Recreation Facilities/Activities
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers welcomes you to Knightville Dam. The dam and reservoir area are located in the scenic Berkshire foothills along the East Branch of the Westfield River. Most of the 2,430 acres of the Knightville Dam area is undeveloped. You may enjoy hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding along several miles of trails and old country roads. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling (limited to the west side of the river) are popular winter activities.
The area just below the dam has picnic tables, fireplaces universally accessible public restrooms, drinking water and a picnic shelter. Groups may reserve the shelter in advance for a modest fee.
The rivers and streams at Knightville offer excellent trout fishing. The river is stocked with trout in the spring. The surrounding hills provide prime upland game habitat, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts stocks pheasants in the fall. Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance with posted restrictions and Massachusetts laws.
Each spring, water releases from Knightville Dam are coordinated with those from nearby Littleville Lake to provide challenging flows for the annual Westfield River Wildwater Canoe Races.
Located at the northern end of the reservoir, the Indian Hollow Group Campground is available by reservation to community groups such as churches, schools, scouts and clubs. For more information on reservations contact the project office or call toll free at 1-877-444-6777. For more information on hunting or fishing, you can contact the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.
Interpretive Programs
We'd like to invite you to our offering of educational and recreational programs at Knightville Dam. These family-oriented activities currently include trail walks and dam tours. Programs are open to the public and best of all, they are free. All ages are welcome; however, we do ask adults to accompany their children.
Fees and Reservations
Reservations for camp sites can be made by visiting www.Recreation.gov or calling 1-877-444-6777.
- Entrance to Knightville Reservoir Area - Free.
- Picnic Shelter Reservation - $50/Day.
- Indian Hollow Group Use Campground (North Loop) - $90/Night.
- Indian Hollow Group Use Campground (South Loop) - $90/Night.
- Indian Hollow Group Use Campground (North and South Loops) - $180/Night.
Special Events:
These fees vary, depending on the event. Please contact us for more information.
Natural Resources
Knightville Dam is a valuable asset to the surrounding communities, providing recreational opportunities and preserving the natural areas within the flood risk management project. Its 2,430 acres of public lands and waters include miles of rivers and streams, 250 acres of old fields, wetlands and hundreds of acres of pine, hemlock and hardwood forests.
In summertime and early autumn the open areas of the basin have spectacular blooms of wildflowers. These old fields attract many species of songbirds and butterflies. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of deer, coyotes, beavers, grouse, turkeys or waterfowl. The Knightville reservoir area is a Massachusetts Watchable Wildlife site.
In order to maintain a healthy forest, Corps rangers manage the forest for a diversity of tree species and wildlife habitat. These forests offer the best habitat for wildlife by providing food and cover. Forest management techniques include thinning and harvesting on a regular basis.
Please help to protect your natural resources by observing park rules and regulations. The plants and animals you see make Knightville their home, respecting their space is our responsibility. Carry out any trash you carry in, stay on the trails and keep a safe distance from wildlife. We at Knightville thank you in advance.
Updated: August 10, 2022