Parking & Directions
Free parking, three entrances, one dam you can't drive across
Parking at Quabbin Reservoir is free in Quabbin Park and at the numbered gates. Quabbin Park's three entrances are on Route 9 between Belchertown and Ware; the main (West) entrance is at 100 Winsor Dam Road, Belchertown (DCR gives the street address as 485 Ware Road, Route 9). The only paid lots are the three boat launch areas in fishing season: $6 a car, $8 with a trailer.
The one thing to plan around: cars can't cross Winsor Dam or Goodnough Dike, so the visitor center and the rest of Quabbin Park are reached from different entrances.
Parking at a Glance
Quabbin Park: Which Entrance for What
- West (main) entrance (gate 1), 100 Winsor Dam Road: the visitor center and Administration Building lot, and Winsor Dam on foot. DCR says parking here is limited.
- Middle entrance (gate 54), about two miles east on Route 9 at the green "Quabbin Reservoir/Winsor Dam" sign: the Tower Trail and Spillway Trail lot just inside, then the park road to the Quabbin Tower lot, Enfield Lookout and Hanks Meadow.
- East entrance (gate 51): the East Gate Trail lot on Route 9 and the road up to the Goodnough Dike parking area.
To avoid crowding, DCR suggests the Middle or East entrance and parking at Goodnough Dike, Hanks Meadow or the Quabbin Tower. At smaller trailheads such as Bald Mountain Hill, parking is limited: don't block the gate or the road.
Vehicle hours are posted and change through the year; the gates are locked overnight. See hours.
Parking at the Numbered Gates
Around the reservoir, you park at the roadside by a numbered gate and walk in. Parking is free. Never park in front of a gate: DCR tows vehicles that block them. The Gate 30 parking area on Route 122 in New Salem has been closed since July 10, 2021; DCR suggests Gate 29 on Route 202 instead. See gates for which ones to use.
Boat Launch Area Parking
- Area 1, Gate 8: Pelham, off Route 202, 4½ miles north of the intersection with Route 9. GPS 42.3504, -72.4004.
- Area 2, Gate 31: New Salem, off Route 122, just south of the intersection with Route 202. GPS 42.5236, -72.2874.
- Area 3, Gate 43: Hardwick, off Greenwich Road, west of Route 32A. GPS 42.3736, -72.2340.
In fishing season these lots charge $6 a car or $8 with a trailer, including the launch, and the fee applies to shore anglers parking there too. The $50 season pass is sold online only. Seniors 62+ and placard holders pay half. Card only.
Other Places People Drive To
- Quabbin Park Cemetery: Route 9, Ware, about 2.5 miles east of the main entrance (GPS 42.281794, -72.308542).
- Dana Common: Gate 40 on the west side of Route 32A in Petersham, about 3 miles south of Route 122.
- Soapstone Mountain hike: Gate 37, via Monson Turnpike Road off Route 122 in New Salem. See the hiking guide.
Leave the Dog at Home
DCR doesn't allow dogs anywhere on its Quabbin lands, and that includes dogs waiting in parked cars. Plan your day without them.
Parking FAQ
Is parking free at Quabbin Reservoir?
Yes, in Quabbin Park and at the numbered gates. The three boat launch areas charge $6 a car ($8 with a trailer) during fishing season.
What address do I use for Quabbin Reservoir?
100 Winsor Dam Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007, for the main entrance and visitor center. DCR also gives the street address as 485 Ware Road (Route 9).
Where should I park at Quabbin Park on a busy day?
DCR suggests the Middle or East entrance on Route 9 and parking at Goodnough Dike, Hanks Meadow or the Quabbin Tower, since the main entrance lot is limited.
Can I drive from the Quabbin Visitor Center to Enfield Lookout?
Not directly. Cars can't cross Winsor Dam, so go back out to Route 9 and enter at the Middle entrance.