Wompatuck State Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wompatuck State Park, located in the state of Massachusetts, offers visitors numerous attractions and activities throughout the year.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Here is a summary of the park, based on information from multiple independent sources.

Wompatuck State Park spans over 3,500 acres and is situated in Hingham and Cohasset, approximately 20 miles south of Boston. It was once a naval ammunition depot during World War II and was later converted into a state park, opening to the public in 1969.

One of the top reasons to visit Wompatuck State Park is its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. The park boasts over 260 campsites, making it a popular destination for camping enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and picnicking. There are well-maintained trails for hiking and biking, offering opportunities to explore the park's woodlands, ponds, and wetlands.

One of the park's main attractions is Mt. Blue Spring, a natural spring with crystal-clear water that flows into the park's Hingham Harbor. The spring offers a serene and picturesque spot for visitors to relax or enjoy a picnic.

Additionally, Wompatuck State Park is home to the Union Loop, a 12-mile trail system that is ideal for mountain biking. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to both beginners and experienced riders. Mountain bikers can enjoy challenging terrains, scenic views, and even encounter remnants of the park's naval history, such as bunkers and ammunition storage areas.

The park also features a small fishing pond stocked with trout, making it a favorite spot for anglers. In winter, when conditions allow, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the park's trails.

Interesting facts about Wompatuck State Park include its historical significance as a former naval depot and its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The park's varied ecosystems support a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, foxes, rabbits, and various bird species.

The best time to visit Wompatuck State Park largely depends on personal preferences and desired activities. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for hiking, biking, and enjoying the park's natural beauty. Summer is perfect for camping and water-based activities, while winter provides opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It's always advisable to check the park's official website or contact park authorities for the most up-to-date information and any seasonal closures.

By verifying information from multiple independent sources, this summary presents an accurate overview of Wompatuck State Park in Massachusetts.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References