Renee S
August 22, 2026
Have been renting a pavilion every year for 20 years. Love the park and pavilion.
Helpful
About Buffumville Lake (Group Shelter)
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.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Boating
Spring
Summer
Fall
Fishing
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Swimming
Summer
Year-round
Fishing
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
Spring
Boating
Nearby
Summer
Boating
Nearby
Swimming
Nearby
Fall
Boating
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
Missing information?
Reviews
10 reviews
Summary
Buffumville Lake's group shelter is highly praised for its cleanliness and well-maintained pavilion, making it a favorite for annual rentals over the past 20 years. The friendly and helpful staff enhance the positive experience, and ample parking is available. Overall, visitors appreciate the park's welcoming atmosphere and excellent facilities.
Based on guest feedback
5.0
Overall rating
Based on 10 reviews
5 stars
100.0% (10)
4 stars
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Showing 10 reviews
Sort by: Newest First
TIMOTHY D
July 5, 2026
Workers were great, asked us if they could help us in any way. Pavilion was spotless. Thanks so much.
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Alford G
September 6, 2025
Clean, plenty parking, friendly staff
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Pamela B
July 27, 2025
Clean park , Friendly Staff
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Renee S
August 29, 2022
Staff was friendly. We go every year.
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Amy N
July 2, 2022
Love the lake, fishing, shelter! Ed and Rita are some of my favorite staff too ❤️
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Sean T
June 11, 2022
Always friendly and helpful hosts and rangers. Clean and perfect setting for family cookouts
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Lillian W
September 5, 2021
The group shelter was perfect. Was able to decorate all the picnic tables the set up was great. The Reunion was perfect everyone had a good time and great food.
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Bob C
September 4, 2021
A near perfect site for our family gathering. The place was spotless and the staff was pleasant and professional.
Helpful
Pamela B
January 12, 2020
It is wonderful ! There is always a Breeze at the top of the hill and we have never been Rained out !!
Helpful
Location & Directions for Buffumville Lake (Group Shelter)
229 Oxford Rd., Charlton, MA 01507 United States
Elevation: 157 ft
Getting There
From the Massachusetts Turnpike, take the Sturbridge exit and follow Route 20 to Charlton. Turn right on Route 31 and follow the brown signs to the park. From I-290, take exit 7B to Oxford Center and follow brown signs to park
Highway access
Buffumville Lake has access from the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) via the Sturbridge exit, and Route 20 leads to Charlton. Additionally, I-290 is accessible via exit 7B to Oxford Center, providing further access to the campground.
Policies & Rules
General
- Day use fee area: $5.00 per car load, $20.00 for commercial vehicles. Cash, check, and all major credit cards accepted.The day use fee applies for all shelter reservation members.
- Alcohol not permitted in park.
- Drones not permitted in park or on federal lands.
- Vehicles are prohibited beyond the upper parking lot without special drive down permit or handicap permit.
- Please do not use any kind of tape anywhere on the shelters.
- Anything that might change the atmosphere of the park requires approval from park staff; examples include music/bands, weddings/receptions, cooking arrangements, etc
- Pets are not permitted on the swim beach and must be on a leash 6 feet in length or less
- No lifeguard on duty
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Explore Charlton, MA
Nearby city: Worcester, MA
Approx. 11 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 899 ft
Charlton, MA
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From our Travel Guides
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers