Belchertown's town beach sits on the south shore of Arcadia Lake and is the town's main lifeguarded freshwater swimming spot, with a fee booth, concession stand and paddle boat rentals through the summer.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Season
Weekends only starting early June, then open daily from about June 20 through Labor Day weekend; exact 2026 opening was Saturday June 6 (weekends) and Saturday June 20 (daily).
In effect nowEntry fee
$5/adult and $3/child walk-in gate fee; not free.
Lifeguard
Present during all posted open hours, American Red Cross certified lifeguards.
Dogs
Belchertown requires dogs to be secured by a leash or lead no longer than six feet, under the control of a responsible person, on public sidewalks, ways, and at outdoor functions in town. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted…
Managed by
Belchertown Recreation Department
413-323-0419 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Parking not sourced yet
Check the town's beach pages before you go.
Access points along this beach
Town Beach Road entrance
Main gate and fee booth.
Common questions
Is Town Beach in Belchertown open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-08-14). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
What are Town Beach hours?
The beach runs weekends from early June, then daily from about June 20 through Labor Day; specific daily open and close times are posted at the gatehouse each season rather than published online.
Is there a fee to swim at Town Beach?
Yes. Walk-in admission is $5 per adult and $3 per child, and resident and non-resident season passes are also sold.
Are dogs allowed at Town Beach?
The town has not published a dog policy specific to Town Beach, so it is worth calling the Recreation Department before bringing a pet.
What rules should I know at Town Beach?
Children under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. A mandatory rest period is called the last 15 minutes of every hour. Water quality is tested weekly and results are posted at the beach. Alcohol and nicotine/tobacco products are prohibited on the beach. Only Coast Guard-approved flotation…