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 checked Jul 22, 2026
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
Worth knowing
- The park pavilion and picnic reservations can be booked through ReserveAmerica; the pavilion holds about 50 people.
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.