A paddler's paradise, the Charles River in Massachusetts offers over 80 miles of winding water to explore. The natural area that surrounds it is full of wildlife and hiking options. Extending inland from Boston Harbor, the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Areas are owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers with the purpose of using the natural surroundings as flood protection. The source of the river is Echo Lake and it runs all the way to Boston Harbor.
The Army Corps of Engineers realized the importance of the lands surrounding the river as a method of flood control once the area started to become more populated. The solution was to purchase as much land in this area as possible to prevent development. The area is left in its existing state since the area provides sponge-like storage of the floodwaters naturally. The result is a wonderful area with recreation opportunities that should remain preserved for generations. There are tons of different access points to the river within parks, recreation areas, and the surrounding towns.
There are no COE campgrounds along the Charles River or within the Natural Valley Storage Area so campers will need to look elsewhere for accommodation. Luckily, this scenic New England river is close to both Boston Harbor Islands State Park and the Harold Parker State Forest where there are both tent camping and RV camping options. This is a truly beautiful area to explore on your next road trip.
Generally speaking, the public use areas of the Charles River can be reached of major interstates like the I-495, I-95, and I-90. The Millis/Medfield Marshlands are easily accessible in a large RV or motorhome along the paved roads of Route 109 and 27. Public use areas can be reached off of I-90, I-95, and I-495. The river can also be accessed via route 115 and 16 without trouble.
This area of New England can experience harsh winters with storm conditions, snow, and ice. Check weather forecasts and make sure you are prepared for inclement weather in case it occurs on your journey.
As you get closer to the Boston area, options for parking decrease. It may be best to make other arrangements if you are planning to drive into the city.
Most sections of the Charles River and the Natural Valley Storage Areas are inaccessible by public transportation. If you are visiting areas of the river closer to Boston, such as the Charles River esplanade, with a little walking, you can also use the Boston Subway System. Taking the D train to Government Center is the closest stop to the Esplanade.
Since there are no COE campgrounds within the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Areas, a good option is to travel to Harold Parker State Forest. Depending on where you are on the river, this state park and campground can be reached in under an hour and is about 20 miles north of Boston.
The Lorraine Park Campground at the Harold Parker State Forest offers over 80 campsites that can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet. The area is pet friendly and some sites have electric hookups. The sites here are shaded among pine trees and campers have access to restrooms and showers. you can't beat this secluded location for RV camping combines with the close proximity to Boston and the Charles River.
Another option for camping near the Charles River is at Boston Harbor Island State Park. The campsites here are found on various islands in the harbor that are reached by ferry. There are no options for RV camping at Boston Harbor Islands so you will need to park your vehicle and prepare for tent camping only.
You'll find a total of 33 campsites for tents at Grape, Lovells, Bumpkin, and Peddocks Island. Drinking water access is limited and can be found only at Peddocks Island so remember to bring your own if you are planning to stay somewhere else.
The scenery here is beautiful and the island locations offer the chance to be in the wilderness, while only a short ferry ride from Boston. The campsites can be reserved and most of the campgrounds have composting toilets. Individual sites have both picnic tables and grills for your convenience.
Sometimes it's hard to find fun outdoor activities in the winter but that won't be a problem at Charles River. A popular snow sport here is cross-country skiing.
Check of the Weston Ski Track for a beginner-friendly trail that will take you along the Charles River and winds through the trees. There are more than nine miles of natural trails waiting to be explored. The terrain is generally flat, with a few mild inclines and even the occasional downhill slope for a little excitement. The same trails can also be used for snowshoeing.
There are too many hiking trails along the Charles River to mention them all by name. Closer to Boston, check out the Charles River Walkway. It's part of the Charles River Greenway and is an 8.8-mile out-and-back trail located near Watertown. The trail is easy, paved, and is often used by bikes as well.
Whichever path you choose, the fall is the ideal time to navigate the trails. The famous New England fall foliage can be seen in all the river's surroundings. The red maples are usually the highlight with their vibrant crimson color.
The over 80 miles of riverbank along the Charles River have many great picnic locations - both in designated and non-designated areas.
You can head to the Charles River Esplanade, located on the south bank for some excellent picnicking opportunities. The esplanade is in Boston so after a picnic lunch, you can easily venture into the city for some sightseeing.
There are picnic areas in most of the official parks and recreation areas that lie on the river banks but you can always find a little patch along the river for yourself and your picnic. Spread out a blanket and you'll have peace and quiet and a stunning river view.
One of the main reasons visitors travel to the Charles River is to spend time on the water. Canoes and kayaks are permitted along the entire 80 mile continuous stretch of the river's water.
The ideal time to paddle is in the summer when water levels are high. If you are visiting when water levels are lower, you can still have an amazing trip; you may just need to get out and pull your canoe or kayak over shallow, muddy, or dry sections.
The river has gone through a significant cleanup and although swimming is not necessarily recommended, people do it. So, if during the course of your paddling you happen to fall in, not to worry, you'll be fine.
While you are driving or walking along the Charles River and through the Natural Valley Storage Areas, expect to see plenty of birds and other wildlife. Ducks are a common sight along with Canada geese, black-crowned night herons, orioles, and even bald eagles.
You'll find turtles sunbathing on rocks in the river and on its banks. If you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of a pair of North American river otters splashing and playing in the calm water. Keep your camera handy.
Although no longer the case, the river's reputation from the early part of the century of being dirty and polluted has allowed it to evolve into an untapped resource for anglers. Now considered one of the cleanest urban waterways in the country, the Charles River is a great spot to catch fish like bass, carp, yellow perch, crappie, and catfish. The river is home to more than 25 species of fish.
Your best option for largemouth bass is on a boat in the Charles River Basin. From the shores, you are more likely to catch crappie, carp, and catfish. Make sure to have the necessary permit and respect all signs and regulations.
