Chatham's most accessible swimming spot, a warm, calm saltwater pond a short walk from downtown. A paved, level path runs straight from the parking lot to the shoreline, and the shallow shore stays gentle for young kids.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Hours
Chatham beaches and their lots are closed 10pm until one hour before sunrise; lifeguards run 9am to 4:30pm daily, mid-June to late August. Posted hours at the entrance win if they differ.
From mid-JuneSeason
Open access, dawn to dusk, year-round; lifeguards on duty seasonally (see fields.lifeguard).
Accessibility
The most accessible Chatham beach: flat terrain, paved/level path from the lot, accessible restrooms, and a gradual shoreline slope for easy water entry.
Lifeguard
On duty daily, roughly 9am-4:30pm, late June through the end of August (exact start/end dates vary slightly by source).
Dogs
Prohibited May 1-Sep 15, like all Chatham public beaches except Jacknife Harbor.
Allowed now · ban starts May 1Swim Lessons
Allowed summer
Managed by
Chatham Recreation & Beaches Division
508-945-5175 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFree
Oyster Pond lot
Access points along this beach
Paved shoreline path
Level path from the parking lot straight to the water
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Bathhouse at Oyster Pond
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Oyster Pond by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| Water °F | 40° | 39° | 42° | 49° | 55° | 63° | 69° | 68° | 66° | 60° | 50° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Chatham (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Oyster Pond in Chatham open today?
Oyster Pond is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Oyster Pond has the most accessible entry in Chatham: a paved, level path from the parking lot, accessible restrooms, and a gradual shoreline slope, unlike the ocean beaches' soft sand or bluffs.
Is it good for young kids?
Yes, it's described as the warmest and calmest water in Chatham, shallow near shore, with lifeguards on duty and swim lessons offered in season.
Is there parking at Oyster Pond, and what does it cost?
Free lot (Free). Oyster Pond lot
Are there restrooms at Oyster Pond?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What's the water temperature at Oyster Pond?
Water at Oyster Pond averages about 39°F in February and 69°F in July, based on NOAA readings at Chatham from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
Can you swim at Oyster Pond?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Oyster Pond off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Oyster Pond?
Prohibited May 1-Sep 15, like all Chatham public beaches except Jacknife Harbor.
Is there an entry fee at Oyster Pond?
No, entry is free.