West Hill Dam
RV Guide
Introduction
Near Uxbridge, Massachusetts, the West Hill Dam was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers and completed in 1960. The dam is located on the West River which travels through pristine forests of red oak and white pine. It originates in Grafton at Cider Mill Pond and Silver Lake near the Upton State Forest. A unique feature of West Hill Dam is that it is only filled when there is a flood. The main function of the dam, other than to create an area for recreation, is to protect the surrounding Blackstone Valley from flooding.
There are multiple activities to keep everyone busy during your visit to West Hill Dam and Park. The park is open year-round and even if you arrive outside the posted hours and the gate is closed, you can walk right in for a little fun. The whole family can fish, hike, picnic, and swim without leaving West Hill Park.
Outside the park, about one mile away, you'll find the historic Blackstone Canal which links Worcester, MA to Providence, RI. The entire area surrounding the park is rich in history. The corridor which connects the cities of Worcester and Providence, called the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.
There are no camping options of any kind available at West Hill Dam. You can find accommodations at nearby West Thompson Lake, about 20 miles away in Connecticut. When driving from the dam to the campground you can add an easy stop to your journey and visit Douglas State Forest. In fact, to drive between the two, you literally pass right through it. At a stretch and for a change of pace, you could also do some sightseeing in Boston, which is under 50 miles to the northeast.
RV Rentals in West Hill Dam
Transportation
Driving
Getting to and from West Hill Dam is relatively easy. Roads are paved, well-maintained, and wide enough for larger vehicles. The area around the dam is densely forested so watch out for low hanging branches and road debris.
In the winter, this area sees snow and ice so the necessary precautions should be taken. Check weather forecasts and call ahead for road closures.
Parking
Parking for larger rigs is available throughout the dam site and park.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in West Hill Dam
Campsites in West Hill Dam
Reservations camping
West Thompson Lake Campground
There is no COE campground at West Hill Dam but you can find RV and trailer campsites at nearby West Thompson Lake which is also managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This campground can fit rigs up to 40 feet in length and offers both water and electric hookups at about half of the 24 campsites.
Reservations can be made online and the pet-friendly sites will allow a maximum of six people. Each site has its own picnic table and fire ring and there are options for both shade and sun. The campground is open from mid-May to mid-September every year.
There are enough amenities here to make this campground desirable. They have flush toilets and showers as well as a dump station. For entertainment, there is a playground, basketball court, amphitheater, and access to nearby hiking trails. You can also easily enjoy all the recreation opportunities at West Thompson Lake, just a short walk away.
Seasonal activities in West Hill Dam
Off-Season
Fishing
The waters around West Hill Dam are an angler's wonderland. With the proper license from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, you can be catching bass, pickerel, catfish, and trout in no time.
Your best bet to catch horned pout, catfish, bass, and pickerel is in the pools. Trout, which is stocked by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is best caught in the main river. Paddle out or try your luck from the shore of the river, the choice is yours.
Bird Watching
Some of the best birding in Worcester county is at West Hill Dam. For the most diversity, visit the COE park during the spring and fall migrations. Up to 200 different species of birds are spotted here each year.
Take pictures of the various wading birds and waterfowl that rest along the river or catch a glimpse of a heron canvassing the streamside for food. Watch for hawks flying overhead or perched on high branches.
In the winter, sparrows, juncos, chickadees, cedar waxwings, and golden-crowned kings can be seen in flocks against the snowy white backdrop. Early-nesting owls give their locations away with haunting hoots so you might be able to spot those too.
In-Season
Hiking
One of the nice things about the hiking options at West Hill Park is that there are a variety of trails that are suitable for most hikers. For a short trip, head to the West Hill Dam Trail. It's about half a mile long and accessed directly from the parking lot. This self-guided nature trail loops down to the West River and back through the woods.
Another option is the longer West Hill Park Loop Trail. Considered a moderate trail due to its length and elevation gain of 242 feet, this 4.4-mile loop is a great place to spot wildlife and luxuriate in the quiet forest. Watch out for signs of closed areas due to possible ongoing disputes with adjacent landowners.
Picnicking
The open areas and picturesque forests make West Hill Dam a wonderful spot for a picnic. This activity is so popular that the Army Corps of Engineers have created various locations and structures for visitors to use.
There are grills and picnic tables in two areas of the park. Try the one by the beach when you plan to swim or the one under a grove of pine trees when you're looking for more peace and quiet. There are restrooms nearby.
On a wooded knoll in West Hill Park, you are able to reserve two picnic shelters with electricity. One has ten tables that can seat about 100 people and the other, with four tables, can seat around 30. Reservations for these shelters must be made in person at the park and are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Swimming
In the summer, it's common for the two sandy beaches at West Hill Park to be busy. Most of the swimming here takes place at Harrington Pool. The name was coined by locals and is where the West River widens and forms a big, natural swimming area.
For convenience, there are restrooms nearby as well as a change house within the park. Swimming here is unsupervised, so please use caution and obey all posted rules and regulations.
Wildlife Viewing
While exploring the West Hill Dam and its surrounding area, you are bound to run into different kinds of wildlife. The diverse habitat of this COE park encourages a slew of animals in the wetlands, streams, woods, and fields of this magnificent stretch of wilderness.
Be prepared to encounter small animals like rabbits, raccoons, and mice. In the woods, you may run into coyote, red fox or deer. When visiting the streams and wetland areas, you are more likely to see box turtles, spring peepers, and fish. Make sure you bring your binoculars and camera so you don't miss out on anything.
