Chatham's most active swimming beach on Nantucket Sound, with a staffed gatehouse, lifeguards, and seasonal food trucks and water-sport rentals, plus a tidal creek at its west end where kids wade for hermit crabs at low tide.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot $30/day, $90/week, $190/season (non-resident); free with $30/season resident/taxpayer sticker
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Lifeguard
On duty daily, roughly 9am-4:30pm, June 20-August 31.
Dogs
Prohibited May 1-Sep 15, like all Chatham public beaches except Jacknife Harbor.
Kayak/Paddleboard/Sailing (Rentals And Lessons)
Allowed in season
Managed by
Chatham Recreation & Beaches Division
508-945-5175 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Cost$30/day, $90/week, $190/season (non-resident); free with $30/season resident/taxpayer stickerStickerChatham resident/taxpayer beach sticker, or non-resident visitor pass
Ridgevale Beach lot (staffed gatehouse)
Details unconfirmed
Access points along this beach
Ridgevale gatehouse entrance
Bucks Creek
the tidal creek at the west end of Ridgevale, crossed by a footbridge from the lot; a wading and kayak/paddleboard spot at lower tide, and a separate DPH monitoring point
Cockle Cove Creek at Ridgevale Bridge
DPH-monitored tidal creek/marsh outflow at the same footbridge; has a history of bacteria postings and an ongoing town bacterial source assessment
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Portable restrooms at the lot, cleaned daily
Common questions
Is Ridgevale in Chatham open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-07-16). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Where do I park if the lot is full?
Ridgevale is one of Chatham's most popular beaches and its staffed lot fills on peak summer days; the town does not designate overflow parking, so arrive early or expect to be turned away until spots open up.
Do I need a resident sticker?
No - non-residents can buy a day ($30), week ($90), or season ($190) visitor pass at the gatehouse; residents/taxpayers use the $30/season Chatham beach sticker instead.
Can I rent a kayak or paddleboard here?
Yes, seasonal rentals and lessons for sailboats, paddleboards, and kayaks operate out of the beach in summer.
Are there restrooms at Ridgevale?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
Been here? Help keep it current.
Prices, hours, and facilities change. A quick note keeps the next visitor from guessing.