Rules & Regulations

Massasoit State Park follows DCR's rules for Massachusetts state parks. The main ones: the park is open sunrise to sunset; alcohol and off-road vehicles are not allowed; stay on marked trails; dogs stay on a leash of 10 feet or less; boats on Lake Rico and Big Bearhole Pond must be non-motorized; only campers may swim, at Middle Pond; and firewood may not be brought into or taken out of the campground.

Park Hours

DCR lists Massasoit's hours as sunrise to sunset. Only registered campers stay overnight. See hours and fees.

Alcohol

DCR lists "no alcohol" among Massasoit's restrictions. That applies to the day-use areas, the trails and the campground.

Trails

DCR's trail use guidelines for Massasoit:

• Stay on designated trails and roads.
• Respect private property at the park's edges.
• Carry in, carry out.
• Observe all posted rules and signs.
• No off-road vehicles: dirt bikes and ATVs are prohibited.
• Be aware of other trail users: hikers, cyclists and horses share the trails.
• Dogs on leash at all times.

DCR also asks groups to keep to 12 people or fewer, and requires helmets for cyclists 16 and under under state law. See hiking and mountain biking.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome on a leash no longer than 10 feet, at most four per person, with license and rabies tags. They are not allowed on the playground, in DCR buildings or restrooms, or in designated swimming areas from May 1 to September 15. Pick up after them. Full details: dogs at Massasoit.

Boating

Lake Rico and Big Bearhole Pond are open to canoes, kayaks and other cartop boats only; no motors. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket in any boat, and every canoeist and kayaker must wear one from September 15 to May 15. Clean all boats and gear before and after; spreading aquatic plants is against the law. See kayaking.

Swimming

The only swim area is the unguarded Middle Pond waterfront, reserved for registered campers. Stay inside the roped area. See swimming.

Fishing and Hunting

Anglers 15 and older need a Massachusetts fishing license and must follow MassWildlife's limits (see fishing). Hunting is a listed activity in the park in season; DCR asks visitors to wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.

Camping

• Reserve through ReserveAmerica; walk-in registration is not permitted.
• Pets need valid rabies paperwork at check-in.
• Massachusetts prohibits moving firewood into or out of any DCR campground; buy it at the park.
• Check out at the contact station if you leave early.

See camping.

Protecting the Park

Some of the park's shores and small bogs hold rare plants that cannot survive trampling, and DCR's plan flags geocaches placed in wetlands. Stay on trails, launch boats only at the official launches, and keep geocaches out of wet and sensitive areas.

Who to Call

For park questions, call the main office at (508) 828-4231 or the contact station at (508) 822-7405. In an emergency, call 911.