Borderland State Park FAQ
Straight answers to the questions people ask most.
Short answers to the questions people ask most about Borderland State Park, each linked to the page with the details. The facts come from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which runs the park, and from the Friends of Borderland where they run something themselves.
Is Borderland State Park free?
Entry is free, but parking isn't: $5 a day for Massachusetts plates and $20 for others, year-round. See parking.
What are the hours at Borderland State Park?
8 am to 6 pm, every day, per DCR, with winter hours of 8 am to 4 pm. See hours.
Where do you park at Borderland State Park?
In the main lot beside the visitor center, at 259 Massapoag Avenue, North Easton. It holds 250 cars and often fills by late morning on nice weekends. See parking.
Can you pay cash for parking at Borderland State Park?
No. DCR isn't accepting cash. Use the Yodel app or website, or a card at the pay machine.
Does the DCR annual pass work at Borderland?
Yes. DCR's $60 annual pass for Massachusetts residents covers Borderland's daily parking fee.
Are dogs allowed at Borderland State Park?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 10 feet. Pick up after your dog and carry the waste out. See dogs.
Can you tour the Ames Mansion?
Yes, only on a guided tour. DCR's 30-minute first-floor tours are free (register online); the Friends of Borderland's three-floor tours cost $10 on set Sundays. See mansion tours.
Is Borderland disc golf free?
Yes. The 18-hole course is free to play; you pay only to park. See disc golf.
Can you swim at Borderland State Park?
DCR doesn't list swimming among Borderland's activities, and there's no beach or lifeguard.
Can you fish at Borderland State Park?
Yes, in 6 ponds; DCR says bass, perch, pickerel and sunfish are often caught. Anglers 15 and older need a Massachusetts freshwater license. See ponds and fishing.
Can you kayak at Borderland State Park?
Yes, with your own canoe or kayak. DCR allows only non-motorized boats you can carry on a car.
Is there camping at Borderland State Park?
No. DCR lists no camping at Borderland; it's a day-use park whose lots are locked overnight.
Can you mountain bike at Borderland State Park?
Yes, on every trail except the Pond Edge, Swamp and Quiet Woods trails, which are closed to bikes and horses. See the trail map.
Can you ride horses at Borderland State Park?
Yes, with your own horse. DCR lists horseback riding; the same three trails near the ponds are closed to horses.
How long is the Pond Walk?
About 3 miles. DCR's hikes sheet says 3.0 miles, easy, from the main entrance around Lower Leach Pond. See hiking.
Can you grill or picnic at Borderland State Park?
Yes. There are picnic tables south of the visitor center. DCR allows grilling with propane only, and you bring your own grill.
Is alcohol allowed at Borderland State Park?
No. DCR lists no alcohol among Borderland's restrictions.
Are there bathrooms at Borderland State Park?
Yes, at the visitor center. DCR says they're the park's only public restrooms.
Can you get married at Borderland State Park?
Yes, outdoors on the grounds, with a DCR special use permit. The mansion's interior isn't available for weddings. See weddings.
Do you need a permit for photos at Borderland State Park?
Not for personal photos. Commercial photography, such as paid portrait sessions, needs a DCR photography permit. See photography.
What movies were filmed at Borderland State Park?
The Friends of Borderland name Shutter Island (at the stone lodge) and Knives Out (the mansion library); DCR's management plan adds Ghostbusters.
How big is Borderland State Park?
1,843 acres, by DCR's 2017 management plan, across Easton and Sharon.
Who runs Borderland State Park?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The state bought the Ames estate in 1971 and opened the park in 1973. See history.
When was the Ames Mansion built?
1910–1911, for Oakes and Blanche Ames. Blanche designed it.
Is Borderland State Park open in winter?
Yes, 8 am to 4 pm in winter. People ski and sled there. See winter.
What's the phone number for Borderland State Park?
The DCR park office is (508) 238-6566. See contact.
