Buffumville Reservoir

Buffumville Reservoir is a 451-acre impoundment in Charlton, Massachusetts, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and recreation. The boat ramp on the south (dam) side of the lake provides primary access for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats. A culvert beneath Oxford Road connects the north and south sections of the reservoir, allowing paddlers to explore both the larger 265-acre northern basin and the 186-acre southern portion. The lake is well-suited for paddling with relatively calm, protected waters ideal for beginners and recreational users.

The south-side boat ramp area includes parking and serves as a year-round access point, making it convenient when the main north-side entrance is seasonally closed. A handicapped-accessible fishing dock is also available near Buffumville Beach. For additional amenities and camping, the facility offers group shelters and campsites through Recreation.gov (phone: 508-248-5697). To reach the site from I-290, take exit 7B to Oxford Center and follow brown directional signs; alternatively, from the Massachusetts Turnpike, take the Sturbridge exit and follow Route 20 to Charlton, then Route 31 north.

Overview
In 1958 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Buffumville Dam in Charlton, Massachusetts to provide flood risk management for downstream communities. Flood waters due to large amounts of rainfall or spring snow melts are stored on 480 acres of land. The lake is also managed for recreation and environmental stewardship. Buffumville offers year-round recreation and park rangers are...

Overview
In 1958 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Buffumville Dam in Charlton, Massachusetts to provide flood risk management for downstream communities. Flood waters due to large amounts of rainfall or spring snow melts are stored on 480 acres of land. The lake is also managed for recreation and environmental stewardship. Buffumville offers year-round recreation and park rangers are available to assist you during your visit. Recreation
Buffumville Lake provides excellent boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and swimming opportunities. Hikers and bikers enjoy exploring the 7.2-mile Lake Shore Trail, which begins at the beach and circles the lake. Scenic and wildlife viewing opportunities are plentiful along the trail. The Buffumville Lake Disc Golf Course has an 18 hole professional layout and a 12 hole amateur layout that wind through the scenic project lands. The hilly terrain contains a mixture of open fairways, woods and water hazards. A concrete boat launch and courtesy dock allows boat access to the lake. Both sides of the lake are accessible by a twelve foot wide culvert under Oxford Road and there are no motor horsepower restrictions on the lake. Two barrier free fishing platforms are located within the boat launch area. Dogs are allowed in project recreation areas and shall be on a leash under six feet in length.
Park rangers provide special interpretive programs on the cultural and natural environment, water resources, water safety, dam tours and flood risk management. Special use permits are available upon request for various lake events. Facilities
Buffumville Lake Park is open daily from 8am-8pm, from the 3rd Saturday in May through the 2nd Sunday in September. The park is a day use fee area containing over 50 picnic sites with tables and grills. The fee to enter the park is $5.00 per car, $2.00 walk-in, $20.00 commercial vehicles. Annual park passes are available upon request. The Corps maintains a swimming area with a 300 foot long sandy beach and castle play spot. This area also includes one picnic shelter that may be reserved for a fee, a life jacket loaner station, reservable horseshoe pit and volleyball court, and modern handicap accessible restrooms. America the Beautiful Federal Passes are sold at the ranger station. Please call 508-248-5697 to schedule an appointment.Natural Features
The property at Buffumville is comprised of a diverse array of natural plant and wildlife habitats. The scenic 200-acre lake is surrounded by mixed forests of white pine, hemlock, red maple, alder and birch trees. Fall colors are spectacular in the region. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot fox, fishers, woodchucks, coyotes, hawks, and a wide variety of songbirds and migratory waterfowl. Game fish species include largemout bass, bluegill, northern pike, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, and black crappie. Hunting is not permitted in developed areas of the park and dam site. All federal, state and local laws apply.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (508) 248-5697.
Nearby Attractions
Hodges Village Dam, West Thompson Lake CampgroundCharges & Cancellations
Fees are non-refundable. Refunds will only be authorized if shelter is in unusable condition during reservation date.

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