Buffumville Lake

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Quick Facts

Buffumville Lake

Massachusetts

(978) 318-8426

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Almost 500 acres of land comprise the natural environment at Buffumville Lake. On the western side of the lake, red oak, white oak and hickory are commonly found. The east side of Buffumville Lake supports white pine and hemlock. Other species often sited along the lake's edge are red maple, alder, and birch as well as other common wetland plants. The 200-acre lake offers facilities for recreational pursuits including a 27-hole disk golf course, volleyball court and horseshoe pit. More traditional forms of recreation include fishing, hunting, seven miles of multi-use trails, and group picnic shelters. The lake is also popular for canoeing, kayaking and primitive boat-in camping.

Map of Buffumville Lake

Latitude, Longitude: 42.120318, -71.911011

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Activities

  • Boating

    Rent an island! A 3 acre island is available to rent for up to 1 week! It's primitive camping and you have to have a boat for the short trip to the island. Purchase a primitive camping permit. You may make reservations for the island starting on January 1st of each year, beginning at one minute after midnight. Leave Ken a phone message and you will be registered according to the time the call comes in. 978-318-8401, EST. It's POPULAR!

    A boat ramp and culvert underneath Oxford Road permit boating on both sides of the lake. NO fee is required for launching a boat or canoe at the launching ramp.

  • Bicycling

    Please contact park services for more information.

  • Fishing

    The lake is a warm-water fishery, with good populations of largemouth bass, pickerel, horned pout, bream and numerous other fish species. The public is invited to participate in the annual Family Fishing Day at Buffumville Beach each June. The handicapped fishing dock is shortly to be replaced with an accessible platform on Buffumville Beach.

  • Hiking

    The seven-mile Lake Shore Trail begins at the beach and goes around Buffumville Lake (lake map). Follow the blue blazes. In addition to the nature walks on the Lake Shore Trail, special interpretive programs on the cultural and natural environment, water resources, water safety and flood control are provided by Park Rangers. Tours of Buffumville Dam are also available, as well as a Junior Ranger program for the younger folks.

  • Horseback Riding

    Please contact park services for more information.

  • Hunting

    There is no hunting in the developed areas of the park or at the damsite. All local and state laws apply.

  • Picnicking

    Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the park, and two picnic shelters can be reserved for a fee. A volleyball court and horseshoe pits can also be reserved for a fee. The damsite features a very popular 27-hole disc (frisbee) golf course.

  • Water Sports

    The park has a 300-foot-long beach with an enclosed swimming area for your safety. People over 12 pay a fee for using the beach.

  • Winter Sports

    Please contact park services for more information.

Seasonality/Weather

Buffumville Park is open daily from mid-May through mid-September.

Directions

Driving

From Interstate 395, take Exit 4B Oxford center. Continue straight for 3 miles to Buffumville Park. The Buffumville Lake office is on Old Oxford Road (Buffums Dam Road) 2 1/2 mile from the Interstate. From the Massachusetts Turnpike, take the Sturbridge exit and follow Route 20 to Charlton. Take a right onto Route 31 and follow the signs to Buffumville Lake.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(978) 318-8426

Links