00 review260 Hosmer Road Ashby, MA 01431
Willard Brook State Forest
$14.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
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
$14 per campsite for Massachusetts residents, $40 per campsite for non-residents. There is an additional $4.50 non-refundable transaction fee for reservations. Firewood is sold for $7 per bundle, payment via credit card only.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a protective canopy of towering pines, Willard Brook State Forest offers an intimate camping experience with 19 thoughtfully spaced campsites. This hidden gem in the Massachusetts wilderness provides a perfect blend of comfort and nature, featuring modern flush toilets and a distinctive group yurt that creates memorable gatherings for up to 10 adventurers. While you won't find showers here, you'll discover something far more valuable – a genuine connection with the pristine New England forest that surrounds you.
Willard Brook State Forest offers 19 campsites under a pine canopy, alongside a group yurt. Campsites are suitable for tents and pop-up trailers, and pets are allowed at most sites. There are no hookups available.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this serene forest may be quietly kept, the land itself tells timeless stories through its ancient pines and weathered stones, inviting visitors to create their own chapters in this peaceful wilderness setting.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of New England's captivating seasons at Willard Brook. Spring and fall bring crisp, dry air perfect for hiking and campfire conversations under star-filled skies. Summer transforms the forest into a lush, green sanctuary where warm days give way to humid evenings, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that release the sweet scent of pine. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those brave enough to embrace the freezing temperatures and discover the forest's quiet, frozen beauty.
ElevationThe gentle terrain of Willard Brook creates an accessible outdoor experience, where the forest floor rises and falls with the natural contours of the Massachusetts landscape, offering easy exploration for campers of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard of quintessential New England beauty, where crystalline Willard Brook dances over moss-covered stones, its melodic tumbling providing nature's soundtrack. Majestic pine groves stretch skyward, their evergreen boughs creating a natural cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The quick-moving waters carve their ancient path through this timeless landscape, offering endless opportunities for quiet contemplation and photographic moments.
Geological RegionDiscover the heart of Central Massachusetts' natural splendor, where centuries of geological artistry have sculpted a landscape of rolling forests and dynamic waterways. Here, the bedrock of New England rises to meet towering pine forests, while Willard Brook has carved its signature through the terrain, creating a diverse ecosystem where rushing waters meet tranquil forest glades in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe yurt is wheelchair accessible and offers an accessible portable toilet on the site.
Sites SizeSites have a maximum equipment length of 20 feet, except for Site 11 which accommodates up to 35 feet.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest little to no privacy at sites, with comments like "tiny campground with little to no separation of sites, 2 trees max."
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsites with maximum equipment lengths of 35 feet (e.g., Willard Brook 11) may be preferred for larger vehicles.
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
Four adults, or two adults and children per site.
Groups
Yurt accommodates up to 10 people. Sites allow up to 4 adults or 2 adults with children.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground includes 19 campsites and a group yurt.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season unspecified; reservations required throughout camping season.
Reservation PlatformsReservation details available online or by phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-in camping allowed; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee. Day-of-arrival cancellations result in the loss of the first night’s camping fee plus the $10 cancellation fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Willard Brook State Forest offers a variety of activities including swimming, fishing, hiking, birding, horseback riding, and winter trail sports.
Hiking
Hiking is available within the park, providing access to classic New England woods.Fishing
Fishing is permitted and accessible on-site as part of the recreational offerings.Swimming
Swimming is available within the facility, making it a family-friendly destination.Biking
Mountain biking is listed as an activity within the facility.Winter Activities
Winter trail sports are mentioned as an activity.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood transportation prohibited; firewood must be purchased at the campground for $7 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM
Hazards
General hazardsElectrical service in yurts is not reliable for medical equipment. Trailers longer than 20 feet face maneuvering difficulties. Firewood transportation is prohibited.
Active alertsNo active alerts are specified.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include local hospitals and police stations, but specific institutions are not listed.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the available source materials.
Proximity to water featuresSwimming and fishing access available. Features a tumbling brook.
Common complaintsNoise and music enforcement is lacking. Sites have minimal separation. No hot water or showers. Bathrooms and flush toilets are described as ‘ok.’ Reviewers express dissatisfaction with generator usage enforcement.
HostNo host information specified.
Campground Map
260 Hosmer Road Ashby, MA 01431
Driving directionsFrom the Northeast: Take Rte. 495 to Littleton; take the Rte. 119 Exit. Follow Rte. 119 West approximately 21 miles through West Townsend to the campground on the left. From the West: Follow Rte. 2 East to Rte. 31 North in Fitchburg. Follow Rte. 31 North through Fitchburg to the Town of Ashby and the intersection with Rte. 119 East. Follow Rte. 119 East approximately 0.5 miles to the campground entrance on the right. From the East: Rte. 2 West to Fitchburg and Rte. 13 North. Follow Rte. 13 North to Rte. 119 West in West Townsend. Turn left onto Rte. 119. Follow Rte. 119 approximately 4 miles to the park entrance on the left.
Road access is via state highways, primarily Route 119 and Route 31. No specific mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain. Trailers longer than 20 feet may face difficulty in maneuvering.Nearby places
Ashby (approximately 0.5 miles), Townsend (approximately 4 miles), Boston (approximately 50 miles)
Nearby supplies
Firewood must be purchased at the campground for $7 per bundle (credit card only). Additional supply locations are not specified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Willard Brook State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed. Some appreciate the quaint, quiet nature of the campground, while others criticize the lack of privacy and amenities like showers.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
The campground is described as a "nice quiet gem for Massachusetts residents" and "quaint but awesome little spot for family camping."
Common Concerns
Users have noted issues such as "no hot water," "no showers," and "campground being tiny with little to no separation between sites."
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Future campers should note that there are no showers, and firewood must be purchased on-site and by credit card only. Pets are permitted on most sites but not in the yurt.
Seasonal Insights
No detailed seasonal trends are provided in the user reviews.
Camper Quotes
1. "Quaint but awesome little spot for family camping." - Kyle Wilson. 2. "Tiny campground with little to no separation of sites, 2 trees max." - C S. 3. "There is no showers. Only electricity is in...
Show more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details include max equipment lengths of 20 feet for most sites and 35 feet at Site 11. The group yurt is highlighted for its unique accommodation.
Accessibility Features
The yurt is wheelchair accessible, and there is an accessible portable toilet on-site.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed on most sites, but not in the yurt.
Last updated August 10, 2025