Erving State Forest
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
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
Park Location
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