🌤 Weather at D.A.R. State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21–67 °F | 52–80 °F | 27–71 °F | 12–36 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Worthington, 8 mi away, elevation 1,285 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at D.A.R. State Forest
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash of no more than 10 feet in on-leash areas; dogs must be on-leash in all parking areas.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed on DCR coastal beaches or in designated swimming areas of inland beaches from May 1 through September 15; shorebird-nesting beaches are closed to dogs April 1 - September 15.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed in cabins, yurts and the encompassing areas (no pet-friendly cabin program).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash areas at ~20 properties (e.g. Bark Place at Breakheart Reservation); max 4 dogs per person; dogs banned entirely at Walden Pond, Moore State Park, Sandy Point and Boston Harbor Islands.
Are dogs allowed at D.A.R. State Forest?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mass.gov. More: Massachusetts state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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