Hopkinton State Park —
Your Complete Guide
Two lifeguarded beaches, a reservoir for paddling and more than 10 miles of forest trails in Hopkinton, west of Boston.
What is Hopkinton State Park?
Hopkinton State Park is a 1,500-acre state park at 164 Cedar Street (Route 85) in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, run by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).It has more than 10 miles of hiking trails, two swimming beaches staffed seasonally by lifeguards, more than a dozen picnic areas, and the historic earthen dam that DCR says offers some of the best views in the park year-round. It is open sunrise to sunset.
DCR calls it one of the most-visited parks in its Central Region. On summer weekends thousands of people come each day, and the gates close for a while when every parking space is taken. Parking costs $8 for Massachusetts plates and $30 for other plates from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day. The water here is Hopkinton Reservoir, one of the reservoirs built for Boston's old Sudbury River water supply, and motorboats are not allowed on it.
Hopkinton State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Hopkinton State Park
Swimming and paddling bring the summer crowds; the trails, fishing and the dam view work year-round.
Swimming & Beaches
Two beaches with seasonal lifeguards, open for swimming late May through Labor Day. Main Beach sits on the Swimming Pond beside the old earthen dam.
Beach Guide →
Boat & Kayak Rentals
Regatta Point Community Sailing rents kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, pedal boats and small sailboats from the boathouse on Hopkinton Reservoir, May to September.
Rentals & Prices →
Hiking Trails
More than 10 miles of trails through 1,500 acres of forest, shared with mountain bikers, riders and, in winter, cross-country skiers.
Trail Guide →
Picnic Areas & Pavilions
More than a dozen first-come picnic areas with tables and charcoal grills, plus two pavilions you can reserve for groups of up to 125.
Picnic & Pavilions →
Fishing
Fish from shore or a non-motorized boat. DCR lists fishing among the park's accessible activities.
Fishing Guide →
Nearby: Ashland & Whitehall
Two more DCR reservoir parks a short drive away: Ashland State Park's 3.5-mile lake loop and Whitehall's 6-mile perimeter trail.
Nearby State Parks →Beaches, Boats and the Dam
DCR's trail map shows two beaches. Main Beach (DCR also calls it Lower Beach) is on the Swimming Pond at the east end of the main area, next to a bathhouse and within sight of the earthen dam. Reservoir Beach is on Hopkinton Reservoir near the boathouse. No boats are allowed at Main Beach, and no motorized watercraft of any kind are allowed in the park. Swimming guide · About the reservoir.
What Not to Do
No grilling or fires outside the picnic areas, no swimming outside the guarded beaches, no inflatables, no off-road vehicles and no drones without a permit. Dogs stay leashed and off the beaches May 1 to September 15. Alcohol is not allowed on DCR property. The full list is on therules page.
When to Go
Searches for the park peak in July, and so do the crowds. On a hot weekend, arrive early or pick a weekday; if the gates are closed for capacity, no cars or walkers are let in until they reopen. Spring and fall bring quiet trails, and DCR lists cross-country skiing and snowmobiling (on at least 4 inches of snow) for winter. Plan your visit.
How to Get to Hopkinton State Park
The main entrance is on Cedar Street (Route 85), about 2 miles north of downtown Hopkinton.
By Car
DCR's directions: I-495 to exit 21A (Main Street, Hopkinton), to the third traffic light in downtown Hopkinton, left onto Route 85 north; the entrance is about 2 miles on the right. Parking guide.
When It's Full
The park closes temporarily when parking is full and reopens as cars leave. Check DCR Park Alerts before a summer weekend trip.
Park Office
DCR, 164 Cedar St., Hopkinton, MA 01748. Phone (508) 435-4303.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hopkinton State Park free?
Not in summer if you drive in. DCR charges $8 a day for cars with Massachusetts plates and $30 for other plates, Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day Monday. Pay at the meter in your lot (no cash) or with the YODEL app. Outside that season DCR posts no daily fee.
Can you swim at Hopkinton State Park?
Yes, at the two designated beaches, which DCR staffs with lifeguards seasonally and opens for swimming late May through Labor Day. Swimming anywhere else in the park is not allowed, and flotation devices are banned except Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
Are dogs allowed at Hopkinton State Park?
Yes, on a leash at all times, everywhere in the park. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches from May 1 to September 15.
What are the hours at Hopkinton State Park?
DCR lists the park as open sunrise to sunset. In summer the gates close at 8:00 pm (May through early September), earlier in fall as sunset moves up.
Does Hopkinton State Park fill up?
Yes. DCR says thousands of people visit daily on summer weekends, and the park temporarily closes when parking reaches capacity, reopening once spaces free up. Arrive early, and check DCR Park Alerts before you go.
Can you camp at Hopkinton State Park?
No. DCR's reservation site says the park is day-use only, with two reservable pavilions but no camping or after-hours stays.