Wendell State Forest
00 review392 Wendell Road, Millers Falls, Central/Highlands, Massachusetts, 1349, United States
Wendell State Forest
$25.00 - $50.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Pavilions can be reserved in advance for special events or group use. Fees range from $25 to $50.
About this campground
Discover 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness at Wendell State Forest, where ancient trees whisper stories of New England's past and rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see. Adventure seekers can traverse the legendary New England Trail, while families gather at scenic picnic areas surrounded by nature's grandeur. The crown jewel, Ruggles Pond, invites you to slip into its peaceful waters for a refreshing swim, where you might share the shoreline with deer coming for an evening drink or catch glimpses of native wildlife in their natural habitat.
The campground specializes in group picnic areas, with a focus on daytime use rather than overnight camping. Nearby state forests offer overnight camping alternatives.
Historical SignificanceWalk through a living laboratory of forest regeneration at Wendell State Forest, where nature has reclaimed lands once heavily logged. These recovering woodlands tell a powerful story of environmental resilience and offer visitors a unique glimpse into sustainable forest management practices. Witness firsthand how New England's forests heal and thrive when given the chance to return to their natural state.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the forest's dramatic seasonal transformation throughout the year. Winter blankets the landscape in snow and ice, creating a crystalline wonderland perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, though temperatures regularly dip below freezing. As spring melts into summer, the forest awakens with vibrant greens and warm, humid days ideal for swimming and hiking. Each season paints the forest in new colors, from autumn's fiery display to winter's serene white canvas.
ElevationThe forest's varied terrain creates diverse ecosystems and scenic viewpoints throughout the property, though specific elevation details await your discovery on the trails.
Natural Features and SceneryLose yourself in miles upon miles of gorgeous trails and historic dirt roads that wind through a tapestry of rolling forested hills. Crystal-clear streams babble through shaded hollows, while hidden ponds reflect the canopy above like natural mirrors. This diverse landscape offers endless opportunities for exploration, from leisurely woodland strolls to challenging hikes that reward you with breathtaking vistas.
Geological RegionNestled in Massachusetts' scenic Central Highlands region, Wendell State Forest showcases the area's characteristic rolling hills, pristine waterways, and dense forests. This geological wonderland features a diverse network of streams carving through ancient bedrock, serene ponds formed by glacial activity, and trails that follow the natural contours of this timeless landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible bathrooms, dishwash stations, and pavilions are available, making the facility inclusive for visitors with disabilities.
Sites SizeGroup picnic areas accommodate 50 and 30 people respectively, as indicated by the site data.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy levels of the sites are not described in the available data.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPavilion P1 accommodates 30 people and pavilion P2 accommodates 50 people. Ruggles Pond is described as quiet and safe for swimming.
Best CampsitesRuggles Pond and New England Trail lean-tos are mentioned positively.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Sunrise
Check-out
Sunset
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGroup picnic areas are listed (P1 for 30 people, P2 for 50 people).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen sunrise to sunset year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservation instructions mention visiting the park office. Online or other platforms are not specified.
Walk-in AvailabilityPavilions require advance reservation; walk-up availability is likely limited.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not specified.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Wendell State Forest features miles of hiking trails, including a portion of the New England Trail. Ruggles Pond offers opportunities for swimming, wildlife viewing is abundant, and the park is characterized by scenic vistas.
Hiking
The park offers miles of trails, including the New England Trail. User reviews praise the trails for their beauty and accessibility, with one user highlighting 'miles and miles of gorgeous trails and dirt roads for running, biking and more.'Swimming
Ruggles Pond is described as quiet, uncrowded, and suitable for swimming for kids of all ages, as per a user review.Biking
User reviews highlight the availability of dirt roads and trails for biking, with one reviewer mentioning 'miles and miles of gorgeous trails and dirt roads.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is abundant, with one reviewer mentioning sightings of 'fish, reptiles, birds, deer, moose, bears...up close and personal.'Winter Activities
There is no information provided about winter-specific activities.Water Sports
Details about water sports like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No campfire policies are specified.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours are specified.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include deer, moose, bears, and reptiles, as described by user reviews. "Every day I see wildlife.... fish, reptiles, birds, deer, moose, bears...up close and personal."
Active alertsNo active alerts were listed.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.4 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
Closest emergency services are not specified; park office might offer some assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the available data.
Proximity to water featuresRuggles Pond is swimmable and quiet, suitable for children.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention tight spacing between camping sites and lack of restroom facilities.
HostNo campground host information is specified.
Campground Map
392 Wendell Road, Millers Falls, Central/Highlands, Massachusetts, 1349, United States
Driving directionsStop at park office located at 392 Wendell Road, Millers Falls, Massachusetts for pavilion directions and parking information.
Check-in at Park Office is required upon arrival for updates. Roads to the park office appear accessible year-round, but no details on seasonal closures are provided.Nearby places
Millers Falls (exact distance not given). Nearby are Mt. Grace State Forest and Erving State Forest.
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel locations are not specified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Wendell State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the forest's beauty, extensive trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Some praise the peacefulness of Ruggles Pond, while others note the tight spacing of sites.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciate the 'miles and miles of gorgeous trails,' the peaceful and uncrowded nature of Ruggles Pond, and the abundance of wildlife. One user called it 'a hidden gem,' emphasizing its...
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Common Concerns
One user mentioned that the spacing between camping sites was 'just a little too tight,' though they found the facilities clean.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend exploring the M&M trail above Jerusalem Road and the areas around Wickett and Ruggles Ponds. One user suggested using the New England Trail for camping in 'big lean-to's.'
Seasonal Insights
Reviews do not specify seasonal trends in detail, though one user mentions consistent wildlife sightings. Weather data can be used to infer seasonal usability.
Camper Quotes
- 'Ruggles pond is quiet most days, uncrowded and swimmable for kids of all ages.' - 'Every day I see wildlife.... fish, reptiles, birds, deer, moose, bears...up close and personal.' - 'Miles and...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific insights indicate P1 accommodates up to 30 people, while P2 can host up to 50 people. Both sites include picnic tables and grills.
Accessibility Features
The park includes accessible bathrooms, dishwash stations, and pavilions, but no user reviews specifically address accessibility experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
Both sites (P1 and P2) allow pets, making the forest a pet-friendly destination.
Last updated August 10, 2025