A small Land Bank preserve above Chilmark Pond with a canoe or kayak put-in as its only way to the ocean beach. There is no drive-up ocean access here: paddlers cross about 0.2 miles of pond to reach two marked stretches of Atlantic beach, so this is a boat-your-own-way destination, not a walk-in one.
What to expect
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Season
No gate; open under the Land Bank's standard sunrise-to-sundown, year-round access.
Dogs
Dogs leashed April through September; under immediate control the rest of the year.
Banned now · back SeptemberManaged by
Martha's Vineyard Land Bank Commission
WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFree
South Road trailhead
Details unconfirmed
South Road trailhead
CostFreeSpaceslimited
Small dirt-road parking; access and parking are limited.
Access points along this beach
Canoe/kayak put-in
Only way across Chilmark Pond to the ocean beach; about 0.2 miles by water.
What's here
Facilities
Canoe drop
A canoe drop at the pond's edge; bring your own boat.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Chilmark Pond Preserve by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| Water °F | 39° | 37° | 41° | 48° | 56° | 66° | 73° | 74° | 70° | 62° | 54° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Woods Hole (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Chilmark Pond Preserve in Chilmark 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 there parking at Chilmark Pond Preserve, and what does it cost?
Free lot (Free). South Road trailhead
What's the water temperature at Chilmark Pond Preserve?
Water at Chilmark Pond Preserve averages about 37°F in February and 74°F in August, based on NOAA readings at Woods Hole from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at Chilmark Pond Preserve?
Land only on the two marked Land Bank beach stretches across the pond; the rest of the shoreline is private.
Can you swim at Chilmark Pond Preserve?
Yes. Chilmark Pond Preserve has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Are dogs allowed at Chilmark Pond Preserve?
Dogs leashed April through September; under immediate control the rest of the year.
Is there an entry fee at Chilmark Pond Preserve?
No, entry is free.