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TULLY LAKE RECREATION AREA (MA)

Athol, Massachusetts · Worcester County · Campground

Overview The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to come relax at Tully Lake. There are a variety of outdoor recreation activities for you and you family. Although the dam was built primarily to reduce flood damages on the Millers and Connecticut Rivers, the 1,300-acre reservoir area provides a place for you to ge…

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About TULLY LAKE RECREATION AREA (MA)

Overview The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to come relax at Tully Lake. There are a variety of outdoor recreation activities for you and you family. Although the dam was built primarily to reduce flood damages on the Millers and Connecticut Rivers, the 1,300-acre reservoir area provides a place for you to get away from it all and connect with nature.Recreation Tully Lake offers many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Activities in and around the lake include mountain biking, camping, disc golf, hiking, picnicking, boating, and fishing and hunting in the appropriate seasons.Facilities The Tully Lake Pavilion is located in the recreation area and offers picnic tables and grills. Maximum group size is 50 people with parking for 25 passenger vehicles at the upper gravel lot. The recreation area has a small playground for young children, volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. Bathrooms are provided, but there is no running water.Natural Features The 1,262-acre Tully Lake property is managed to sustain a healthy ecosystem for future generations. The thriving biodiversity of the Tully River Valley and the interconnections of our forests, wetlands, waters, and wildlife are valued and managed for the long term. Tully Lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from tiny insects and song birds, to large mammals such as deer and moose. Fifty-five percent of the reservoir area is wetlands, providing habitat for fish, waterfowl, song birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as beaver, mink and otter. The rest of the property provides habitat for upland species such as deer, coyote, fisher, owl, fox, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, rabbit, and squirrel. The forest within Tully Dam's reservoir area is composed primarily of white pine, providing habitat for owls and woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks, and white-tailed deer. Nearby Attractions When visiting Tully Lake there are several opportunities for visitors to explore in the surrounding area. At the north end o

How to Get There

Tully Lake is located in north central Massachusetts, about 1.5 hours west of Boston. In Massachusetts, take exit 17 on Route 2, and follow Route 32 north approximately 6 miles through Athol and into Royalston. From New Hampshire, follow Route 32 south about 8 miles from the intersection of Route 119 in Richmond. Route 32 goes over Tully Dam and provides direct access to the lake.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to TULLY LAKE RECREATION AREA (MA)

Heading to TULLY LAKE RECREATION AREA (MA)? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for TULLY LAKE RECREATION AREA (MA)?

No central reservation system listed for TULLY LAKE RECREATION AREA (MA). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251564) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to TULLY LAKE RECREATION AREA (MA)?

Tully Lake is located in north central Massachusetts, about 1.5 hours west of Boston. In Massachusetts, take exit 17 on Route 2, and follow Route 32 north approximately 6 miles through Athol and into Royalston. From New Hampshire, follow Route 32 south about 8 miles from the intersection of Route 119 in Richmond. Route 32 goes over Tully Dam and provides direct access to the lake.

How do I contact TULLY LAKE RECREATION AREA (MA)?

You can reach the park at phone: 978-249-9150 or email: william.c.mehr@usace.army.mil.