A town-run swimming beach on a small pond tucked behind Athol High School, with a roped swim area and a summer lifeguard chair. It reads as a neighborhood beach rather than a destination, busiest on hot weekday afternoons with day-camp groups.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Season
Used as a swimming beach seasonally, with lifeguard coverage June through August
From JuneLifeguard
Lifeguards on duty 11am to 7pm daily, June through August, funding and staffing permitting
Off duty · back JuneDogs
Dogs are prohibited at the beach
Kayak/Canoe/Sup
Allowed boating permitted at Lake Ellis (unlike Silver Lake)
Fishing
Allowed designated fishing zone
Managed by
Athol Recreation Committee / DPW
978-721-8500 · WebsiteGetting in
Access points along this beach
Lake Ellis Road entrance
Main parking and beach entrance off Lake Ellis Road
Common questions
Is Lake Ellis Beach in Athol open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Best time to visit Lake Ellis Beach?
Weekday mornings before day-camp groups arrive tend to be quiet, though lifeguards are not on duty until 11am in summer.
Dogs are not permitted at the beach itself.
What rules should I know at Lake Ellis Beach?
Swimming is at the individual's own risk when lifeguards are not on duty. Alcohol prohibited. Glass containers prohibited. Smoking prohibited. Dogs prohibited on the beach.
Can you swim at Lake Ellis Beach?
Lake Ellis Beach is town-owned and its water is not monitored by MA DPH, so there is no official swim status. Check conditions posted at the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Lake Ellis Beach?
No, entry is free.