Plan Your Visit

Massasoit State Park in East Taunton is open sunrise to sunset all year with free parking, and it suits a half-day walk, a paddle on Lake Rico, or a few nights at the campground. Summer is camping season, fall brings the red cranberry bog DCR singles out, and winter is quiet, with cross-country skiing when there is snow. Bring water, since DCR warns it may not be available on the trails, and note that the restrooms are in the campground area. Only campers can swim.

What to Do by Season

• Spring: Lake Rico is stocked with trout. The trails are quiet before the summer crowds. See fishing.
• Summer: camping, paddling and the playground. Day-use parking fills on busy days, and evening programs are suspended because of mosquito-borne EEE, so bring repellent. See camping.
• Fall: DCR calls fall an especially good time to visit, when the cranberry bog turns scarlet. Hunting is allowed in season, so wear blaze orange on the trails.
• Winter: cross-country skiing and ice fishing are listed uses. The campground is closed for the season.

What to Bring

DCR's advice for its suggested hikes: layers for changing weather, sun protection, sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and a map. Start early, plan for an average pace of 1.5 miles an hour, and share your plans with someone. Download the trail map before you leave home.

Restrooms and Water

All of Massasoit's comfort stations are in the campground area, and DCR's own plan notes this confuses day visitors; ask at the contact station. DCR warns drinking water may not be available on site.

Accessibility

DCR lists an accessible bathhouse, accessible beach, accessible camping, an accessible playground and a beach wheelchair at Massasoit. Accessible RV sites have hard-packed surfaces. DCR's plan also notes that some paths, including those to the interpretive center and the viewing path by Middle Pond Beach, do not meet accessibility standards, and it recommends an accessible trail at the Five Pond Loop. Call (508) 828-4231 to check current conditions before you go.

Getting Here

DCR places Massasoit within an hour's drive of Boston, Providence and Cape Cod, near Routes 495 and 24. Set your GPS to 1361 Middleboro Ave., East Taunton. See parking and directions.

Taunton MA Parks Near Massasoit

• Watson Pond State Park, 1644 Bay St., Taunton: DCR's 10-acre summer beach park on 78-acre Watson Pond, with a bathhouse and playground. The place to swim if you are not camping.
• Lake Sabbatia, off Bay St., Taunton: a 248-acre lake with a city boat ramp and good bass fishing.
• Dighton Rock State Park, Berkley: 85 acres on the Taunton River and a museum about the carvings on Dighton Rock.
• Freetown State Forest, Assonet: 5,000 acres and 25 miles of trails, with Profile Rock.

Events

DCR's plan notes mountain-bike and trail-running races at Massasoit, and family programs at the interpretive center and amphitheater. Check DCR's park page for current events.

Good to Know

Taunton Municipal Airport is 500 feet west of the park, so small planes pass overhead. That's normal.