Parking Close to North Brookfield/Spencer/Paxton

[dillon1vibram]

Hello,

So I work in North Brookfield, but live in Boston and have decided that once a week I am going to camp out here to save some time on the commute and indulge in my love for hiking and camping. I'm trying to find the best parking lots near the trails within 30 minutes or so of North Brookfield. Thoughts?! Anything will help! I am very new to central Massachusetts.


Thanks,

Dillon

[Pat]

Are you looking to camp on the trail or at a campground?

Wells State Park in Sturbridge is a nice campground, not really near Midstate trail though

[Pat]

Also Spencer State Forest off rt 31 in Spencer has a lot of parking, but not camping and is not far from the Midstate. It also has other trails right there.

[dillon1vibram]

I am looking to do some "primitive" camping just off the trail. I don't need an actual campsite. Just a little space off the trail to set up camp for the night. Thanks for the information Pat!

[Pat]

No problem. Another option I was thinking of is to park in the Rt 122 lot where the Midstate crosses in Rutland and if you're willing to hike in a mile south there is a nice lean-to with a fire pit. It's also possible there is parking by Long Pond and Crawford Rd not far from the Crawford Rd crossing, which would cut the hike down closer to a half mile.

Good luck!