Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Citizens' Guide to State Services
Published by
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Citizen Information Service
Environment/Energy: Parks and Recreation
G24 Department of Conservation and Recreation
G25 MassParks
G24 Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
251 Causeway Street, Suite 900
Boston MA 02114-2104
Tel: 617-626-1250
Fax: 617-626-1351
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-conservation-recreation
E-mail: mass.parks@state.ma.us
The Department of Conservation and Recreation responsibility includes the management of the forests and parks and roadway system with over a quarter of a million acres of public land and the management of water resources, waterways, and dams. The Division of MassParks is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the state parks, pools and paths and trails for biking and hiking. Other divisions and offices include Water Supply Protection, Water Supply Protection, Office of Watershed Management, Office of Water Resources, Division of Engineering, and the Bureau of Planning, Design & Resource Protection. There are many Regional Offices, please call or visit their website.
G25 MassParks
Department of Conservation and Recreation
251 Causeway Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114-2104
Tel: 617-626-1250
Toll Free: 1-800-831-0569
TTY: 1-877-620-0833
Campground Reservations Toll Free: 1-877-I-CAMP-MA (422-6762)
Fax: 617-626-1351
www.mass.gov/visit-massachusetts-state-parks
www.mass.gov/find-dcr-rail-trails-and-other-shared-use-paths
E-mail: mass.parks@state.ma.us
There are many facilities for swimming, camping, hiking, walking and bike riding at MassParks but they also offer fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, sailing, wind surfing, rock climbing, skiing, golfing, and other recreational activities. There are opportunities for picnics, outdoor performances, areas to rent for company or family gatherings, historic sites, skating rinks, playgrounds, athletic fields, interpretive programs and much more. Telephone reservations may be made at a state park or forest, up to 120 days in advance for a seven-night stay or more, or up to 2 days in advance for a shorter stay, by calling the individual site. Call the toll free number listed above for further details. Discount passes for seniors and the handicapped are available.
