Farmington River Boat Launch
Farmington River WMA
Otis, MA
Hunting | Fishing | Canoe/Kayak/SUP
Shaw Pond Boat Ramp Otis Road, Otis, MA
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Part of
Shaw Pond
Allowed Uses & Features
Information
- Dogs allowed - Leashed
- Family Friendly
- Free
- Parking
- Scenic View
View of Shaw Pond from the Boat Ramp.
Entrance to the Shaw Pond Boat Ramp, from Massachusetts 8 South.
Shaw Pond.
- Public Land
- Private Land
- Bus Route
- Trail
- Major Trail
About Shaw Pond Boat Ramp
The Shaw Pond Boat Ramp on Route 8 provides access to Shaw Pond in Otis, on its southwestern side. 100 acres in size, the pond offers paddlers a 1.5-mile journey around its perimeter or fishing opportunities for anglers. Aquatic vegetation is abundant and diverse, assisting various wildlife inhabiting this warm water pond and rewarding wildlife viewers with keen eyes. Birding is ideal in the pond’s north end, which consists of tall grass and wetlands. Fish species include largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, shiners, bullhead, and the most caught, pickerel.
Shaw Pond’s shoreline is primarily wooded and has some homes dotting portions of the lake. The maximum depth is 19 feet, and the average is 13 feet. Camp Lenox exists on the south end of the lake and becomes active with youth campers during the summer months.
Adjacent to the boat ramp is a large parking area usable by cars and trailers, making a launch at Shaw Pond quick and convenient. Also noteworthy is its location in Otis, a quintessential quiet Western Massachusetts town. Tucked between mountains, rivers, ponds, and lakes, Otis is a beautiful place to experience the natural world. Shaw Pond exemplifies this, providing the outdoor serenity famous in the Berkshires.
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Accessibility Assessment
Features- Accessible Parking
- Accessible Restroom
- Accessible Water Access
The Shaw Pond Boat Ramp consists of even concrete, with grades between 9-11% down into the water. The parking area for the boat ramp is flat and paved, offering 10 large spots that can accommodate boat trailers. There is one van accessible spot located adjacent to the ramp, as well as one handicapped accessible portable restroom.
Van accessible handicapped parking space at parking area for the Shaw Pond Boat Ramp.
Parking area for Shaw Pond Boat Launch.
Accessible portable restroom located in the Shaw Pond Boat Launch parking area.
Clubs, Retail & Rentals
Looking to meet up with others for team sports or group activities? Check out our list of clubs, guides and leagues in the Berkshires on the Resources page. Our list of summer camps will help you plan an overnight or day camp adventure for your young ones.
We also link to an array of outdoor recreation retail shops for gear and rental facilities for equipment on the Gear page.
