Great Brook Farm State Park
00 review984 Lowell Street, Carlisle, Massachusetts, 01741, United States
Great Brook Farm State Park
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$45.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rental requires a $45 non-refundable application fee. Additional fees may apply for special events, caterers, amplified music, bounce houses, etc., requiring a permit.
About this campground
Step into a living piece of New England history at Great Brook Farm State Park, where the rhythms of a working dairy farm blend seamlessly with outdoor recreation. The centerpiece Hart Barn, a beautifully converted dairy facility, now welcomes groups seeking a rustic retreat with a difference. Here, you'll find yourself immersed in agricultural heritage while enjoying modern amenities and hands-on educational programs that bring the story of dairy farming to life.
The park primarily offers group meeting spaces like the Hart Barn, which accommodates events and gatherings.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of centuries past, where Native American sacred sites whisper ancient stories and 17th-century colonial cellar holes and mill sites reveal the layers of human history etched into this landscape. The park's guided barn tours offer a fascinating journey through New England's dairy farming heritage, showcasing both traditional practices and modern innovations like automated milking systems that keep this agricultural tradition alive for new generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's distinct seasonal personalities: winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland with temperatures hovering between 22°F and 35°F, where gentle snowfalls dust the trails with 1-3 inches of fresh powder each week. As summer arrives, the farm awakens to warm days reaching 82°F and comfortable nights around 66°F, with the occasional refreshing rain shower nurturing the verdant pastures and creating that quintessential New England humidity that makes everything green and lush.
ElevationThe park's gentle terrain creates an accessible outdoor experience for visitors of all abilities, with level paths perfect for leisurely exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a diverse tapestry of landscapes where shaded woodland trails wind through towering trees, opening onto sun-dappled meadows and a peaceful pond that mirrors the sky. The park's gentle, flat hiking paths make exploration effortless, leading you past mysterious colonial cellar holes hidden among the forest floor. Perhaps the most delightful surprise awaits at the farm itself, where friendly farm animals eagerly greet visitors, creating memorable moments that bring the agricultural heritage to vibrant, interactive life.
Geological RegionNestled in the gently rolling landscape of Northern Massachusetts, this region showcases the subtle beauty of New England's geological heritage. The terrain tells a story written in flat woodland trails and open meadows, punctuated by fascinating historical landmarks that range from ancient Native American sacred grounds to weathered colonial ruins, all set within a living agricultural landscape that continues to shape the land today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific mentions of accessibility features in the authoritative data or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe Hart Barn is a group space accommodating up to 50 people, with ten wooden picnic tables indoors.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not detailed, but Hart Barn is designed for group use and likely lacks privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor stargazing, areas near the parking lot during closing hours are recommended.
Best CampsitesHart Barn is the sole reservable space and accommodates up to 50 people.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Sunrise
Check-out
Sunset
Stay Limit
Reservations must be coordinated with the park office after booking.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 50 guests for Hart Barn group rental.
Groups
The Hart Barn is a group meeting space accommodating up to 50 people, with electricity and tables.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutHart Barn is a single reservable meeting space; the park itself features trails and open spaces.
Open and Closed SeasonHart Barn operates year-round for group reservations. Guided barn tours are seasonal (May to October).
Reservation PlatformsReserveAmerica (https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-state-parks-special-use-permit)
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit mention of walk-up availability; advance reservation is implied.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are rain or shine. Refunds are granted only for cancellations made via ReserveAmerica at least two days prior to the reserved date.
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
Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Great Brook Farm State Park can engage in activities like hiking, fishing, and educational programs. There are varied, well-maintained trails that accommodate both beginners and experienced hikers, as well as horse trails and opportunities for mountain biking. The park also offers interactions with farm animals, an ice cream store, and occasional guided barn tours showcasing dairy farm operations.
