Top 10 Natural Swimming Areas

The ponds and lakes of the Berkshires are famous for their abundance and idyllic beauty for spending a day plunging or distance swimming. Many have town beaches associated with them, making for a very family-friendly experience. However, it is always safer if a lifeguard is on duty so be aware that not all the beaches have this amenity all the time or at all. Here is a list of our favorite swimming spots in the county.

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  • 1

    65 Blue Hill Rd., Monterey, Massachusetts

    We highly recommend this pond for swimming. The water is clean and you can swim for quite a distance. The pond is free of development aside from State Park facilities which include bathrooms. There is also a camp ground on the pond. There is no lifeguard, however. There is a cost for the entrance fee which is twice as high if you are coming from out-of-state.

    Insider's Tip: Come prepared to explore some trails while you are here.

  • 2

    Goose Pond Rd., Town of Tyringham, Massachusetts

    Goose Pond Reservation is managed as a wilderness area, protecting more than a quarter-mile of rocky shoreline that rises nearly 300 feet to a ridge top at 1,753 feet. There is some development along the shoreline of this pond, however. This mountain pond and its surrounding forest are adjacent to conservation land owned and managed by the National Park Service and crossed by the Appalachian Trail so it is very beautiful.

    Insider's Tip: Access is challenging along its rocky shoreline, but there is a boat ramp that is user-friendly.

  • 3

    78 Tyringham Rd., Monterey, Massachusetts

    Lake Garfield is a 275-acre Great Pond that is located about a half mile north of the center of Monterey off Route 23. Average depth is 16 feet with a maximum depth of roughly 32 feet. The water is transparent to 11 feet and the bottom is a mixture of boulders, clay and mud. The Lake Garfield town beach is a public beach, parking passes are not needed. There is parking on site as well as beach facilities. There is also a boat ramp. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. Lake Garfield is a Monterey town treasure.

    Insider's Tip: Public access to this area can be extremely limited, so best to come early.

  • 4

    Lake Manfield Rd., Great Barrington, Massachusetts 01230

    The Lake Mansfield Recreation Area is a community natural resource area featuring a 29-acre pond and the adjacent 29-acre Conservation Forest. The area is a vital natural habitat and treasured community space. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and must be mindful of their impact on the delicate habitat and the enjoyment of others.

    Insider's Tip: There are lifeguards here from June 25 till Labor Day

  • 5
    Lenox Beach Laurel Lake 2018

    435 Laurel St., Lee, Massachusetts

    Laurel Lake, which is fed by Sergeant Brook, straddles the town line between Lenox and Lee.  It’s watershed lies mostly in the two towns. The town beach here has just recently been redone with facilities and areas to picnic. It is very scenic with little development on the shorelines despite its proximity to populated areas.

    Insider's Tip: Look out for zebra mussels on the bottom of the lake. They are very sharp! There is also no launching of paddle boards, kayaks or boats allowed at this beach.  For this, you can use the boat ramp located just around the corner in Lee.

  • 6

    1041 Cascade St., Pittsfield, Massachusetts

    Located in the Pittsfield State Forest, this spring fed swimming hole offers a retreat from searing hot summer days in a lovely sylvan setting.

  • 7

    410 Tolland Road, Otis, Massachusetts

    At the center of Tolland State Forest sits the 1,065-acre Otis Reservoir, which offers a variety of recreational activities. A boat launch is available for boats up to 24 feet in length. No watercraft, except pontoon or sail powered boats, may exceed 24 feet in length. No boats with bathrooms are allowed on the Otis Reservoir.

    Insider's Tip: This is one of the most scenic and remote and large of the lakes in the Berkshires! Makes for a great day trip before a performance at Jacob's Pillow

  • 8

    Longview Drive, Hinsdale, Massachusetts

    This swimming area offers a sandy beach with a boat launch and changing rooms. Great ice-skating when the conditions are right.

  • 9

    York Lake Rd., Sandisfield, Massachusetts

    Though there are five other sister lakes located in this state forest, York Lake offers a sandy beach, a grassy play area, and changing and bathroom facilities.