Otter River State Forest

About 6 miles from Templeton is the Otter River State Forest which is a very popular camping site as well as destination for daily activities. The Otter River State Forest was the first campground in the Massachusetts State Park system and was opened in the early 1930's when the state acquired the land.

The Otter River State Forest encircling the lake Beaman Pond offers much to do. The park is a great site for anyone who wants to enjoy the nature as well as for recreation. Besides the usual activities such as nature walks, hiking, jogging and other sports it is also possible to swim and fish in the Beaman Pond or mountain biking on the adjacent Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area. The Otter River State Forest is also home to numerous wild flowers and animals, while its vegetation is a transition zone between three types: oak and hickory, northern hardwood and the pines that were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's.

The camping season in Otter River State Forest lasts from the mid-May to mid-October. There are 85 campsites under a beautiful pine canopy, while yurt camping is also available facilities have been upgraded in the late 1990's with new showers and rest rooms. The park is clean, tidy and well-ordered and is also appropriate for families and kids.