Massachusetts’ Lakeside Forest Campground — 27 Sites on Laurel Lake, Swimming Beach, 8 Miles of Trails, Fishing, Accessible Beach in North-Central Massachusetts
Erving State Forest is a state forest in north-central Massachusetts centered on the 48-acre Laurel Lake. The forest features 27 hilltop campsites with hot showers and flush toilets, swimming at Laurel Lake, an accessible beach with ramp and beach wheelchairs, 8 miles of trails through oak-maple-hemlock woodland, fishing, non-motorized boating with boat ramp, and a reservable day-use pavilion.
Erving State Forest offers a quintessential New England lakeside camping experience centered on the 48-acre Laurel Lake. The 27 campsites are perched on a hillside overlooking the lake, providing scenic views from elevated positions. Facilities include hot showers, flush toilets, a dishwashing station, and food storage lockers (bear country). The swimming beach features an accessible ramp and beach wheelchairs — one of Massachusetts’ most ADA-friendly swimming experiences. A boat ramp provides launch access for kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats. Eight miles of forest trails wind through oak, maple, and hemlock woodlands. A reservable day-use pavilion with picnic tables and a large charcoal grill is available for group gatherings.
Things to Do
Swimming
- Laurel Lake swimming beach
- Accessible ramp + beach wheelchairs
- 48-acre lake
Camping
- 27 hilltop sites overlooking lake
- Hot showers, flush toilets
- Food storage lockers
- Pets allowed (4 per site)
- Reservations required
Hiking
- 8 miles of forest trails
- Oak, maple, hemlock woodland
Water Activities
- Fishing at Laurel Lake
- Boat ramp — kayak, canoe, small motorboat
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 Laurel Lake Rd, Erving, MA 01344 |
| Lake | Laurel Lake — 48 acres |
| Campsites | 27 — hilltop overlooking lake |
| Facilities | Hot showers, flush toilets, dishwashing station |
| Swimming | Beach with accessible ramp + beach wheelchairs |
| Trails | 8 miles through hardwood-hemlock woodland |
| Boating | Boat ramp — kayak, canoe, small motorboat |
| Pavilion | Reservable — picnic tables + charcoal grill |
| Cell Service | Limited to none |
| Pets | Allowed (max 4 per site) |
| Alcohol | Prohibited in all MA state parks |
| Coordinates | 42.6219° N, 72.3720° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Swimming Laurel Lake; camping; long days; fishing; boating; pavilion events | Reserve early — popular; no cell service; humid; ticks |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Foliage reflected in lake; quiet camping; cool hiking; photography | Swimming beach may close; campground closes mid-Oct; shorter days |
| Spring (May) | Green-up; birdsong; lake thawing; quiet; fern unfurling | Campground opens late May; cold water; muddy trails |
| Winter | Closed — campground and most facilities | Deep snow; no access; extreme cold |
Visitor Tips
- Accessible beach: Erving’s Laurel Lake beach features an accessible ramp and beach wheelchairs — one of MA’s best ADA swimming spots.
- Hilltop sites: The 27 campsites are on a hillside overlooking the lake — upper sites have the best views.
- Food lockers: Black bears are in the area — use the food storage lockers at every site.
- No cell service: Cell service is limited to none — download maps and entertainment before arriving.
- Alcohol: Alcohol is prohibited in all Massachusetts state parks.
- Pavilion: The day-use pavilion is reservable for group gatherings — charcoal grill and picnic tables included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Erving SF — 5,547 acres in the North Quabbin region. The forest’s Laurel Lake, streams, and northern hardwood forest support moose (rare in Massachusetts), black bears, and beavers. Loons nest on Laurel Lake. Brook trout inhabit the streams.
Nearby Attractions
Erving — adjacent. French King Bridge — nearby — a dramatic Connecticut River overlook. Quabbin Reservoir — 15 miles south.
Can you swim at Erving State Forest?
Yes — Erving State Forest in north-central Massachusetts features swimming at the 48-acre Laurel Lake with an accessible beach ramp and beach wheelchairs. The forest also offers 27 hilltop campsites overlooking the lake with hot showers and flush toilets (reservations required), 8 miles of hiking trails through oak-maple-hemlock woodland, fishing, and a boat ramp for kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats. A reservable day-use pavilion is available for group events. Cell service is limited. Campground season runs from late May through mid-October.
Last updated: May 2026
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Mount Grace State Forest (a short drive away) or Wendell State Forest (a short drive away).
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