Echo Lake
Spanning 325 acres, Echo Lake, better known to locals as the Pascoag Reservoir, is Burrillville’s scenic freshwater escape, where adventure truly carries across the water (yes, the name does come from the natural echo that rolls across the lake!). Visitors flock here for a variety of year-round recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and simply soaking in the classic woodland charm that defines this corner of northern Rhode Island.
In 2020, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) assumed stewardship of the property. Properties of this size are increasingly rare in Rhode Island, and preserving this 233-acre property adds to the existing 15,100-acre corridor of conserved forestland in the northwest corner of the state, providing innumerable benefits to wildlife as well as recreational opportunities for Rhode Islanders and visitors.
DEM is unveiling an ambitious new vision: transforming the former campground into a welcoming public open space, anchored by a professionally designed trail system. And this isn’t just any refresh, it’s a full-scale recreation reboot packed with exciting features:
- Professionally designed mountain bike trails
- Adaptive bike accessible segments for inclusive riding
- A brand-new trail network for hikers of all skill levels
- Improved shore fishing, complete with a small pier
Even more outdoor recreation opportunities could be on the horizon as DEM and partner groups explore the possibility of adding equestrian trails to the mix.
To bring this vision to life, DEM is teaming up with the New England Mountain Bike Association and Sinuosity Trail Builders, combining expertise and trail-building artistry to create sustainable, destination-quality trails that will make Echo Lake a true outdoor gem.
DEM Stewardship Timeline for the Former Echo Lake Campground Property
2019 – Identifying a Need: A statewide management and operations study found that Rhode Island lacked a high-end camping experience within its State Parks portfolio.
2020 – Property Acquisition: DEM purchased the Echo Lake Campground property using close to $2M in Green Bond Funds for Open Space to help fill this gap and expand outdoor recreation opportunities.
2023 – Master Planning Completed: DEM conducted a full Master Planning process for the site. The study determined that building a high-end RV campground would cost more than $44 million, making it financially impractical.
2023–2024 – Transition to Open Space: DEM developed a new vision for the property focused on open space and low-impact recreation. Cleanup and site restoration began, including dock removals and DEM staff clean-up service days.
2025 – Mountain Bike Trail Concept: Working with the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA), DEM developed a concept for a machine-built mountain bike trail system. A preliminary design was completed in summer 2025. A more detailed design work kicked off in November 2025.
Early Spring 2026 – Design Completion: Final design work for the trail system is expected to wrap up by early spring 2026.
Late Summer/Fall 2026 – Construction Could Begin: Following collaboration with the Town of Burrillville and completion of required permitting, construction of the mountain bike trail system could begin as early as late summer or fall 2026. Hiking and horseback riding trails are also being explored as part of the broader recreation plan for the site.
Benefits of Creating a Mountain Bike Trail Destination at Echo Lake
Lower Cost, Higher Value
Trail development is significantly less expensive than rebuilding a full-service campground, with lower long-term maintenance needs.
Enhances Broad Public Access
A trail-focused design opens the property to hikers, bikers, adaptive riders, anglers, and potentially equestrians—far more inclusive than a limited-capacity campground.
Supports a Regional Recreation Destination
Professionally built, sustainable mountain bike trails position Echo Lake as a standout outdoor destination in northern Rhode Island.
Boosts Eco-Tourism and Local Economy
Increased visitation from bikers and outdoor enthusiasts supports nearby businesses and strengthens Burrillville’s recreation economy.
Protects Natural Resources while Adding Public Benefits
Trails protect natural resources and allow for future recreation enhancements as partnerships and funding expand.