DAR State Forest, Massachusetts, United States

4MassIS300 5:00 PM Jul 12, 2008

Great low-key camping location
We stayed at the campgrounds (site 37) from Thursday through Sunday, July 10-13. We weren't sure what to expect - our previous experiences camping have been at more "touristy" destinations. Since this was only an hour up the road from where we lived, we decided to give it a try. We had booked the site back in February, and I'm glad we did because the good sites booked up by spring. We loved our site - very level, in the back of the park away from most of the traffic, near the bathroom/showers but more or less hidden by trees, adjacent to a hiking trail to the beach, and probably the largest site we saw. If we return in the future we're definitely going to return to 37 - we felt we were extremely lucky in our choice. Some notes: The gates are staffed until midnight. We had 3 cars, and they requested that any beyond 3 be put in the overflow parking. One evening my wife had to work late and met us there at midnight - leaving a 3rd car at the site. No one said anything, even the next morning when the camp workers were making their rounds. Relatively quiet park. Happy family noise through about dusk, and then more or less peace. No teenagers yelling or making noise. Bathrooms more or less clean, and showers are free (although bring sandals - the floor wasn't that great). Keep in mind there is only 1 bathroom w/showers - which is another reason why the neighboring 37 site was so great. We tried both the public beach and the campers only beach. The public beach was a zoo. LOT'S of people, and I think there were actually a couple of buses that were brought in of "camp kids". We stayed away and went to the campers only beach - next to the campsites (walking distance), sandy beach, roped off, and fairly clean. Primarily camping families again, and low key. Lots of kayakers around as well - had wished we had brought ours. They sell bundles of fire wood for $5 - we brought our own so didn't need it. The fire tower is a must see. Beautiful views. You can drive there, but I recommend the hiking trail (about 20 minutes). It's uphill though, so be prepared for exercise. We took "Long Trail" back from the tower - turned out to be about 1.5 miles back - just enough for my 7 year old son. Nature center was pretty cool too - stuffed moose, bear, owls, bobcats, etc. etc. Feel free to ask if you have questions.

4elizabethqueen 5:00 PM Jul 29, 2012

Beautiful wooded location for car camping
DAR State Forest is a very nice campground in a heavily wooded setting with many hiking trails as well as a beach area, nature center, and wildlife viewing area. The campsites vary in size and level of privacy. We tent camped in a large and fairly private site with only one other campsite in view (across) . The campground has a no alcohol policy, but be discreet and no one will bother you. You have to purchase the wood on site for your fire, but it is only ten bucks for 3 good, dry bundles. Lots of families with kids come here but once quiet time hits at 10pm, it is very tranquil. Bathroom facilities were fine --- clean and accessible --- they even had Purell hand sanitizer. Water is readily available and distance will vary depending on your site location. Park rangers were helpful and asked if we needed more wood, and also told us about a "birds of prey" demo that was occurring at the nature center one night. Also you can bring your dog to DAR, but not to the beach area. Overall a very enjoyable experience at DAR.