Cranberry bogs with Cleveland Pond swimming.
What to do?
Cranberry bogs with Cleveland Pond swimming.
Location & Getting There
Ames Nowell State Park is located in Massachusetts. The park’s coordinates are 42.0833, -70.9333. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Massachusetts
- Coordinates: 42.0833, -70.9333
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
Massachusetts state parks span from the wild outer beaches of Cape Cod and the islands to the forested Berkshire hills and Connecticut River Valley. Activities include swimming at ocean and freshwater beaches, hiking through deciduous and mixed forests, fishing in coastal waters and stocked ponds, camping in woodland settings, biking paved and gravel rail-trails, kayaking coastal marshes and inland rivers, rock climbing at select parks, birding along the Atlantic Flyway, and exploring rich historical sites spanning from the Pilgrims to the American Revolution. The Cape Cod National Seashore and nearby state parks offer world-class beach experiences.
Best Time to Visit
Massachusetts parks follow classic New England seasonality. Summer (June–August) is peak season for ocean and lake swimming — Cape beaches are busiest July through August. Fall (September–October) brings legendary New England foliage, peaking early October in the Berkshires and mid-to-late October closer to the coast. Spring (April–May) offers wildflowers, rushing streams, and fewer crowds. Winter provides peaceful forest hiking, cross-country skiing, and dramatic winter ocean scenery at coastal parks. Cape Cod and the Islands are most crowded from Memorial Day through Labor Day — consider shoulder season visits for a more relaxed experience.
Visitor Tips
Massachusetts state parks and forests charge a parking fee ($5–$20) at most locations during peak season. A Massachusetts Parks Pass ($60/year) covers parking at all DCR-managed properties. Beach parks fill early on summer weekends — arrive before 10 AM or risk being turned away. Camping reservations are made through ReserveAmerica. Cell service is unreliable in many rural parks, especially in the Berkshires. Ticks carrying Lyme disease are prevalent — wear long pants, use DEET, and check thoroughly after every hike.
Explore More Massachusetts State Parks
Ames Nowell State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Massachusetts. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Massachusetts guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Wompatuck State Park (a short drive away) or Weymouth Back River Reservation (a short drive away).
Park Location
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