A DCR-managed reservoir park in Ashland with a lifeguarded swim beach, bathhouse, boat ramp and a loop trail circling the 157-acre Ashland Reservoir. It shares management staff with nearby Hopkinton State Park.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot · unconfirmed
Trails
Loop trail around the reservoir, roughly 3.5-4.6 miles depending on route, easy grade but root/rock surface, unpaved
Entry fee
Daily parking fee charged in season: $8 Massachusetts-registered vehicles, $30 non-Massachusetts; no cash accepted, mobile payment via Yodel app
Dogs
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and…
Hours
10:00am-6:00pm during summer operating season
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, picnic grounds and swim beach; ramp usable for accessible fishing and boating
Swim
Allowed lifeguarded Memorial Day through Labor Day
Fishing
Allowed open season, from shore or boat
Kayak/Canoe
Allowed open season via boat ramp
Managed by
DCR, jointly staffed with Hopkinton State Park
508-435-4303 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Restroom
Bathhouse near the swim beach on the western shore
Small pavilion
capacity about 50 people, one grill, reservable · seasonal · reservation fee applies
Picnic area
tables along western shore near beach · seasonal · none
Gravel boat ramp
one-lane gravel ramp usable for trailered boats
Not here
No splash pad
no splash pad found at this park
Common questions
Is swimming allowed at Ashland State Park?
Yes, there is a DCR lifeguarded swim beach on the reservoir, staffed from mid-May through Labor Day.
Does the parking lot fill up?
Yes, the lot often reaches capacity on peak summer days, so arriving early is recommended.
Where do I park at Ashland State Park?
Paid lot ($8 MA / $30 non-MA daily in season).
Is there an entry fee at Ashland State Park?
Yes, Daily parking fee charged in season: $8 Massachusetts-registered vehicles, $30 non-Massachusetts; no cash accepted, mobile payment via Yodel app
Can I bring my dog to Ashland State Park?
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and search-dog training are excepted (302 CMR 12.13).
Is Ashland State Park wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, picnic grounds and swim beach; ramp usable for accessible fishing and boating
What rules should I know at Ashland State Park?
Lifeguards on duty only during posted summer season; swim at your own risk outside those hours. No cash accepted for parking; mobile payment only.