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Briar Point Beach, Tiogue Lake

This is a town park with a sand beach and a small swimming area.  There are picnic sites available, and some are by the water. Dogs are allowed, but not on beach.    

Otter River State Forest, Beaman Pond Recreation Area

There are two roped swimming areas, but they are among the smallest that we’ve seen.  They are probably only enjoyable for small children.  The park itself is lovely, and would be good for a picnic.  Dogs are allowed in the park, but not on the beaches. http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-central/otter-river-state-forest.html  

Lake Dennison Recreation Area

There is a large grassy lawn, and a sizable sand beach.  The swimming area is fairly small though, and a little cramped on weekends.  Dogs are allowed in the parking area, but not near the beach, so it would be hard to bring a dog here. http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-central/lake-dennison-recreation-area.html  

Dunn State Park

There is a small to medium sized swimming area with dark tannic water, and a sand beach.  They have pretty picnic areas beneath towering trees, and three play-sets for children.  Dogs are allowed in the park, but not on the beach.  There are walking trails available around the lake, so it could be a fun […]

Coes Pond Beach

There was a sign saying that the beach is closed, but people were still using it.  There is a new looking sign that says they are improving the beach, but when we were there the restrooms were closed and there wasn’t a lifeguard.  Parking seems to be roadside and a little hard to come by. […]

Asnacomet Pond Beach, Comet Beach

This is a beautiful pond and with a nice sand beach, and lovely blue water, but unfortunately the swimming area is so small that it is really just good for children.  There is a lifeguard stand, but it wasn’t staffed when we were there.  Port-a-potties are available. This beach is run by the state of […]

Willard Brook State Forest, Damon Pond

There is pretty covered bridge walkway, lots of picnic areas, and a small nature center.  The swimming area is fairly small, but the area is scenic.  There are two beaches, but it seems like you are only allowed to swim in the one that has a roped off section.  A little down the road is […]

Silver Lake State Park

They have a large sand beach, and a swimming area with jade green water.  The water had some organic debris, but was fairly clear.  The photographs on their website show the water being much clearer, so we could have been there at a weird time.  There are also hiking trails and kayak rentals available.   […]

Pearl Hill State Park

This is a picturesque park, with a large sand beach, and a long swimming area that could be good for doing laps.  The water had a lot of organic debris, but seemed clean.  The surrounding forest has a verdant understory of ferns, there are some pretty flowering bushes as well. Dogs are allowed on a […]

Leominster State Forest

There is a medium sized sand beach and swimming area, though the beach is fairly narrow and their website says that the park can become crowded on weekends.  They have shaded picnic areas and a large grass lawn though, so you should be able to find some room. http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-central/leominster-state-forest.html