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
Water not monitored off-season
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.
Allowed now · ban starts AprilManaged 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?
Chilmark Pond Preserve 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 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?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Chilmark Pond Preserve 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 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.