Harvard's staffed swimming beach on Bare Hill Pond, with a roped-off swimming area, three rafts, a boat launching ramp, canoe racks, moorings, and picnic tables. Parking requires an annual town beach sticker and is restricted to residents, Still River/Devens residents, and taxpayers.
What to expect
Parking
Resident sticker $75 (residents/taxpayers, ages 0-60); $37.50 (ages 60+); 1 free sticker per island-resident owner
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Hours
6:00 AM-10:00 PM during the 2026 season (April 14-November 28).
In effect nowSeason
2026 season pass covers April 14 through November 28; parking-sticker requirement (and staffing) concentrated Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Dogs
No animals, including dogs and horses, permitted at the beach or in the parking area, except service animals as defined by the ADA.
Managed by
Harvard Park, Recreation & Community Education
774-670-0270 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Resident sticker
Cost$75 (residents/taxpayers, ages 0-60); $37.50 (ages 60+); 1 free sticker per island-resident ownerStickerRequired Memorial Day-Labor Day; must be purchased online in advance (not sold at Town Hall or the beach with cash) and affixed to the left windshield; residents, Still River & Devens (within Harvard) residents, and taxpayers only -- non-residents cannot park here at all.
Bare Hill Pond Town Beach lot (31 Pond Rd)
Details unconfirmed
Bare Hill Pond Town Beach lot (31 Pond Rd)
Cost$75 (residents/taxpayers, ages 0-60); $37.50 (ages 60+); 1 free sticker per island-resident owner
Only one vehicle per account may park at a time; unauthorized vehicles may be ticketed or towed.
Access points along this beach
Boat launch ramp
Non-residents must purchase a launch fee via the town's MyREC system; jet skis prohibited.
What's here
Facilities
Picnic area
Picnic tables at the beach.
Dock
Boat launching ramp, canoe racks, and moorings.
Common questions
Is Bare Hill Pond Town Beach in Harvard open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Do I need a sticker to park at the Harvard town beach?
Yes. A sticker purchased online in advance is required to park at Bare Hill Pond Town Beach; it's restricted to Harvard/Still River/Devens residents and taxpayers, and cannot be bought at Town Hall or with cash at the beach.
Can I bring my dog to the Harvard town beach?
No. Dogs and other animals aren't allowed at the beach or in its parking area, except for ADA service animals.
What rules should I know at Bare Hill Pond Town Beach?
No animals (including dogs and horses) at the beach or in the parking area, except ADA service animals. No jet skis.
Can you swim at Bare Hill Pond Town Beach?
Bare Hill Pond Town 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.
Is there an entry fee at Bare Hill Pond Town Beach?
No, entry is free.