Harold Parker State Forest

State: Massachusetts

Address 1: 133 Jenkins Road

City: Andover

Zip: 01810

Phone: (978)475-7972

Open: Late May to early September

Number of Sites: 89

Camp URL: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/harp.htm

Full Hook: Yes

Harold Parker State Forest, which lies in Andover, North Andover, North Reading and Middleton, comprises just over 3,000 acres of Central Hardwood-Hemlock-White Pine type of forest. The forest is twenty miles north of Boston and within one hour’s drive of three million people. Recreational opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, camping and picnicking. The forest has over 35 miles of logging roads and trails and offers quiet seclusion to off-road hikers and bikers. Non-motorized boating is allowed on any of the 11 ponds. No horse, boat or bike rentals are available at the facility.

Lorraine Park Campground, located about 2 miles from the Headquarters on Jenkins Rd., contains 89 sizeable campsites that are spread out sufficiently to provide a real “forest” camping experience. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a grill, and although no electric or water hookups are available, the bathrooms do have hot water showers. Camping is offered late May to early September; office hours are from 9am-9pm.