The public swim beach on Upper Highland Lake, lifeguarded in summer and tracked on the state's beach water-quality dashboard. It sits inside DAR State Forest and uses the forest's own parking lot and fee, not a separate town lot.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Season
Water-quality testing and dashboard updates begin around Memorial Day; lifeguards come on duty roughly mid-June and stay through Labor Day weekend (2025 dates).
Dogs
Banned from the beach sand and swimming area May 1 through Sep 15 under the statewide DCR pet rule; leashed dogs allowed on DCR land outside that window and area.
Allowed now · ban starts May 1Managed by
DCR - Division of State Parks and Recreation
413-268-7098 · WebsiteWhat's here
Facilities
Restrooms
shared DAR bathhouse
Worth knowing
- The beach is not monitored or maintained by the Town of Goshen; it's entirely a DCR operation even though it's the town's page that explains the details.
Common questions
Is DAR Day Use Beach in Goshen open today?
DAR Day Use Beach 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 this beach open to non-campers?
Yes. This is DAR's public day-use beach; the smaller Campers Beach nearby is reserved for people with an active campsite reservation.
Where do I check water quality before I go?
MA DPH's Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard updates during the swim season, typically around 9:30am and 12:30pm; the town's own DAR page links to it directly.
Are there restrooms at DAR Day Use 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 DAR Day Use Beach?
Dogs banned from the sand and swim area during the May 1-Sep 15 season under the statewide DCR pet rule.
Can you swim at DAR Day Use Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for DAR Day Use Beach 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 DAR Day Use Beach?
Banned from the beach sand and swimming area May 1 through Sep 15 under the statewide DCR pet rule; leashed dogs allowed on DCR land outside that window and area.
Is there an entry fee at DAR Day Use Beach?
No, entry is free.