Pearl Hill State Park
00 review105 New Fitchburg Road West Townsend, MA 01474, United States
Pearl Hill State Park
$17.00 - $54.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$17.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$7.00
$17 per campsite for MA residents, $54 for non-MA residents. Additional $4.50 transaction charge per reservation. Day-use picnic area rental fee is $50, and parking fees are $8 for MA residents and $30 for non-MA residents.
About this campground
Escape to Pearl Hill State Park, where 50 spacious campsites nestle beneath a majestic canopy of towering pines. This woodland sanctuary offers the perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty, with generously sized sites that give you room to breathe and truly unwind. Beyond your campsite, discover a tranquil day-use area featuring a pristine pond where you can cast a line for the day's catch or take a refreshing swim on warm summer afternoons.
Pearl Hill State Park caters to a variety of camping preferences, offering tent-only sites, standard non-electric sites, and group camping options. However, there are no hookups for RVs, and the park does not support glamping or cabin lodging.
Historical SignificanceNestled in the heart of Central Massachusetts, Pearl Hill State Park stands as a testament to the region's commitment to preserving its precious woodland ecosystems. This protected haven maintains the natural heritage of Massachusetts' forests, offering visitors a glimpse into the pristine landscapes that have defined this region for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of New England's seasons at Pearl Hill. Summer beckons with warm, comfortable days hovering between 70-80°F—perfect for hiking and swimming. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a painter's palette while crisp air fills your lungs. Winter blankets the park in serene snow, with temperatures dipping below freezing for those seeking a true cold-weather camping adventure. Spring awakens the forest with gentle rains and mild temperatures, bringing new life to the woodland floor.
ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates natural privacy between campsites while remaining easily accessible for campers of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where towering pines reach skyward, their branches creating a natural cathedral overhead. The sparse underbrush allows for clear sightlines through the woods, where shafts of sunlight dance between the trees. Scenic trails wind through the property, connecting adventurous campers to the beautiful Damon Pond in neighboring Willard Brook State Forest. As dusk falls, listen for the haunting calls of owls—the park's nocturnal residents that have captivated countless visitors with their mysterious presence.
Geological RegionPearl Hill rests within Central Massachusetts' signature landscape of gentle rolling hills and expansive pine forests. This geological region, shaped by ancient glaciers and millennia of natural forces, creates the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures with its mix of accessible terrain and stunning forest vistas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park offers a modern accessible bathhouse and is described as welcoming and accommodating for visitors.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as among the largest in Massachusetts. However, specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is a notable concern for many visitors. A recurring theme across reviews is that campsites are 'right on top of each other,' with little to no natural barriers like trees or bushes between sites. One user remarked, 'There's no privacy!' Others highlighted the lack of underbrush and mentioned that 'the campsites are quite exposed.'
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites 42 or 43 for enhanced privacy. Avoid sites near the bathrooms for noise reasons.
Best CampsitesUser reviews recommend campsites 42 and 43 for better privacy and space.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Campers and camping equipment limited to 14 cumulative days occupancy between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limited to four adults, or two adults with children in their care per site.
Groups
The group camping site can accommodate up to 50 people. A separate group picnic area is also available for day use, accommodating up to 200 people.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites arranged in clusters with minimal vegetation between them. Narrow dirt roads lead to individual sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations made through ReserveAmerica.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-in camping allowed. Reservations are mandatory.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee. Day-of-arrival cancellations require a phone call to the campground and 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
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pearl Hill State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, fishing, and mountain biking. The day-use area features a pond for swimming, though water quality has been criticized by some users due to unpleasant odors and seaweed. The park also provides miles of hiking trails, including a moderately strenuous four-mile trail connecting to Damon Pond in Willard Brook State Forest.
