Beartown State Forest in Massachusetts, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-26. Check linked official notices before travel.

Beartown State Forest in Monterey, Massachusetts, combines a 1.5-mile walk around Benedict Pond with swimming, fishing, and boating. This DCR forest also has a seasonal campground. For a first visit, decide whether you want a pond outing or an overnight stay: parking charges, booking rules, and camping dates differ.

Highlights

Benedict Pond gives the forest a clear starting point. The loop follows the pond, while the beach and fishing access suit a visit built around the water. The wider forest also supports winter cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Safety information

Swim only in designated swimming areas and go with a buddy. Keep a supervising adult within arm’s reach of children who are not strong swimmers. For boating, wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket and leave a trip plan with someone ashore. These are part of Massachusetts water safety guidance.

Visit responsibly

Alcohol is prohibited. Dogs may not enter the beach or adjacent lawn. Off-road vehicles, off-highway vehicles, and ATVs are not allowed in the campground. Benedict Pond boats are limited to electric motors; clean recreational equipment to avoid transporting nuisance species.

Reservations and permits

Use DCR’s campsite reservation instructions to reach ReserveAmerica and check sites. Reservations can be made from one day to four months before arrival. Most campsites have a two-day minimum stay, and each campground has a 14-day stay limit between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The 2026 camping schedule gives Beartown’s unit-specific dates.

Maps, location, and access

The forest’s published address is 69 Blue Hill Road, Monterey, MA 01245. DCR identifies a car-top boat ramp at Benedict Pond. Confirm launch suitability with the forest before bringing equipment that needs more than car-top access.

Nearby parks

Lake Mansfield Recreation Area in Great Barrington is another local pond-and-walking option; vehicle access is via Christian Hill Road, with pedestrian-only access from Castle Hill Avenue. October Mountain State Forest is farther north at 317 Woodland Road in Lee, with hiking including the Gorge Trail. Use each destination’s own entrance when planning the road trip.

Things to do

Walk the 1.5-mile Benedict Pond loop for a defined route, or combine a picnic with swimming. Fishing is possible from trails encircling the pond as well as from a boat. MassWildlife’s Benedict Pond information explains the electric-motor limit and shoreline access. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling provide a different use of the forest.

Facilities and accessibility

DCR lists picnic areas, grills, restrooms, a campground, and the car-top boat ramp. Its accessible features include a boardwalk, campsites, fishing pier, and restrooms; a beach wheelchair is available. Ask the forest about the specific route or equipment you need before your visit.

About the park

The 12,000-acre forest offers a broader setting than the pond alone. Seasonal recreation ranges from water activities to winter travel, with separate conditions for motorized trail use and camping.

Wildlife and habitats

DCR identifies deer, bobcats, fishers, and bears among the forest’s wildlife. MassWildlife surveys of Benedict Pond have recorded fish including largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and bluegill. Survey records describe the pond’s fish community; they do not guarantee a catch.

Contact

Beartown State Forest is managed by DCR. Call 413-528-0904 or email [email protected]. The address is 69 Blue Hill Road, Monterey, MA 01245.