Parking at Massachusetts State Parks

Most state parks managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are free to enter, but require a fee for parking.1 These fees help maintain the trails, beaches, and facilities you enjoy.

Note: Resident status is determined by your vehicle’s license plate.2 Out-of-state plates will be charged the non-resident rate even if the driver lives in Massachusetts

Key Actions

Buy an Annual Parking Pass
Apply for a Senior Lifetime Pass
View Full Parking Fee Schedule by Park

Parking Rates: Daily vs. Annual

For many residents, the Annual ParksPass pays for itself in just 5 to 8 visits.

Pass TypeMA Resident FeeNon-Resident FeeBest For…
Daily Parking$5 – $15$20 – $40Occasional visitors or one-off beach trips.
Annual ParksPass$60N/A*Frequent hikers and families. Valid Jan 1 – Dec 31.
Senior Lifetime Pass$10 (One-time)Not AvailableMA Residents aged 62+. Valid for life.

*Non-residents are currently not eligible for the DCR Annual ParksPass.3

Parking Rates: Daily vs. Annual

For many residents, the Annual ParksPass pays for itself in just 5 to 8 visits.

Pass TypeMA Resident FeeNon-Resident FeeBest For…
Daily Parking$5 – $15$20 – $40Occasional visitors or one-off beach trips.
Annual ParksPass$60N/A*Frequent hikers and families. Valid Jan 1 – Dec 31.
Senior Lifetime Pass$10 (One-time)Not AvailableMA Residents aged 62+. Valid for life.

*Non-residents are currently not eligible for the DCR Annual ParksPass.3

Daily Rates by Location Type

Fees vary depending on the popularity and amenities of the site:

  • Inland Beaches & Forests: Usually $8 for residents / $30 for non-residents.4
  • Ocean Beaches: Usually $12–$15 for residents / $40 for non-residents.
  • Scenic Views/Historic Sites: Usually $5 for residents / $20 for non-residents.

Annual Parking Pass Details

The Massachusetts Annual ParksPass is a digital or physical hangtag tied to a specific vehicle.5

  • Eligibility: You must have a vehicle registered in Massachusetts.6
  • Exclusions: The pass does not cover camping fees or parking at certain locations like the Quabbin Reservoir, North Point (Cambridge), or metered on-street parking.7
  • Second Vehicles: The “second car discount” has been discontinued.8 A separate pass must be purchased at full price for each vehicle.9

Special Discounts & Free Access

Senior Lifetime Parking Pass

Massachusetts residents aged 62 or older can purchase a Lifetime Senior Parking Pass for a one-time fee of $10.10

  • How to use: The pass belongs to the person, not the car. As long as the senior is in the vehicle (as driver or passenger), the parking fee is waived.11
  • How to get: Apply online through the YODEL portal or via mail. These are not sold at park gates.\

Veterans and Active Military

Parking fees are waived for vehicles with:

  • Disabled Veteran license plates from any state.
  • Purple Heart Recipient license plates.12
  • Medical Professional plates (under specific emergency orders).
Library “Nature Connect” Passes

Many local Massachusetts libraries carry a physical “ParksPass” that residents can check out for free, just like a book.13 This allows for free parking for one day. Check with your local branch for availability.

Contact DCR Parking

Email: mass.parks@mass.gov14
Phone: (617) 626-1420
Address: 10 Park Plaza, Suite 6620, Boston, MA 0211615

Here is the updated list of Massachusetts State Parks with their specific daily parking rates.

Note that Mass.gov typically categorizes these by “Type” (Ocean, Inland, or Scenic), as the pricing follows a standard tier. Resident status is determined by your vehicle’s license plate.

Location TypeMA ResidentNon-Resident
Ocean Beaches$12 – $15$40
Inland Beaches$8 – $9$30
Scenic / Historic Sites$5$20

2. Park List with Specific 2026 Daily Rates

Note: All prices are per vehicle.

Greater Boston Region

  • Blue Hills Reservation (Milton): $5 Resident / $20 Non-Resident (at Houghton’s Pond)
  • Middlesex Fells (Stoneham): $5 Resident / $20 Non-Resident (at Sheepfold)
  • Nahant Beach (Nahant): $10 Resident / $40 Non-Resident
  • Nantasket Beach (Hull): $15 Resident / $40 Non-Resident
  • Walden Pond (Concord): $15 Resident / $35 Non-Resident
North Region

  • Bradley Palmer State Park: $5 Resident / $20 Non-Resident
  • Halibut Point State Park: $5 Resident / $20 Non-Resident
  • Harold Parker State Forest: $5 Resident / $20 Non-Resident (Berry Pond is $8/$30)
  • Maudslay State Park: $5 Resident / $20 Non-Resident
  • Salisbury Beach Reservation: $14 Resident / $40 Non-Resident
South Region & The Cape

  • Borderland State Park: $5 Resident / $20 Non-Resident
  • Horseneck Beach: $14 Resident / $40 Non-Resident
  • Myles Standish State Forest: $8 Resident / $30 Non-Resident (at Fearing Pond)
  • Nickerson State Park: $8 Resident / $30 Non-Resident
  • Scusset Beach Reservation: $14 Resident / $40 Non-Resident
Central Region

  • Ashland State Park: $8 Resident / $30 Non-Resident
  • Cochituate State Park: $8 Resident / $30 Non-Resident
  • Douglas State Forest: $9 Resident / $30 Non-Resident
  • Hopkinton State Park: $8 Resident / $30 Non-Resident
  • Leominster State Forest: $8 Resident / $30 Non-Resident
  • Purgatory Chasm: $5 Resident / $20 Non-Resident
  • Wachusett Mountain: $5 Resident / $20 Non-Resident
Western Region
Mount Greylock State Reservation

Bash Bish Falls State Park

3. Important Fee Nuances

  • The Quabbin Reservoir: Does not use the ParksPass. It has a separate $6 vehicle fee.
  • Free Entry (Always): Many DCR locations, such as the Charles River Reservation or smaller local “State Parks” with no dedicated lots, remain free to enter.
  • Surcharges: Some popular sites (like Horseneck or Scusset) include a $2 surcharge that is already reflected in the $14 total mentioned above.
  • Cashless Payments: Almost all DCR lots have transitioned to digital payment only via the YODEL app or on-site credit card kiosks.

Below is the directory for the top-tier parks in each region.

Greater Boston Region
Blue Hills Reservation

    Middlesex Fells Reservation
    North Region

    Walden Pond State Reservation

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    South Region & The Cape

    Horseneck Beach State Reservation

    Nickerson State Park

    Central Region

    Wachusett Mountain State Reservation

    Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

    Western Region

    Mount Greylock State Reservation

    Bash Bish Falls State Park