Tucked into the rolling hills of Berkshire County, Tolland State Forest spreads across 4,415 acres of western Massachusetts woodland where the Otis Reservoir serves as the undisputed centerpiece. This large, clean-water reservoir is one of the best spots in the Berkshires for swimming, boating, and fishing — drawing families and paddlers who want more elbow room than the region’s smaller ponds can offer.

The forest’s campground sits right along the reservoir’s shoreline, giving campers direct water access — a rarity among Massachusetts state forests. Sites are wooded and well-spaced, making it a solid base camp for a long weekend of lake activities. Motorboats are permitted on the reservoir, so expect some boat traffic on peak summer days, but the lake is large enough that kayakers and canoeists can easily find quieter coves along the southern arms.

Beyond the water, hiking trails wind through mixed hardwood and hemlock forest, with terrain that’s gentle enough for families but interesting enough to hold your attention. Fishing runs strong for largemouth bass, pickerel, and perch, particularly in the early morning hours before boat traffic picks up.

Late June through early September is prime time — the water is warm enough for swimming and the campground is fully operational. Fall visitors trade swimming for some of the finest foliage color in the Berkshires, when the surrounding hillsides light up in deep reds and oranges.

Tolland State Forest is the kind of place where the days organize themselves around the water, and that’s exactly the point.

Explore Nearby

• Old Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Massachusetts
• West Cornwall Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Connecticut
• Hudson–Athens Lighthouse — Lighthouse in New York
• Hudson–Athens Lighthouse — Lighthouse in New York
• Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Massachusetts