A small town-run beach on a kettle pond off Center Street, with a roped swim area, a play space near the sand, and lifeguards on duty in summer. The pond, also called Chapin Pond locally, has had blue-green algae advisories in recent summers, so it is worth checking the posted status before swimming.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Hours
Roughly weekdays 10am-8pm and weekends 9am-8pm in season
Season
Open seasonally, roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day
In effect nowAccessibility
An accessible play area and equipment sits near the sand; no beach wheelchair or Mobi-Mat confirmed
Lifeguard
Lifeguarded in summer, historically staffed with up to about seven guards
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on the beach
Kayak
Allowed year-round, electric motors only
Managed by
Ludlow Recreation Department
413-583-8856 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Parking not sourced yet
Check the town's beach pages before you go.
Access points along this beach
Cartop/trailer ramp
Concrete pad ramp, electric motors only; fits about 6 cars and 3 trailers
Common questions
Is Haviland Pond Beach in Ludlow 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 it good for young kids?
There is a play area right by the sand and a roped swim section, but the pond has closed for algae in past summers so checking the current posting first is worthwhile.
Can I launch a kayak here?
A small concrete ramp on the southwest shore takes cartop boats and small trailered craft, but only electric motors are permitted on the water.
Are there restrooms at Haviland Pond 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 Haviland Pond Beach?
Blue-green algae blooms have triggered swimming advisories in past summers, most recently in September 2024. No dogs on the beach. Only electric motors allowed on the pond, no gas outboards.
Can you swim at Haviland Pond Beach?
Haviland Pond 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 Haviland Pond Beach?
Dogs are not allowed on the beach
Is there an entry fee at Haviland Pond Beach?
No, entry is free.