Within Park
- Accessible
- Accessible Bathroom
- Accessible Beaches
- Accessible Parking
- Baseball/Softball Field
- Bicycle Riding
- Charcoal Grills
- Comfort Station
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Leashed Pets Allowed
- Picnic Tables
- Playground
- Scenic Viewing Area
- Swimming - Beach
Attention: Great News!! Reservations are live for pavilions, picnic areas, and meetings room. After making the reservation, be sure to inform guests that they must arrive early to ensure entry to the park. All vehicles are subject to paying the parking fees, that may be in effect, upon entry. The facility rental fee does not include parking fees.
IMPORTANT : Walk-in Registrations are not permitted. Advance Reservations can be made same day up until 2 pm on date of arrival.
Houghton's Pond Recreation Area, MA
The Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to spend the day and enjoy the calm, clear waters of Houghton's Pond in the scenic Blue Hills Reservation. Offering 7,000 acres of open space, the Blue Hills Reservation is a green oasis in an urban ...
Book a Campsite at Houghton's Pond Recreation Area, MA
Find your spot/-71.0959583,42.2087611,8,0/280x280?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiYXNwaXJhLW1hcHMiLCJhIjoiY2tlYmxiaWt3MDMwcTJ5cDN5bGwzZTUwNCJ9.IK2OEvl3EWmVLXYD9Rnedw "Find other facilities on map")
3 site(s) found
ALL (3)
3 site(s) found
ALL (3)
** Currently the State does not permit same day reservations and they do not permit walk-ins at the Park.
Overview
Description
The Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to spend the day and enjoy the calm, clear waters of Houghton's Pond in the scenic Blue Hills Reservation. Offering 7,000 acres of open space, the Blue Hills Reservation is a green oasis in an urban environment.
Geography:
Twenty-four acres in size and up to 42 feet in depth, Houghton's Pond is a spring-fed kettle hole pond formed by receding glaciers approximately 10,000 years ago. The Massachusett Indians fished the pond and hunted the surrounding lands. From the colonial period through the late 1800's, several generations of the Houghton family farmed the area.
Facilities:
Today, the Houghton's Pond Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, picnicking, and hiking as well as a playground, concession pavilion, and Visitor's Center. Restrooms and a first aid station are open during the summer at the bathhouse. Payphones are located by the main gate. You are welcome to bring your own propane grill for grilling. NO CHARCOAL OR OPEN FLAMES PERMITTED.
Booking Window
Thu May 16 2024 - Wed Jan 15 2025
Reservations can be made up to 8 Month(s) prior to your arrival date.
Services and Amenities
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
42.20876, -71.09596
42°12'32"N, 71°5'45"W
By car-- From Route 93, take exit 3 (Houghton's Pond, Ponkapoag Trail exit) from Rte. 93. Follow the signs to Houghton's Pond.
By public transportation-- MBTA: The Great Blue Hill and Houghton's Pond sections are accessible from the Red Line's Ashmont Station. From Ashmont, take the trolley to Mattapan. The Canton and Blue Hills bus services the Trailside Museum and Great Blue Hill on Route 138. For the Houghton's Pond area, exit the bus at Blue Hill River Road. Cross the road and walk one mile east on Hillside Street. For directions to other areas of the reservation, please call (617) 698-1802.
Please call JBL Bus Line's at (781) 843-4505 for schedule and fee information. No Sunday service.
Park Hours: 7:00AM to 7:00PM. Parking area closes at 8:00PM
Parking: There is minimal parking near each of the picnic areas. Please plan to arrive early. There is limited parking off Blue Hill River Road, near each of the picnic sites. Additional parking is available at the main parking lot at 840 Hillside Street. Important: Do not park on Blue Hill River Road.
42.20876, -71.09596
42°12'32"N, 71°5'45"W
By car-- From Route 93, take exit 3 (Houghton's Pond, Ponkapoag Trail exit) from Rte. 93. Follow the signs to Houghton's Pond.
By public transportation-- MBTA: The Great Blue Hill and Houghton's Pond sections are accessible from the Red Line's Ashmont Station. From Ashmont, take the trolley to Mattapan. The Canton and Blue Hills bus services the Trailside Museum and Great Blue Hill on Route 138. For the Houghton's Pond area, exit the bus at Blue Hill River Road. Cross the road and walk one mile east on Hillside Street. For directions to other areas of the reservation, please call (617) 698-1802.
Please call JBL Bus Line's at (781) 843-4505 for schedule and fee information. No Sunday service.
Park Hours: 7:00AM to 7:00PM. Parking area closes at 8:00PM
Parking: There is minimal parking near each of the picnic areas. Please plan to arrive early. There is limited parking off Blue Hill River Road, near each of the picnic sites. Additional parking is available at the main parking lot at 840 Hillside Street. Important: Do not park on Blue Hill River Road.
