Fresh Water Beaches in Western Massachusetts

Massachusetts > Western Mass. > On the Water > Beaches - Fresh Water

The forested and mountainous areas of the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts have many lakes and ponds with clean, crisp, beautiful water and fresh water beaches. Great for a vacation with children and families. Lots of opportunity for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking at low-cost, state-run parks.

Brimfield State Forest

86 Dearth Hill Road Brimfield, MA, 01010 Phone: 413-267-9687

This state forest has a cozy and refreshing 100 linear feet of calm beach, with picnic facilities for that post-swim hunger.

Green River Swimming and Recreation Area

Nash's Mill Road Greenfield, MA Phone:

This swimming and recreation area is west of Greenfield and adjacent to Murphy Park. It can be reached by bicycle along the Riverside Community Path. Recreation includes an in stream swimming pool with sand beach, a toddler play area, ball fields, concessions and picnic areas. There are grassy areas and shaded areas. The picnic area on the north side of the Green River can be reached by a pedestrian bridge. The north side does not have a beach, but concrete stairs extend to the water. There are about three dozen picnic tables. Parking is available in a gravel parking lot.
Fees: family, $65-$95; individual, $40-$55; seniors, $30-$40

Spec Pond

Old Boston Post Road (Route 20) Wilbraham, MA Phone:

Friendly environment; life guards on duty; concession stand; swim rafts for advanced swimmers; fresh, clean water tested weekly; bathrooms. Admission charged; see website.

Chicopee Memorial State Park

570 Burnett Road Chicopee, MA, 01020 Phone: 413-594-9416

Chicopee State Park, previously called the Cooley Brook Reservoir, has a 25-acre pond for swimming and fishing. Beach is wheelchair accessible. Picnic grounds and restrooms also are available. The park has trails for walking and bicycling. The park is open daily, 8 a.m-4 pm. During busy weekends and some holidays, the parking lot may be filled and therefore temporarily closed until more parking is available. For information on parking lot closures and openings, consult Twitter at @MassDCR. - Trail Map (PDF)

Mohawk Trail State Forest

175 Mohawk Trail (MA Route 2) Charlemont, MA, 01339 Phone: 413-339-5504

Swim in the designated pool area during the warm months, and cool off after a hike on any of many forest trails. - Trail Map (PDF)

Hampton Ponds State Park

1048 North Road Westfield, MA, 01085 Phone: 413-532-3985

Lots of fresh-water swimming opportunities at this popular park, packed with people doing water sports.

D.A.R. State Forest

78 Cape Street - MA Route 112 Goshen, MA, 01032 Phone: 413-268-7098

Go for a refreshing dip in the Upper and Lower Highland Lakes, or at the unguarded campers-only beach.

Lake Wyola State Park

94 Lakeview Road Shutesbury, MA Phone: 413-367-0317

This state park has a 130-acre lake with clear waters. The lake has picnic sites with charcoal grills and lifeguards watch swimmers. The eastern end of the lake has a public boat ramp. The lake offers excellent fishing for bass and trout. The parking lot, boardwalk and restrooms are accessible to wheelchairs. Ball fields are available for play. Also the park has a volleyball court, a horseshoe pit, and a nature trail.

Clarksburg State Park

1199 Middle Road Clarksburg, MA, 01247 Phone: 413-664-8345

Unguarded swimming is available at Mauserts Pond. Pets are permitted on leash. - Trail Map (PDF)

Savoy Mountain State Forest

260 Central Shaft Road Florida, MA, 01247 Phone: 413-663-8469

This park has a huge range of recreational opportunities. North and South Ponds both have beaches and swimming, without life guards, is done at the North Pond day use area. North Pond has a boat ramp. Both ponds have nice picnic sites.

Robinson State Park

428 North Street Feeding Hills, MA, 01030 Phone: 413-786-2877

Swim in Robinson Pond, with picnic sites, parking, and restrooms located nearby. - Trail Map (PDF)

Lake Mattawa

Lake Mattawa Road Orange, MA Phone: 978-544-2254

This very clear, spring-fed lake is popular for its small swimming beach, trout fishing, and ice fishing. Fish found in this lake include rainbow and brown trout (the state stocks the lake each spring, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, bluegill, yellow perch, golden shiner, white sucker, and brown bullhead. Two paved ramps from Lake Mattawa Road provide boat access to the water. Motorboats may use no higher than 10 hp engines. No parking for admission fees.

Lake Beach - Wendell State Park - Wendell, MA - Photo Credit Keith Dragon

Wendell State Forest

392 Montague Road Wendell, MA, 01379 Phone: 413-659-3797

10-acre Ruggles Pond has clear, cool water for day swimming.

Windsor Lake

Intersection of Bradley Street and Kemp Avenue North Adams, MA Phone: 413-662-3000

Very beautiful lake managed by the city of North Adams. (Local people call it Fish Pond.) Nice, beach, clear water, lots of opportunity for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Life guards. Picnic areas within easy view of the lake. The city hosts free summer concerts every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. A private campground is located on the lake shore.

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