A 200-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood-control reservoir on the Charlton/Oxford line, built in 1958. The Corps runs a day-use recreation area on the north basin with a 300-foot sand beach, and a separate concrete boat ramp on the south basin off Oxford Road, plus a 7.2-mile shoreline trail and a disc golf course.
What to expect
Swim
Allowed third Saturday in May through second Sunday in September
Kayak/Canoe/Sup
Allowed year-round, ice permitting
Fishing
Allowed per MA freshwater fishing regs; barrier-free platforms at the boat launch
Disc Golf
Allowed year-round
Managed by
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffumville Lake
(508) 248-5697 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Restroom
Beach comfort station
Picnic area
Picnic tables and grills throughout the day-use area.
Shelter
Two picnic shelters, reservable in advance through Recreation.gov for a fee.
Dock
Courtesy dock at the boat launch.
Info kiosk
Life-jacket loaner station at the beach.
Not here
No fuel
No fuel sold on site.
Common questions
Is Buffumville Lake open today?
Buffumville Lake is a public lake in Charlton, MA. There is no live closure feed for lakes; the town's site is the authority for temporary closures.
Yes, at the supervised 300-foot sand beach on the north basin during the posted May-to-September season.
Are motors allowed, and what restrictions apply?
Power boats are limited to 10 mph; jet skis, water-skiing, and tubing aren't allowed, which keeps it a quiet lake for paddling and fishing.
Can I camp here overnight?
Not in the main day-use park. The lake's Big Island has boat-access-only primitive camping by paid reservation for up to 12 people, running from the first Friday in May through the third Thursday in September.
Where do I park at Buffumville Lake?
Paid lot ($5/car, $2 walk-in, $20 commercial).
Is there an entry fee at Buffumville Lake?
No, entry is free.
What rules should I know at Buffumville Lake?
Jet skis, water-skiing, and tubing are not permitted on the lake.