Hiking
Hiking trails range from flat loops suitable for young children to more challenging routes. The west "Acorn" trails are open for hiking, while trails in the east are reserved for cross-country skiing in winter.Fishing
Fishing is available within the park, though no specific details on fish types or locations are provided.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available and well-maintained, catering to different difficulty levels.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible with various species visible during farm tours and hikes.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs include guided barn tours available from May to October, where visitors can observe automated milking processes and interact with calves.Winter Activities
Winter activities include cross-country skiing on groomed eastern trails and hiking on other trails.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No explicit mention of fire policies.
- Quiet hours are No explicit mention of quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsWinter snow and ice may pose walking hazards; trails are groomed for cross-country skiing on the east side. Summer humidity and bugs are mild but present.
Active alertsThere are no current alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 73%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.3 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
Park Office: 978-369-6312. Additional information on nearby hospitals or police stations is null.
Good to know
Peak season datesGuided barn tours peak from May to October. Ice cream store operates seasonally.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling receptacles are available for use, and visitors are advised to clean up after their outings.
Proximity to water featuresA pond is located within the park.
Common complaintsIce cream is noted as expensive in user reviews. During peak times, parking lots may fill to capacity, affecting parking availability.
HostNo information about hosts is provided.
Campground Map
984 Lowell Street, Carlisle, Massachusetts, 01741, United States
Driving directionsFrom Rt. 128: Take Exit 31B. Follow Route 225 West for 8 miles to the Carlisle Center rotary, then turn right on Lowell Street, (following the sign to Chelmsford). Fern's Country Market is on the corner. The Hart Barn entrance is 2.0 miles ahead on the right. From Route 2: Follow to Rt. 495 North and use the directions below. From 495 South: Take 495 South to Exit 34. Follow Route 110 West for .6 miles to Chelmsford Center, continue through light onto Route 4 South for 1 mile, then take the right fork onto Concord Road towards Carlisle. The Hart Barn Entrance is 2.0 miles ahead on the left. From 495 North: Take Rt. 495 North to Exit 32 (Westford & to Route 225). At the bottom of the ramp go right. At the lights go straight through. At the T intersection, go left (onto Rt. 225). Follow Rt. 225 till you reach the center of Carlisle (there's a small rotary with monument in the middle). Go 3/4 of the way around the rotary onto Lowell Street towards Chelmsford. Fern's Country Market is on the corner. The Hart Barn entrance is 2.0 miles ahead on the right.
The park is accessible via paved roads, but the parking lot is dirt. No seasonal closures are mentioned.Nearby places
Carlisle Center rotary is approximately 8 miles from Rt. 128 exit. Chelmsford Center is 0.6 miles from Rt. 495 exit 34.
Nearby supplies
Fern's Country Market near the Carlisle Center rotary
additional locations for fuel and essentials are null.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Great Brook Farm State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Great Brook Farm State Park as a versatile attraction with activities for all ages, including hiking, animal interactions, and enjoying homemade ice cream. Some reviews commend the park's clean facilities and well-maintained trails. Negative feedback points to high ice cream prices and crowded parking lots.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the friendly animals, variety of trails, educational barn tours, clean restrooms, and high-quality homemade ice cream.
Common Concerns
Concerns include high prices for ice cream and potentially crowded parking areas.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring quarters to feed animals, prepare for a short walk to the ice cream store, and plan to arrive early to secure parking.
Seasonal Insights
Winter offers cross-country skiing, while summer highlights include barn tours and ice cream. Rainy days can lead to unique experiences, as noted by one user who described a 'fervent religious...
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Camper Quotes
"The trails were mostly flat and the loop we did was just right for our pre-schooler." - P Ferwerda. "Take quarters with you to buy food for the animals. Next to an ice cream store!" - Olga K. "The...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews about individual campsites, but the Hart Barn is noted as a group space.
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed on leashes, but they are prohibited in certain areas like swimming beaches. Some facilities include water posts with bowls for pets to drink.
Last updated August 10, 2025