Buffumville Lake (Group Shelter)

Buffumville Lake Park
Buffumville Lake Park beach and picnic area
Buffumville Lake Park staircase
Buffumville Lake Park Grove Shelter
Buffumville Lake Park

Featured amenities

Parking Parking

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

Boating

Spring Summer Fall
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Swimming

Swimming

Summer

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 open - May 16 to Sep 13

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
  • Lake Access
Missing information?

Reviews (10)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

5.0
10 reviews
5
100.0%
10
4
0.0%
0
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
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1
0.0%
0

Renee S

August 22, 2026

5

Have been renting a pavilion every year for 20 years. Love the park and pavilion.

TIMOTHY D

July 5, 2026

5

Workers were great, asked us if they could help us in any way. Pavilion was spotless. Thanks so much.

Alford G

September 6, 2025

5

Clean, plenty parking, friendly staff

Pamela B

July 27, 2025

5

Clean park , Friendly Staff

Renee S

August 29, 2022

5

Staff was friendly. We go every year.

Amy N

July 2, 2022

5

Love the lake, fishing, shelter! Ed and Rita are some of my favorite staff too ❤️

Sean T

June 11, 2022

5

Always friendly and helpful hosts and rangers. Clean and perfect setting for family cookouts

Lillian W

September 5, 2021

5

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.

Bob C

September 4, 2021

5

A near perfect site for our family gathering. The place was spotless and the staff was pleasant and professional.

Pamela B

January 12, 2020

5

It is wonderful ! There is always a Breeze at the top of the hill and we have never been Rained out !!

Location Buffumville Lake (Group Shelter)

Address:
229 Oxford Rd.
Charlton, MA, 01507
United States

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.

Elevation: 157 feet

Distance to downtown

3.8 mi drive to downtown Charlton (about 7 min)

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: August 23, 2026

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Managed by US Army Corps of Engineers