Rules & Regulations

Harold Parker State Forest is open sunrise to sunset, alcohol is not allowed, and DCR asks you to carry out everything you bring in. Dogs must be leashed in parking areas, the campground and the recreation areas, but may be off-leash under control on the forest's trails. Swim only at the Berry Pond and Frye Pond beaches, keep boats non-motorized, and expect hunters on the trails in fall.

General Rules

• Hours: sunrise to sunset. Only registered campers stay overnight.
• Alcohol: not allowed. DCR lists it as a restriction for this forest.
• Litter: no littering. DCR asks you to carry in and carry out all trash.
• Stay on designated trails and follow blazes and signs. DCR notes that some trails may not be well marked or shown on its map.
• Groups: DCR asks hiking and riding groups to stay at 12 people or fewer.
• Parking: in designated areas only; display a pass in marked lots during the fee season. See parking.

Trail Sharing

The Friends of Harold Parker point out that every marked trail in the forest is multi-use. Expect horses, walkers with and without dogs, runners and mountain bikers on the same paths. Everyone yields to horses. Riders 16 and under must wear a bicycle helmet, which is state law. More on mountain biking and horseback riding.

Dogs

DCR lists Harold Parker among the properties where dogs may go off-leash, on trails not in the recreational area or campgrounds. Everywhere else, including every parking area, dogs stay on a leash no longer than 10 feet. DCR limits each person to four dogs, requires a collar with license and rabies tags, and requires you to pick up and carry out waste. Full details on dogs.

Swimming and Boating

Swimming is allowed only in DCR's designated areas: the Berry Pond Day-Use Beach and the Frye Pond Campers Beach. In 2026 both were open May 23 to September 7 and unguarded. Boats must be non-motorized. A life jacket must be worn by boaters 12 and under, and by every canoeist and kayaker from September 15 to May 15. State law also requires cleaning boats and gear to stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species.

Hunting and Safety in Fall

Harold Parker is open to hunting in season. DCR's rules for state forests:

• No hunting within 500 feet of any DCR picnic area, camping area, residence, service building, parking lot, camping structure or designated swimming area.
• No firearm discharge within 500 feet of a campsite.
• No permanent tree stands; a temporary stand may stay up no more than 30 days.
• Hunting hours generally run from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

MassWildlife does not allow hunting on Sundays. DCR asks everyone on the trails in hunting season to wear blaze orange. Season dates are on hunting.

Fishing

Anglers 15 and older need a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license. See fishing.

Campground Rules

Campground rules are set by DCR and its reservation system; check them when you book. See camping.

Report a Problem

Call the park headquarters at (978) 686-3391 or the seasonal station at (978) 475-7972. In an emergency call 911.