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
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Chatham beaches and their lots are closed 10pm until one hour before sunrise; lifeguards run 9am to 4:30pm daily, June 20 through August 31. Posted hours at the entrance win if they differ.
From June 20Season
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, June 20-August 31 (exact start/end dates vary slightly by source).
Off duty · back June 20Dogs
Prohibited May 1-Sep 15, like all Chatham public beaches except Jacknife Harbor.
Banned now · back Sep 15Swim 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?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
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?
Yes. Oyster Pond has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
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.