Westville Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Known for being a popular recreational area for residents and visitors alike, Westville Lake is a great place to stop by on your next RV getaway. Located just over a mile from the town of Southbridge, Westville Lake was built on the Quinebaug River by the U.S Corps of Engineers in 1960 to reduce flooding along both the Quinebaug and Thames river. Once the river was dammed, a permanent lake that covers 23 acres of surface area formed, along with the flood storage area that covers about 913 acres. Since its creation, Westville Lake has been upgraded to become a first-rate outdoor recreation facility and features some great amenities not often seen at COE parks.
One of the area's highlights is the three-acre athletic field that is home to many softball games and soccer matches during the summer months. There are also two reservable picnic areas, fishing, boating, and paddling opportunities on the permanent lake, hiking trails for you to explore, and some wildlife to spot. During the winter months, the gate to Westville Lake is closed, but you can still walk-in and go ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing. Camping of any form is not permitted at Westville Lake, but there are some RV friendly campgrounds close by, including one at Wells State Park. Other campground options include a privately run RV resort and the campground at West Thompson Lake State Park, roughly 15 miles south.
RV Rentals in Westville Lake
Transportation
Driving
Driving to and from Westville Lake is very easy as it is located just to the west of the small city of Southbridge. Many roads provide access to the lake from different directions, but the most popular way to reach it is by driving on MA-131 and exiting at Wallace Road.
If you are looking to get some supplies for your trip out to Westville Lake, there are multiple towns that you can pop into that are either close by or on the way to the lake. Some of these include Sturbridge (around two and a half miles away), Southbridge (about three miles away), and Webster (around 12.5 miles away). The closest major city to Westville Lake is Worcester, which is around 24 miles to the northeast.
Once you reach the lake, you should have no problems with any obstacles that would hinder your journey. The roads are very well maintained and don't feature any sharp turns or switchbacks.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available at Westville Lake, however during the winter months the entry gate is closed so you will have to park outside of the lake area.
Public Transportation
Unfortunately there are no public transport options that will take you to Westville Lake.
Campgrounds and parking in Westville Lake
Campsites in Westville Lake
Reservations camping
Wells State Park Campground
Located only six miles from the lake, the campground at Wells State Park is one of the best options for RV lovers wanting to stay near all of the fun that Westville Lake has on offer. Wells State Park Campground has a total of 39 RV friendly sites that are a mixture of pull-through and back-in sites. All of the campground's sites are on a gravel base and are suitable for RVs between 15 and 30 feet. There are no hookups at all within the campground, but you will have a picnic table and a fire ring available for you to enjoy. There are also comfort stations throughout the campground that feature flush toilets and hot showers. But be aware that the dump station is permanently closed.
Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and during this time generators cannot be used. Reservations are available online, or you can call the park office. Wells State Park Campground is open from mid-May to mid-October.
RV Resort Near Westville Lake
Another option for RV travelers wanting to stay close to Westville Lake is the RV resort located a few miles west. Situated on 200 acres of woodlands, the RV resort has over 50 sites for you to choose from that are a mixture of water and electric or full hookups. The campground is known for being quite tight, so it is not suited to rigs on the bigger end of the spectrum.
The roads in the campground have been reported as being quite rough, so take your time and slow down when driving to your site so that you don't damage your RV. Some of the amenities in the campground include WiFi, cable TV, swimming pool, showers, toilets, a camp store, playground, horseshoes, laundry facilities, and a dog park. Cell phone reception is known to be quite poor within the campground.
The sites at the RV resort can be reserved, however first come, first served camping is given priority. Better, then, to arrive early in the day to guarantee that you will have a site. Opening season is from mid-April to the end of October.
Seasonal activities in Westville Lake
In-Season
Boating
If you are one of the many visitors to Westville Lake hoping to be able to get out on the water than you are in luck! Two separate boat ramps will give you access to the lake and the slow-moving section of the Quinebaug River. The most popular watercraft in the area are canoes since you can paddle up the river to get some great exercise and see the wildlife of the park up close and personally. If you wish to go boating during your visit, you must bring your own watercraft as there are none available for rent.
Picnicking
Few things are better than spending a breezy summer afternoon with your friends and family at a picnic area. Westville Lake is well equipped to handle your picnic no matter how big or small thanks to the large picnic area located near the south end of the lake.
There are multiple tables and grills available for you to use on a first-come, first-served basis, plus there are also options for those with larger groups. If this is you, there are two picnic shelters that you can reserve online that have a bunch of tables, power outlets, and two large grills.
Athletic Field
A nice feature that is a rarity at a COE park is the three-acre athletic field that is perfect for enjoying the summer days. Located near the lake, the field is often used by soccer and softball teams looking to have some fun in the sun, but it is also open for all visitors to enjoy. Many people bring a ball or frisbee to the field to have some fun while they are picnicking or just enjoying the great outdoors. The field is free to use and is open on a first-come, first-served basis.
Off-Season
Interpretive Programs
If you are interested in learning more about the history of Westville Lake and the surrounding area, try attending an interpretive program during your visit. The programs are run by local park rangers, who will be able to answer any questions you may have and also educate you on some things you might not know!
Interpretive programs at Westville Lake can also include dam tours, and they are scheduled throughout the year at various times. If one is not happening during your visit, you may also be able to schedule one. For more information on interpretive programs, contact the park office.
Fishing
For those interested in trying to land the big one, you will be pleased to note that there are many fish that call the lake and the Quinebaug River home. The State of Massachusetts stocks trout in the river, making it a great fly-fishing location. Other common species caught in the lake include large-mouth bass and panfish. Before you cast a line, remember to purchase a fishing license as they are required for any fishing activity within the state.
Hiking
Whatever season you choose to visit Westville Lake, remember to pack your hiking boots or snowshoes so you can hit the trails. Three hiking paths in the area vary in length from around two miles to three-quarters of a mile. All of the trails at Westville Lake are suitable for hikers of all skill levels, and they are a great way to see some of the wildlife species that call the park home.
