Willard Brook State Forest
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
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
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