Massachusetts’ Hidden Forest Gem — 2,597 Acres, Damon Pond Swimming Beach, 21 Campsites + Yurt, Friends Trail to Pearl Hill, Mountain Biking in Ashby & Townsend
Willard Brook State Forest is a 2,597-acre state forest in Ashby and Townsend, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. The forest features 21 campsites and a group yurt, Damon Pond swimming beach, the 3.5-mile Friends Trail connecting to Pearl Hill State Park, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, picnic areas, and flush toilets.
Willard Brook is a peaceful, wooded retreat in north-central Massachusetts — 2,597 acres of mixed hardwood and pine forest straddling Ashby and Townsend. Damon Pond anchors the recreation — a swimming beach with picnic areas and fishing access. The 21 campsites (no hookups, no showers) offer a rustic, intimate alternative to the larger state forests. A group yurt provides covered camping. The highlight for hikers is the Friends Trail — a 3.5-to-4-mile connecting trail linking Willard Brook to Pearl Hill State Park, creating a full-day woodland loop. Mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed on designated trails.
Things to Do
Swimming & Fishing
- Damon Pond — swimming beach
- Fishing — pond access
- Picnic area at pond
Camping
- 21 campsites — rustic, no hookups, no showers
- 1 group yurt
- Flush toilets
- Reservations required
Hiking & Trails
- Friends Trail: 3.5–4 mi to Pearl Hill SP
- Mountain biking
- Horseback riding
- Cross-country skiing (winter)
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acreage | 2,597 acres |
| Location | Ashby + Townsend, Middlesex County, MA |
| HQ | 599 Main St (Rt 119), West Townsend, MA |
| Campsites | 21 — no hookups, no showers |
| Yurt | 1 group yurt |
| Swimming | Damon Pond beach |
| Key Trail | Friends Trail — 3.5 mi to Pearl Hill SP |
| Activities | Hiking, MTB, horseback, XC ski, fishing |
| Restrictions | No alcohol; dogs on leash (not at yurt) |
| RV Max | ~20 ft — no dump station |
| Coordinates | 42.6600° N, 71.7900° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Damon Pond swimming; camping; full facilities; long days | 21 sites fill fast; no showers; mosquitoes |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | New England foliage; Friends Trail colors; quiet; mushrooms | Pond closed to swimming; cooler; reduced services |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers; birding; trail reopening; fishing opener | Muddy trails; cold; campground may not be open yet |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Cross-country skiing; snowshoeing; winter tracking | Campground CLOSED; cold; limited access |
Visitor Tips
- Friends Trail: The 3.5-mile Friends Trail connects Willard Brook to Pearl Hill State Park — plan 3+ hours for the full out-and-back.
- Damon Pond: The swimming beach at Damon Pond is the main summer draw — picnic tables and fishing nearby.
- Rustic camping: No showers, no hookups, no dump station — bring everything you need for a rustic experience.
- Small RVs only: Max ~20 ft RV — the campground is not designed for large rigs.
- Reserve early: Only 21 sites — book through ReserveAmerica well in advance for summer weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Willard Brook SF — 2,400 acres — features Damon Pond with a sand beach and scenic Trap Falls. The forest’s mixed hardwood, streams, and wetlands support fishers, porcupines, and barred owls. Brook trout inhabit the cold streams. Wild turkeys forage in the forest.
Nearby Attractions
Ashby/Townsend — adjacent. Fitchburg — 10 miles south. Groton — 10 miles east.
Does Willard Brook State Forest have swimming?
Yes — Willard Brook State Forest in Ashby and Townsend, Massachusetts, features a swimming beach at Damon Pond. The 2,597-acre forest also offers 21 rustic campsites (no hookups, no showers), a group yurt, and the 3.5-mile Friends Trail connecting to Pearl Hill State Park. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and cross-country skiing. Reservations are required. No alcohol is permitted.
Last updated: May 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Pearl Hill State Park is a short drive away, and Leominster State Forest is a short drive away.
Park Location
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