This US Army Corps of Engineers dam provides flood damage reduction along the Millers and Connecticut Rivers in the area. The 4384 acre COE reservoir area has been leased to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation recreation since 1976 for recreation and conservation purposes.
The region has a rich history, and while hiking the 50 miles of trails in the recreational area, you may come across old foundations or well sites from the farming community that thrived in the area in the early 20th century. King Phillip’s Rock is an interesting nearby site. The story goes that the Chief of the Narragansett Indians, Metacomet/King Phillip, used it to hold tribal councils and meet with settlers in the region.
The area around the lake has COE recreation areas including the Birch Hill Dam COE Site and Lake Dennison Recreation Area. Recreational opportunities supported at the recreation areas are many and include boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, picnicking, cycling, horseback riding, geocaching, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. There are many miles of multi-use trails and dirt roads in the area used for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian activities. Lake Dennison in the Corps’ Birch Hill Dam area is the location of the Lake Dennison Recreation Area, where overnight RV camping and a swimming beach are also located. Boat launches and picnic sites in the recreational areas attract visitors, and the day-use areas are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, from sunrise to sunset. Nearby state park Otter River State Forest can be visited just a short distance away on your RV trip to the region. To rent an RV and explore the Birch Hill Dam region, check out Massachusetts RV Rentals.
The recreation area is about 1.5 hours from the City of Boston, and the area can be reached using MA highway 2 W, Interstate 93 N or Interstate 90 W.
To reach the campground from the east, take Route 2 to exit 20 then turn right on Baldwinville Road and proceed to the end of the road. At the end of the road go right on Route 202 and proceed north for 3.7 miles to the second Lake Dennison sign which marks the park entrance on the left.
Approaching from the west, take Route 2 to exit 19, and head north on Route 202 for 7.5 miles to the second Lake Dennison sign at the park entrance on the left.
The roads are paved and wide enough to accommodate RV travel comfortably. Please note that some of the park roads may be flooded when the Birch Hill Dam is storing excess water. You can contact the park office to determine access road availability.
During the winter months, activities in the recreation areas attract visitors. However, snowy and icy conditions can impact the conditions of roads in the area. Be careful when traveling with an RV or tow vehicle on winter roads as travel can be especially hazardous. Winter tires or chains may be advisable for winter travel in the area.
With 151 campground sites that can be reserved online, Lake Dennison Recreation Area provides natural unserviced campsites and a peaceful lake setting. There is a boat launch nearby. However, only electric motor and non-motorized watercraft are permitted on the lake. Hiking trails from the campground connect to many more miles of trails in the forested region, and pets are allowed on the campsite and trails on a leash. Amenities at the campground include restrooms with flush toilets and showers. There is also an RV dump station at the edge of the campground.
The campground is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. A triathlon held in July at the campground is an exciting event to participate in or watch, but sites book up fast for this event. You will find a variety of pull-through and back-in sites, and each campsite has picnic tables and grills with lots of trees, cool shade, and privacy.
The Lake Dennison Recreation area has a dedicated swimming beach and lake area with lifeguards on duty during in-season months. On a hot summer day, cool off in the quiet Lake Dennison waters. No power boats are permitted on the lake, so large wakes are not an issue.
The swimming area here is part of an annual triathlon held at the park which is an exciting event to take in. There is a day-use fee for visiting the day-use area and using the swim area. Ensure you stay in an area appropriate to your swimming ability and keep children within arm's reach.
Boats with electric motors as well as kayaks and canoes are permitted on the 82 acre Lake Dennison and the 38 acre Beaver Pond. These natural water bodies provide calm water ideal for a peaceful outing on a human-powered or slow-moving electric watercraft!
There is a boat ramp near the campground that allows access to the lake for nonmotorized and electric powered watercraft. Be sure you have a life jacket for all passengers aboard your vessel. Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife along the lakeshore or try your hand at fishing in the lake.
During the wintertime, heavy snowfall in this region of Massachusetts turns hiking and biking trails into excellent snowmobiling trails. Trails are groomed, and information on routes and conditions as well as rules and responsibilities can be obtained from local snowmobile clubs. Snowmobiles should be licensed and operated with care as trails are shared during the winter with cross country skiers and snowshoers. Helmets should be worn at all times and you should be vigilant for hazards on trails such as fallen trees, exposed tree roots, and rocks.
Birdwatchers and wildlife spotters will enjoy the Birch Hill Dam recreation areas which are packed with a variety of wildlife species. The hardwood and conifer forests, streams, and lake harbor many species of birds year-round. During the fall and spring, migrating birds passing through the area add to the abundant avian population.
Deer, fox, beaver and other small mammals also frequent the recreation areas and natural forested region. You can spot wildlife from recreation areas, trails, along streams and from the lake surface. Pack a camera to capture your wildlife discoveries.
Hiking, cycling, cross country skiing, and horseback riding along the trails in the Birch Hill Dam areas are all popular pastimes. During the winter, glide along snow-covered trails on cross country skis. Autumn colors make mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking particularly beautiful. There are 50 miles of biking and hiking trails in the region and more in the surrounding wilderness areas.
Several hiking trails extend from the campground area, and trailheads are a short distance from campsites. Also, 25 miles of dirt roads are available for cyclists and equestrians.
Fishing is permitted in the lake, pond and along the streams in the Birch Hill Dam region and recreation areas. The state stocks brook trout in the spring and fall, and there is a variety of other native fish available for harvest. Anglers can fish from shore or from non-motorized or electric motor powered fishing boats on the lake and pond. A valid state fishing license for Massachusetts is required.
