Massachusetts’ Western Highlands Campground — 51 Sites, Fire Tower, Upper Highland Lake Swimming, 15 Miles of Trails, Boating & Fishing in Goshen
D.A.R. State Forest is a state forest at 78 Cape St (Route 112), Goshen, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. The forest features 51 wooded campsites (some with electric hookups), Upper Highland Lake swimming beach with a campers-only beach, a fire tower accessed via a 0.6-mile trail, 15 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, non-motorized boating on Upper and Lower Highland Lakes, fishing (trout, bass, perch), a boat ramp, comfort stations with showers, a nature center, picnic areas, and a pavilion.
Named for the Daughters of the American Revolution, D.A.R. State Forest occupies a beautiful stretch of the western Massachusetts highlands in Goshen. The 51 wooded campsites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers, with some sites offering electric hookups — a rarity in Massachusetts state forests. Upper Highland Lake provides a swimming beach plus a campers-only beach. A 0.6-mile trail from the campground leads to the Goshen Fire Tower with panoramic mountain views. 15 miles of trails accommodate hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Non-motorized boats are welcome on both Upper and Lower Highland Lakes (paved ramp on Lower). Fishing targets trout, bass, and yellow perch. Winter brings ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Things to Do
Camping
- 51 wooded campsites — tables, fire rings, lockers
- Some electric hookups
- Comfort stations with showers
- Dump station at HQ
- ADA-accessible sites
Water Recreation
- Swimming beach — Upper Highland Lake
- Campers-only beach
- Boating — non-motorized; paved ramp on Lower Lake
- Fishing — trout, bass, yellow perch
Trails & Fire Tower
- Goshen Fire Tower — 0.6 mi trail from campground
- 15 miles of trails — hiking, MTB, horseback
- Nature center
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 78 Cape St (Rt 112), Goshen, MA 01032 |
| Campsites | 51 — wooded, some electric, ADA available |
| Showers | Yes — comfort stations |
| Dump Station | Yes — at HQ complex |
| Swimming | Upper Highland Lake — public + campers-only beach |
| Boating | Non-motorized — paved ramp on Lower Highland Lake |
| Fire Tower | Goshen Fire Tower — 0.6 mi trail |
| Trails | 15 miles — hiking, MTB, horseback |
| Winter | Ice fishing, XC ski, snowshoe, snowmobile |
| Cell Service | LIMITED — plan accordingly |
| Coordinates | 42.4570° N, 72.7981° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Swimming; camping; fishing; boating; fire tower; full facilities | 51 sites fill on weekends; reserve early; limited cell service |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Western MA foliage from fire tower; quiet camping; fishing; trails | Swimming ends; cooler nights; some facilities close |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Ice fishing; XC skiing; snowshoeing; snowmobiling | Campground CLOSED; cold; roads may be unplowed |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Trout fishing opener; wildflowers; birding; quiet trails | Muddy; campground may not be open; cold water |
Visitor Tips
- Fire tower: The 0.6-mile trail from the campground to the Goshen Fire Tower rewards with panoramic western MA highland views.
- Electric hookups: Some sites have electric — a rare amenity for MA state forests; specify when reserving.
- Two beaches: Upper Highland Lake has both a public swimming beach and a campers-only beach.
- No cell service: Cell reception is very limited in Goshen — download maps and make plans before arriving.
- Reserve early: Only 51 sites — book through ReserveAmerica well in advance for summer weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
DAR SF — 1,517 acres in the Berkshire foothills — features Upper Highland Lake with a sand beach. The forest’s lake, wetlands, and mixed hardwood support beavers, loons, and barred owls. Brook trout inhabit the cold streams. Wild turkeys forage in the forest.
Nearby Attractions
Goshen — adjacent. Northampton — 15 miles east. Williamsburg — 10 miles east.
Does D.A.R. State Forest have swimming and camping?
Yes — D.A.R. State Forest in Goshen, Massachusetts, offers 51 wooded campsites (some with electric hookups) with comfort stations and showers, plus swimming at Upper Highland Lake with both a public beach and a campers-only beach. The forest also features a fire tower via a 0.6-mile trail, 15 miles of multi-use trails, non-motorized boating on two lakes, and fishing for trout, bass, and yellow perch. Note that cell phone reception is very limited.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest is a short drive away, while Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation lies a short drive away.
Park Location
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