About Camp Denison

Dad and preschool son enjoying a day at Camp Denison
tenting sites with views of the pond
Morehouse Lodge built in 1937

Camp Denison is 44 acres of Town Conservation Land in Georgetown, MA. The Camp is open to the public daily during daylight hours to provide fresh-air recreational and educational experiences at no charge.

Summer at Camp Denison offers trails to explore, a great spot for a picnic by Baldpate Pond, as well as fishing and boating. It’s also a lovely venue for a wedding or family get-together.

In winter, enjoy snowshoeing on the trails, ice fishing on Baldpate Pond, or reserve cozy Smokey's Den for your holiday get-togethers and family gatherings.

Educational programs, such as our collaboration with the Georgetown School system, summer day camp run by North Shore Nature Programs, and our Easter Egg Hunt and Family Day programs are specifically designed for children.

Our buildings are available to rent for parties, showers, classes, and events for day use, from early morning until 10 pm. We also offer cabins, bunkhouses, and tent sites for overnight stays. The entire camp can be rented for several days or a weekend for reunions, weddings, and events. Walking trails, the boat launch, and the fishing pier are available for public use even when the camp is rented.

Come down and take a look.

Directions

Camp Denison Conservation Area is located at 84 Nelson Street, Georgetown, MA. Traveling on Route 95 North or South, take exit 76 (Route 97 North towards Georgetown). Stay on Route 97 for two miles. Turn left onto Nelson Street and continue for 3/10 of a mile. Camp Denison is on the left. The driveway is about 3/10 of a mile long.

Camp Denison entrance sign

Parking

After turning off Nelson Street onto the entrance road, you’ll go about two-tenths of a mile to a large parking lot on the left (used for large events) - go through the open gate and park in the field. The trail to the Boat Launch starts here. There is a marked pedestrian walkway from the field to the entrance road. Just up the entrance road from the large parking lot is a smaller lot on the right. The small parking lot holds a limited number of cars, and the Lodge can be accessed either by following the entrance road or taking a marked trail from the front of the lot.

Things to Know Before You Visit

  • Groups who are renting the Lodge or the entire Camp for an event, as well as North Shore Nature Programs’ children’s classes, and summer camp programs are given exclusive use of the grounds around the Lodge as part of the rental agreement. The large and small parking lots may also be reserved for exclusive use of event guests. When an event is in progress, the public is still welcome to use the walking trails and boat landing. Public parking is available in several marked spots along the entrance road, near trailheads. Groups wishing to rent only the grounds (without use of buildings) should contact the Camp Manager for custom pricing and reservations. To print a Venue Rental/Use Application, click here.

  • Dogs are permitted on Camp Denison grounds as long as they are on a leash and well-behaved. We ask that you pick up after your dog, in consideration of others.

  • Trash: Please bring your own bag. Trash bags (no loose trash) may be deposited in the Camp’s dumpster.

  • Camp Denison is a drug-free and tobacco-free property. Please enjoy the fresh air and allow nature to relieve the stresses of daily life.

  • Alcohol consumption is prohibited, except with a permit during scheduled events.

  • Swimming is not permitted in Baldpate Pond. The Town of Georgetown provides a seasonal swimming area at American Legion Park, which can be accessed off Prospect Street.

  • Fishing is permitted in accordance with state laws. Click here for more information.

  • Deer ticks may be found within wooded, brushy, or grassy areas. They are more prevalent in warm weather but can be active year-round. Wearing light-colored clothing with long sleeved shirts, and long pants with socks tucked in, can help you avoid tick bites. Repellants containing DEET are also effective.

Camp Denison is owned by the Town of Georgetown, and is managed and maintained by the Camp Denison Committee and a dedicated group of volunteers, under the oversight of the Georgetown Conservation Commission. All the rental fees collected at Camp Denison are used for the maintenance, upkeep, and other operating costs of the facility.