Lowell State Recreation Site

Visitors to Dexter Reservoir have two main options for access: Dexter State Recreation Site and Lowell State Recreation Site.  Access from Lowell means a slightly longer drive, but only by a few minutes, and Lowell State Recreation Site offers a little more for the day use visitor.  In addition to a substantial boat ramp and small marina, Lowell offers a playground, a basketball court and a volleyball net, a large, open space for field sports, and several individual picnic areas with fire pits and a large group picnic shelter.  In the summer, the group area is available for reservations starting at $50: call 1.800.452.5687.  In the winter all facilities in the park are first-come, first-served.  Restrooms are plumbed and open year-round.  Lowell State Recreation Area also offers an expansive field that slopes down to a small beach and swimming area, making it the best fit for families enjoying the reservoir from the shore.

Note: Like many of the reservoirs in the area, Dexter Reservoir does suffer from periodic blooms of blue-green algae.  Blue-green algae are a cyanotoxin that can cause skin irritations through casual contact and serious health issues if ingested (purification and filtration is ineffective).  This applies to all mammals, i.e. humans and dogs, and it also means that area drinking water should be avoided and that fish from the reservoir should not be consumed while an algae bloom is in effect.