🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Island Camping Paradise — Otis Reservoir island camping and boating in the Berkshire hills — MA’s best lakeside camping!
Tolland State Forest offers what many consider the finest lakeside camping in Massachusetts — island camping on Otis Reservoir in the Berkshire foothills. The campground on the reservoir peninsula feels like you’re camping on an island, with water on three sides and mountain views in every direction. Otis Reservoir is one of the largest lakes in western Massachusetts, offering excellent boating, fishing, and swimming. The forest covers over 8,000 acres of highland terrain.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Tolland/Otis, Berkshire/Hampden, MA |
| Size | 8,000+ acres |
| Entry Fee | Camping fee ($17–27/night) |
| Camping | Peninsula camping — water on 3 sides! |
| Lake | Otis Reservoir — W. MA’s largest |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a campsite?
Reserve through Reserve America — the peninsula sites (water views on three sides) book up fast for summer weekends. Book well in advance for July and August!
Can I bring a motorboat?
Yes — Otis Reservoir is one of the few Massachusetts state forest waters that allows motorboats. There’s a public boat ramp. The reservoir covers 1,000+ acres — plenty of room for water skiing, fishing, and cruising. Jet skis are also permitted. The combination of motorized boating and camping makes Tolland unique among Massachusetts state forests.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Sandisfield State Forest (a short drive away) and Granville State Forest (a short drive away).
About Tolland State Forest
Tolland State Forest in the Berkshire foothills surrounds Otis Reservoir — one of the largest lakes in western Massachusetts. The 90-site campground on the lakeshore is one of the most popular in the state park system, offering waterfront camping in a heavily forested mountain setting. The lake’s 1,300 acres provide excellent boating and fishing.
Things to Do
Camping on the lakeshore (90 sites, very popular — reserve early), swimming at the beach, fishing for bass and trout, boating and waterskiing on Otis Reservoir, hiking, and hunting (seasonal). The Berkshire foothills setting is spectacular in fall.
Insider Tips
Otis Reservoir: Tolland State Forest surrounds Otis Reservoir — one of the largest bodies of water in western Massachusetts and popular for boating, swimming, and camping. Pro tip: Otis Reservoir allows motorboats — rare for Massachusetts state forests. Berkshire Hills: The forest sits in the Berkshire Hills at 1,500+ feet elevation — summer temperatures are noticeably cooler than the lowlands.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Reservoir swimming, boating, and camping. Fall: Lakeside foliage viewing. Spring: Trout fishing. Winter: Ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Wildlife & Nature
Tolland SF — 8,660 acres on Otis Reservoir (1,065 acres) — the largest lake in the Berkshires. The forest’s lake, mixed hardwood, and mountain streams support loons, bald eagles, and black bears. Largemouth bass and pike provide excellent fishing.
Nearby Attractions
Otis — adjacent. Granville SF — 10 miles east. Sandisfield SF — 10 miles south.
