Franklin's one supervised freshwater swimming beach, a sandy resident-only shoreline on Beaver Pond with a lifeguarded swim area, a boat launch, and the Vendetti playground next door. It shares its recreation-area grounds with an artificial-turf sports field.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Hours
Restrooms and the beach are open daily during the summer season; restrooms are cleaned Monday through Friday.
Season
Chilson Beach opens for the season in mid-June and closes mid-August (2026 season: June 13 to August 16); Beaver Pond itself and its boat launch/fishing are usable beyond the guarded beach season.
In effect nowAccessibility
Not specifically documented; general accessible parking or a beach wheelchair/mat is not confirmed.
Lifeguard
Lifeguards are posted during the summer season, though swimming is explicitly at your own risk.
Dogs
Not confirmed for the beach itself; the adjoining turf field and grounds fall under general town park rules.
Kayak/Canoe/Sup
Allowed year-round, ice permitting
Fishing
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Franklin Department of Public Works / Recreation Department
508-613-1666 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Parking not sourced yet
Check the town's beach pages before you go.
Access points along this beach
Beaver Street entrance
Staffed entrance where resident IDs/passes are checked.
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Bathhouse at Chilson Beach
Changing rooms
Bath house at the beach.
Picnic area
Picnic tables and hibachi grills at the recreation area.
Concessions
Concession stand.
Dock
Swim dock and a boat launch area for canoes/small boats.
Common questions
Is Chilson Beach in Franklin open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-08-14). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is Chilson Beach open to the public?
No, it is limited to Franklin residents, who must register in advance for a mailed pass and show ID at the gate.
Can I rent a kayak there?
Yes, seasonal kayak rentals are available on-site through a self-service kiosk.
Are there restrooms at Chilson Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Chilson Beach?
Swim at your own risk; children under 14 may not be on the beach without an adult. Open to Franklin residents only; non-residents are not admitted. No motorboats on the pond.
Can you swim at Chilson Beach?
Chilson Beach is town-owned and its water is not monitored by MA DPH, so there is no official swim status. Check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Chilson Beach?
Not confirmed for the beach itself; the adjoining turf field and grounds fall under general town park rules.
Is there an entry fee at Chilson Beach?
No, entry is free.