After being closed to the public for nearly a year, Massachusetts’ Mohawk Trail State Forest campground will reopen this month, giving those who love winter camping a chance to enjoy the season.
The campground – which has more than 50 campsites and six log cabins – has been closed since February 2023 after algae was found in water sources the fed into the bathhouses. Since then, the state has made $1.4 million in improvements and repairs to the campground’s water system and infrastructure.
Reservations for the 2024 winter camping season will open to the public on January 11, and the first night of camping will be January 18.
“We know how much the community and the region has missed camping at Mohawk over the last year, but in that time we’ve invested more than a million dollars into improving the visitor experience and ensuring the safety of campers,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “This reopening signifies a fresh start and a dedication to preserving and improving our natural and recreational resources for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming families back to Mohawk this month.”
A cabin at Mohawk Trail State Forest. (Northeast Explorer Photo)
After closing the campground in February 2023, the campground remained closed through the summer season while DCR installed a new water system, repaved the campground’s roads, replaced roofs on the cabins and administrative buildings, upgraded the bathroom facilities, and repaired and restored the chimneys in the Civilian Conservation Corps-era (CCC) cabins.
Mohawk Trail State Forest, one of only a handful year-round camping facilities in the state’s park system, has six cabins, including one accessible cabin, available for winter camping. The cabins are mix of historic CCC-era buildings and new replicas that hold anywhere from three to five guests. Winter campers at the Mohawk cabins enjoy a rustic stay featuring bunk beds, wood stoves, and camp-style cooking.
Mohawk State Forest was established in 1921 when the state purchased the land to preserve the area’s scenic beauty and cultural history. It includes some of the tallest white pine trees in New England that measure upwards of 175 to 180 feet. It is also allegedly the site of the oldest living tree in Massachusetts.
Reservations open on January 11, 2024, at 9 a.m. and can be made at massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com or by dialing 877-422-6762. Winter camping will run Thursday through Saturday nights from January 18, 2023 – March 9, 2024. For more information on reservations and updates, contact dcr.campinginfo@mass.gov.