Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA)

Tully Lake
Near Royalston, Massachusetts

Facilities

The Tully Lake Pavilion is located in the recreation area and offers picnic tables and grills. Maximum group size is 50 people with parking for 25 passenger vehicles at the upper gravel lot. The recreation area has a small playground for young children, volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. Bathrooms are provided, but there is no running water.

Natural Features

The 1,262-acre Tully Lake property is managed to sustain a healthy ecosystem for future generations. The thriving biodiversity of the Tully River Valley and the interconnections of our forests, wetlands, waters, and wildlife are valued and managed for the long term. Tully Lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from tiny insects and song birds, to large mammals such as deer and moose. Fifty-five percent of the reservoir area is wetlands, providing habitat for fish, waterfowl, song birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as beaver, mink and otter. The rest of the property provides habitat for upland species such as deer, coyote, fisher, owl, fox, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, rabbit, and squirrel. The forest within Tully Dam's reservoir area is composed primarily of white pine, providing habitat for owls and woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks, and white-tailed deer.

Recreation

Tully Lake offers many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Activities in and around the lake include mountain biking, camping, disc golf, hiking, picnicking, boating, and fishing and hunting in the appropriate seasons.

Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Biking

Amenities

  • Boat Ramp
  • Disc Golf Course
  • Park Office
  • Picnic Area

Nearby Attractions

When visiting Tully Lake there are several opportunities for visitors to explore in the surrounding area. At the north end of the lake there is a tent only campground run by the Trustees of the Reservations which provides a perfect launching point to enjoy the outdoor attractions nearby. Ten miles away is the Birch Hill Dam, another Army Corps project that provides miles of trails and river to explore. The Quabbin Reservoir is also within a short ten mile drive of Tully Lake and serves the city of Boston as its water supply. The Quabbin is a unique area; there were four towns flooded to create it, and it has some of the most interesting blends of human and natural history in the region.

Getting Here

Latitude
42° 38' 38.8298" N
Longitude
72° 12' 59.0000" W
Tully Lake is located in north central Massachusetts, about 1.5 hours west of Boston. In Massachusetts, take exit 17 on Route 2, and follow Route 32 north approximately 6 miles through Athol and into Royalston. From New Hampshire, follow Route 32 south about 8 miles from the intersection of Route 119 in Richmond. Route 32 goes over Tully Dam and provides direct access to the lake.

Need to Know

  • The Recreation Area is fully open from May to October.
  • The upper gate will remain open for winter visitors.
  • The Canoe Launch is open from April to November.
  • The trails and Disc Golf are open year-round, as conditions allow.
  • Facilities may be closed during flood storage events.
  • Pets are allowed but must be on a leash and their waste picked up.

    • Contact Information

    2 Athol Richmond Road
    Royalston, MA 01368

    For campground inquiries, please call: 978-249-9150

    Additional Information