Pearl Hill State Park RV & Campground Guide
Massachusetts
Pearl Hill State Park
is the perfect weekend escape from the city. Although downtown Boston is just 55 miles to the southeast, the park feels like a different world. Drop your fishing line in the quiet pond, hike through the forest, or take in the sound of the wind through the trees from your campsite. Popular with families, this 1,000-acre park also offers swimming, mountain biking, and picnicking. Nearby Townsend and Fitchburg sit less than 10 miles away, so it's easy to pop into town for a supply run or dinner out.
Spring 25-69 F
Summer 56-83 F
Fall 31-74 F
Winter 16-39 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Pearl Hill State Park
Camping is the ideal way to experience Pearl Hill State Park as you can fall asleep to the sound of the wind through the trees and enjoy your morning coffee with a view of the pond. An RV is an easy way to beat the summer heat and to stay dry in the rain, so if you don't have a motorhome of your own, an RV rental is a convenient alternative.
Pearl Hill State Park Campground
Each of the 50 campsites at Pearl Hill State Park Campground comes with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Modern bathrooms with hot showers are a short walk from every site. While the campground doesn't offer hookups or a dump station, it's a beautiful and relaxing way to enjoy the park's peaceful wilderness. Don't worry about bringing firewood; since Massachusetts law prohibits the transportation of firewood in or out of a Department of Conservation and Recreation campground, the park sells it on-site. If you're a resident of Massachusetts, campsites are $17 per night. For non-residents, the fee is $54 per night.
The Pines Campground
Stay connected during your stay at The Pines Campground, which offers Wi-Fi service and full hookups. After you set up camp at your large site, head over to the pool for a swim, or pop into the arcade. The Pines is popular with families. It has a playground, a frog pond, a camp store, and regular activities on summer weekends. Before you hit the road, take advantage of the hot showers and dump station. Rates start at $45 for full hookups. If you stay for six nights, the seventh night is free.
What to Do at
Pearl Hill State Park
Inside Pearl Hill State Park
When it's hot, take a swim in Pearl Hill Brook Pond, or try your luck at fishing from the shoreline. A small network of hiking trails winds through the forest near the campground, offering opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers of all levels. The most challenging route is the full Friends' Trail loop, which offers a challenging hike through the trees of the state park and neighboring Willard Brook State Forest. When the weather cools down, the park opens for hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Outside Pearl Hill State Park
Pearl Hill State Park feels like a wilderness escape, but the nearby communities are packed with shopping, dining, and outdoor adventures. Explore the Massachusetts wilderness at the many state forests and wilderness areas. The Nashua River offers fishing, kayaking, and plenty of scenic views. Within a 10-mile radius, you'll find restaurants and shopping for every budget and preference.
Restaurants
Townsend House
Casual and cozy, the Townsend House is a fun place for a family dinner. The menu includes pasta and classic meat-based entrees as well as a small selection of salads.
Type: American
Location: 2 Depot Street, Townsend, MA 01469
Sophia's Pizzeria
Pick up a pizza or calzone to go at Sophia's Pizzeria. Service is fast and friendly, and the pizza is delicious.
Type: Pizzeria
Location: 220 Main Street, Townsend, MA 01469
Cliff's Cafe
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast on the covered porch at Cliff's Cafe. Set inside a historic house, this small spot makes breakfast and lunch with whole, fresh ingredients.
Type: American
Location: 268 Main Street, Townsend, MA 01469
Asian Imperia
When you're craving sushi or a noodle dish, Asian Imperial is the most popular option near Pearl Hill State Park. Pop by at lunchtime for the excellent and affordable midday specials.
Type: Chinese, Japanese
Location: 5 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA 01462
Crazy Crab
When it comes to seafood, Crazy Crab delivers. Stop in for a poke bowl, or dig into a huge seafood boil platter.
Type: Seafood
Location: 336 Summer Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Shopping
Antique Associates at West Townsend
If you're interested in antiques, make the short drive to Antique Associates at West Townsend. Here, you'll find a huge range of vintage pieces from period furniture to home decor. The selection changes frequently. You can get a preview of the selection on the website.