Hiking
The park offers miles of hiking trails, including a moderately strenuous four-mile trail that connects to Damon Pond in Willard Brook State Forest. This hike is expected to take up to three hours. Reviews highlight the trails as a strong point of the park, with one user stating, 'Excellent camp site, very good hiking trails.' Another reviewer noted the lack of trail markings as a minor drawback.Fishing
Fishing is permitted at the park. However, detailed information about the types of fish or fishing quality is not provided in the source materials or user reviews.Swimming
Swimming is available in the park's pond, which is part of the day-use area. However, user reviews frequently criticize the pond's water quality, describing it as 'filled with lots of seaweed' and having an 'awful smell.' One user noted, 'The swimming area was more like a swamp ... I would never let my kids swim in that water.'Biking
The park includes mountain biking trails, which are praised in user reviews. One reviewer stated, 'Great MTB riding on both sides of New Fitchburg Rd and throughout Willard Brook State Forest.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight of the park. One review mentioned spotting 'many owls,' and another described the park as a good place to enjoy nature.Cultural and Educational Programs
The staff occasionally organizes programs for kids, as mentioned in one review: 'Staff have programs for kids and a community fire pit.' Details about topics and schedules are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood must be purchased onsite ($7 per bundle).
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include narrow and rough dirt roads and dense clusters of campsites offering limited privacy. Some reviews mention gypsy moth caterpillars during late season.
Active alertsFirewood transportation is prohibited to prevent invasive species. Firewood sales are credit card only.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.1 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 hospital and emergency services located in Fitchburg, approximately 10 miles away. Ranger station contact numbers provided for onsite assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not detailed in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresDay-use area includes a five-acre pond. Pond is not ideal for swimming due to seaweed and water quality concerns.
Common complaints"Campsites are close together" and "lack of privacy" are recurring complaints in reviews. Water quality in the pond has been criticized for "smell" and "slimy weeds." Some reviewers noted noisy neighbors and litter around campsites.
HostFriendly and helpful rangers. Some reviews note leniency regarding noise levels at night.
Campground Map
105 New Fitchburg Road West Townsend, MA 01474, United States
Driving directionsFrom the Northeast: Take Rte. 495 to Littleton and the intersection with Rte. 119 West. Follow Rte. 119 West approximately 19 miles to West Townsend. Turn left (south) on New Fitchburg Rd. Follow New Fitchburg Rd. 1 1/2 miles to the park entrance on the right. 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 2.5 miles to New Fitchburg Rd. in West Townsend. Turn right on New Fitchburg Rd. The Park entrance is 1.5 miles on the right. From the East: Rte. 2 West to Leominster and Rte. 13 North. Follow Rte. 13 North to Rte. 119 West in West Townsend. Turn left onto Rte. 119. Turn left onto New Fitchburg Rd. The Park entrance is 1.5 miles on the right.
Accessible from major roads via Route 119. The entrance is 1.5 miles on New Fitchburg Rd. Road conditions vary; interior roads are noted as slightly rough dirt paths.Nearby places
West Townsend (approx. 1.5 miles), Fitchburg (approx. 10 miles), Littleton (approx. 19 miles)
Nearby supplies
Firewood available onsite for $7 per bundle (credit card only). Nearest comprehensive supplies available in Fitchburg, approximately 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Pearl Hill State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Pearl Hill State Park are mixed, with positive comments about the cleanliness, tall pine trees, and hiking trails, but frequent complaints about the lack of privacy between campsites and the poor quality of the swimming area.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Reviews praise the park's natural beauty, clean facilities, and tall pine trees. Many also highlight the well-maintained hiking trails and family-friendly atmosphere. One reviewer described the park...
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Common Concerns
The most common complaints include the lack of privacy between campsites, with several users describing sites as being 'right on top of each other.' The pond's water quality was another frequent...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend choosing campsites 42 or 43 for more privacy. Visitors are advised to bring all necessary supplies, as the camp store only sells firewood. One user suggested using the street...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular camping season, but it also brings complaints about noise and lack of privacy. Some reviews noted reduced capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, which improved the overall...
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Camper Quotes
- 'Bathrooms and shower house are very clean.' - 'The swimming area was more like a swamp.' - 'Camp sites themselves are quite nice and spacious.' - 'Great MTB riding on both sides of New Fitchburg...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites 42 and 43 are recommended for their relatively better privacy. Campsite 17 was criticized for its exposed location and lack of natural barriers.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are praised, with the bathhouse noted as modern and clean. However, no specific reviews from individuals with disabilities were provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, and there is a limit of four pets per campsite. One reviewer appreciated the pet-friendly policy but noted that pets must remain leashed at all times.
Last updated August 10, 2025