Surrounded by untouched nature and featuring year-round recreational activities, Conant Brook Dam is a fantastic day trip location for RV travelers in southern Massachusetts. Located near the town of Monson, construction started at Conant Brook Dam in 1964 by the U.S Army Corps Engineers to reduce flooding along the Quaboag, Chicopee, and Connecticut rivers. The flood storage area of Conant Brook Dam is 158 acres, and it can store up to 1.3 billion gallons of water for flood control. Including the lake and surrounding land, Conant Brook Dam features 456 acres that are solely managed by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers. The lands include forested areas, rolling hills, and diverse wetland. Many animals call the area home, with common species such as deer, turkey, and rabbit often seen in the area. Due to the dam not being accessible for recreational activities, the areas around it are the most popular with visitors. There are around five miles of trails for you to explore, warm waterways to fish, and many beautiful areas for you to take photographs of. Pack a picnic blanket and enjoy the simple things in life during your visit. Hunting is also permitted at Conant Brook Dam, and during the wintertime, the trails transform into a great cross country skiing and snowshoeing destination. While there are no RV friendly campgrounds at Conant Brook Dam, there are some options nearby. You can camp at one of many private campgrounds near the dam, or head to Wells State Park (which is around 20 miles northeast). Whether you are renting a rig, hauling your own, on your first or three hundredth RV getaway, Conant Brook Dam is well worth the visit.
Driving to and from Conant Brook Dam should be a breeze thanks to its location in southern Massachusetts. The lake is accessible from many roads, including Wales Road from the north and Blanchard Road from the south. If you are looking to stop in for some supplies and amenities before your visit to the dam you have many options, including Monson (around three miles away), Wales (around five and a half miles away), and Brimfield (about eight and a half miles away). The closest city to Conant Brook Dam is Springfield, which can be found around 18 miles to the west.
The roads through the park are very well maintained and are all paved. When driving to the dam, you should have no problems with your RV, and there shouldn't be any obstacles that will hinder your journey. If you are planning on visiting the dam during the wintertime, you will have to deal with snow. We recommend that if you are traveling during this time, you should call ahead and confirm that the roads will be open.
There are three separate parking areas available for use by visitors to Conant Brook Dam. All of the parking areas are located on the west side of the dam.
For those wanting to camp as close as possible to Conant Brook Dam, there is a private family-friendly campground located less than five miles to the north. Founded in 1970, the campground is known for having large sites that are reasonably level, wooded, and kept in good condition.
There are 200 sites at the campground for you to choose from that vary from being water and electric only to full hookup sites. Thanks to the sites being pull-through, they are also suitable for big rigs, and when you arrive at the campground, you are guided to your site by a staff member. Amenities are plentiful, and there are things to do for people of all ages. Some of these include WiFi, over the air TV, video and game room, a swimming pool, and a fishing pond. You'll also find a camp store, a basketball court, a playground, hot showers, laundry facilities, and toilets.
While reservations are not a must, they are recommended so that you can secure a place to stay in advance of your trip. They can be made online, or you could call the park office. The campground is open from April until October each and every year.
Another RV friendly camping option that you should consider is at Wells State Park. The park is located around 20 miles to the northeast of the dam and is well equipped with excellent amenities that will help you feel right at home. Wells State Park Campground has 39 RV friendly sites at the campground available in a mixture of pull-through and back-in access. All of the sites are gravel based and are suitable for RVs between 15 and 30 feet. There are no hookups on any of the sites, but each space does come equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. You'll also be able to use comfort stations with flush toilets and hot showers as they are located throughout the campground.
Pets are allowed at Wells State Park Campground, but you must show proof of current rabies vaccination upon check-in. Reservations are always recommended since the campground can get busy. Wells State Park Campground is open from mid-May to mid-October.
Fishing has been one of the most in-demand activities in the Conant Brook Dam area for years thanks to the warm water streams that you can throw a lure into. The main fish targeted in the waters near the dam are brook trout as they are in abundance. If you are interested in fishing at Conant Brook Dam, remember to pack your rod, tackle, and net as there are no fishing gear rentals available.
Held in the nearby town of Monson, Summerfest is the annual Fourth of July celebration within the local area. Held each year since the 1980s, the festival exists for local non-profit entities to raise some much-needed money for their chosen activities. The event features some fun activities, including booths, bands, rides, and even a parade! For more information on Summerfest, you can check out the official City of Monson website.
Suitable for photography all year round, Conant Brook Dam is a great place to take a few snaps. The fall months can be especially striking, when the leaves on the large trees start to turn and drop to the ground. The Conant Brook Reservoir Trail is the place to go if you are looking to capture scenic views as there are many great spots for you to stop along the way and get your camera out for.
There are no public transport options that will take you to Conant Brook Dam.
Once the snow starts to fall at Conant Brook Dam, the area turns into a winter wonderland full of fun activities for you to enjoy. Two of the more popular winter recreational opportunities are cross country skiing and snowshoeing, both of which take place on the trails around the lake. If you don't have any equipment but still want to check out the snow, try building a classic snowman or have a fun snowball fight with your family and friends.
If you are looking for more hiking to do whilst you are in the area you really need to check out Peaked Mountain. Located in Monsoon, Peaked Mountain is a dog-friendly hike that takes you through a former working forest. The trail has some rocky and steep parts that eventually lead you to the summit. Featuring panoramic views of the area and a register to sign in, Peaked Mountain worth the climb to the top.
Remember to bring your hiking boots as one of the most popular activities for visitors to Conant Brook Dam is to get out on the trails. There are over five miles of marked trails waiting for you to explore, including the Conant Brook Reservoir Trail. This loop offers the chance to see some fantastic views, including a thickly forested area that you walk through and a swamp. The trail is usually not very busy at all so you can take in nature without any bustling crowds.
