Quabbin FAQ
Straight answers to the most-asked questions
Quick answers to the questions people ask most about the Quabbin Reservoir. Each one links to the page with the details and sources. For anything that changes day to day (gate times, boat availability, closures), call the Quabbin Visitor Center at (413) 323-7221.
More Answers by Topic
- Dogs, swimming, camping, drones: rules and regulations.
- Season, license, fish: fishing guide; boats: boat rentals.
- Quabbin Park, Enfield Lookout, Winsor Dam, Quabbin Tower.
- Quabbin history and the lost towns.
- Hours and parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Quabbin Reservoir?
In central Massachusetts, in the Swift River Valley. The main public area, Quabbin Park, is on Route 9 between Belchertown and Ware; the GPS address is 100 Winsor Dam Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007.
How big is the Quabbin Reservoir?
It covers 39 square miles, is 18 miles long, has 181 miles of shoreline and about 60 islands, and holds 412 billion gallons when full.
Who gets water from the Quabbin?
About 2.7 million people in 53 Massachusetts communities, mostly in Greater Boston, through the MWRA. DCR manages the reservoir and its watershed.
Is Quabbin Reservoir free to visit?
Yes. Entry and parking are free in Quabbin Park and at the gates. Only the three boat launch areas charge, $6 per car in fishing season.
Can you swim in Quabbin Reservoir?
No. Swimming and wading are prohibited because it is an unfiltered drinking water supply.
Are dogs allowed at Quabbin?
No. Dogs are not allowed anywhere on DCR's Quabbin lands, including Quabbin Park, the gates and the cemetery, and not in parked cars. Service animals are allowed.
Can you kayak or canoe on the Quabbin?
No private canoes or kayaks are allowed. DCR rents fishing boats only, and had no canoe or kayak rentals in 2026.
How much is a boat rental at Quabbin?
$40 a day for a boat and motor, $14 for a boat only, first come, first served, with a fishing license and tackle. Seniors pay half.
When is Quabbin fishing season?
From the third Saturday in April to the third Saturday in October for boats; shore fishing continues to December 31. A one-day Quabbin license is $5.
Can you ice fish at Quabbin?
Not on the reservoir. Only three off-watershed ponds (South Spectacle, Bassett and Peppers Mill) allow ice fishing.
What towns are under the Quabbin Reservoir?
Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott, disincorporated on April 28, 1938. Enfield's center is under the water; Dana Common is on land and can be walked to from Gate 40.
When was Quabbin Reservoir built?
Construction began in the 1930s and filling started in 1939; it was full in 1946.
Where is the best view of Quabbin?
In Quabbin Park, Enfield Lookout, which DCR calls the best view of the reservoir in the park. For a hike, DCR calls the summit of Soapstone Mountain (Gate 37) one of the best views of the reservoir.
Is the Quabbin Tower open?
No, it has been closed since 2020 for structural problems. The hilltop and view from its base are open.
Can you camp at Quabbin?
No. Camping, fires and grills are prohibited. DCR points campers to state parks and private campgrounds nearby.
Can you bike at Quabbin?
Yes, on designated roads in Quabbin Park, between Gates 29 and 35, and at Gates 40, 43A, 43B and 44, plus Gate 8 in fishing season. Gate 30 has been closed since 2021. Not on trails.
Are there bald eagles at Quabbin?
Yes. DCR says Quabbin is one of the few places in Massachusetts where bald eagles and common loons consistently nest. Boats must keep 500 feet from loons.
What are the Quabbin Visitor Center hours?
8:30 am–4:30 pm, Thursday through Tuesday (closed Wednesdays); closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Can you fly a drone at Quabbin?
No, not without written permission from DCR.
Is Quabbin Park open in winter?
Yes, for walking and snowshoeing in daylight, with posted vehicle hours. It closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and during its deer hunt (December 2–3 in 2026).