Location: 473 Main Street, West Townsend, MA 01474
Delaney Antique Clocks
As you might guess, Delaney Antique Clocks offers a wide variety of historic clocks. Whether you're interested in a wall, tall case, or shelf clock, this beautiful store has plenty of options.
Location: 435 Main Street, West Townsend, MA 01474
The Settle Shop
Pick up a few pieces of furniture at The Settle Shop. Specializing in casual pieces with a distinctly American style, this store suits traditional homes. You'll also find a small selection of towels, skin care products, and decor.
Location: 419 Main Street, Townsend, MA 01474
Cobblestone Quilts
Cobblestone Quilts is a quilt store that carries fabrics, Janome long-arm quilting machines, and all the supplies you need to finish a project. Whether you're a quilter or a crafter, the array of beautiful fabrics is worth the trip.
Location: 10 Elm Street, Townsend, MA 01469
Gary's Farm Stand TOO
Find all the fresh fruits and vegetables you need for your camping trip at Gary's Farm Stand TOO. This roadside market carries a wide range of locally grown items.
Location: 159 Main Street, Townsend, MA 01469
Sightseeing
Townsend State Forest
If you're interested in a longer hike, drive 6 miles to Townsend State Forest. From the forest's parking areas, you can access a long trail network that winds throughout the forest. Many of the trails are also open to bikes. Come in the spring for the wildflower bloom, and return in the fall for the spectacular autumn leaves. If you're visiting in the winter, you can cross-country ski or snowshoe through the trees.
Location: 3 Peter J Drive, Townsend, MA 01469
Squannacook River Wildlife Management Area
Pack up your tackle box, and make the short drive to the Squannacook River Wildlife Management Area. This is a great place to access the Squannacook River, which is known for its excellent trout fishing. Fish from the shore, or bring a kayak to seek out fishing holes.
Location: 200-208 Old Meeting House Road, Townsend, MA 01469
Mount Watatic
Hike to the top of Mount Watatic on a clear day, and you'll be able to see Boston and the White Mountains in the distance. Don't be intimidated by the sound of a summit. It stands just 1,831 feet above sea level. The trail to the top winds through the forest, offering plenty of shade on hot days. Make sure to stop to enjoy the view at the beautiful Nutting Ledges along the way. The best way to get to the mountain is the Watatic Southern Terminus Trailhead, which is located on MA-119 in the Watatic Mountain State Wildlife Area.
Location: MA-119 and Old Pierce Road, Ashburnham, MA 01430
Nashua River Rail Trail
Bike along a former railroad grade on the Nashua River Rail Trail. The best access point near Pearl Hill State Park is the parking area next to the J. Harry Rich State Forest. Head north from here, and you'll pass along the edge of the forest and up to the banks of the Nashua River. The entire trail is 11 miles long, and bikers, hikers, and horses are welcome. When the snow falls, the trail is a popular spot for cross-country skiing.
Location: Route 2A, Ayer, MA 01432
Trap Falls
If you're interested in exploring the wilderness without going far from your campsite, hike or drive over to Trap Falls. It's located on the northern edge of Willard Brook State Forest, which sits adjacent to the park. The waterfall is small and picturesque, and it's particularly beautiful in the fall and summer.
Location: 599 Main Street, West Townsend, MA 01474
How to Get to
Pearl Hill State Park
Pearl Hill State Park is located in Northern Massachusetts about 55 miles from Boston. From the Boston metro area, take US-3 North, and head west on MA-40 at Exit 86. When you reach Groton, take MA-119 West. Turn south on New Fitchburg Road, and follow the signs to the park entrance.
Entering Pearl Hill State Park
Pearl Hill State Park is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. The fees above are charged from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During the rest of the year, parking is free.
Per vehicle parking, MA resident : $8
Per vehicle parking, non-MA resident : $30
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Pearl Hill State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.