Otis Reservoir in Massachusetts

Trip Overview

A good sized reservoir set in Tolland State Forest, a popular camping, boat launch, and swimming area occupies about a quarter of the shoreline. There are a lot of private homes surrounding the reservoir. A great place for a long paddle around the 1100 acre reservoir. Motor boats are allowed, so there is occasionally some wake, but because of the size it is never crowded.

We often camp in the Tolland State Forest, and when possible secure a spot on the reservoir and can let in right from our campsite.

For a Day Trip, I recommend doing the beach day pass and go up to the beach, go out for a paddle on the calm reservoir with the most crystal clear water in New England, beautiful scenery, and have lunch on the beach or grill up a burger in the picnic area near the beach!

Accommodations:

There is a motor boat launch with 30+ parking spaces along with a ranger station. If you go to the Beach Area there are several parking spaces & restroom/shower facilities.

Fees:

The forest is open from sunrise until sunset, year-round. A $5 fee per vehicle is charged for the beach day-use area from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. Parking is free for ParksPass holders, vehicles with Handicapped, POW, disabled veteran plates/placard, and seniors 62 and above with the Massachusetts Senior Pass.

Directions:

Tolland State Forest is located in the southern Berkshires in western Massachusetts.

From the East:/Mass Pike (Rte. I-90): Take Exit 3 in Westfield. Bear right after tolls and follow Rtes. 10/202 south for 3 miles into downtown Westfield. Turn right onto US Rte. 20 west and continue for 6 miles. Turn left onto MA Rte. 23 west and continue for 11 miles through Blandford into Otis. About 0.5 mile past East Otis village turn left onto West Shore Road. Follow brown lead-in signs. Continue on West Shore Road (becomes Reservoir Rd.) for 0.3 miles. Turn left on to Tolland Road and continue for 2.2 miles to campground and day-use area entrance.

From West:/Mass Pike (Rte. I-90): Take Exit 2 in Lee. Follow US Rte. 20 east for 7 miles. Turn right onto MA Rte. 8 south and continue for 5.6 miles to Otis center. Turn left onto MA Rte. 23 east for 2.9 miles. Turn right West Shore Road. Follow brown lead-in signs. Continue on West Shore Road (becomes Reservoir Rd.) for 0.3 miles. Turn left on to Tolland Road and continue for 2.2 miles to campground and day-use area entrance.

From North or South/Rte. 8: Take MA Rte 8 to Otis. Turn onto MA Rte. 23 east and continue for 2.9 miles. Turn right onto West Shore Road. Follow brown lead-in signs. Continue on West Shore Road (becomes Reservoir Rd.) for 0.3 miles. Turn left on to Tolland Road and continue for 2.2 miles to campground and day-use area entrance.

Contact:

Otis Reservoir


410 Tolland Road


PO Box 342,

East Otis, MA 01029

(413) 269-6002

Resources:

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/