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
Allowed water tested by the state
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.
Banned now · back Sep 15Managed by
DCR - Division of State Parks and Recreation
413-268-7098 · WebsiteWhat's here
Facilities
Restrooms
shared DAR bathhouse
Common questions
Is DAR Day Use Beach in Goshen 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 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?
Yes. DAR Day Use Beach has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
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.