A ten-acre swimming pond inside Wendell State Forest, with a sandy day-use shore, picnic tables, and ball fields on the north end while beavers keep the south end wild. Summer weekends draw families from across the North Quabbin, and the forest's dirt access roads keep it feeling remote even when the lot fills.
What to expect
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset as published by the National Weather Service, unless posted or permitted otherwise. Fishing, camping, snowmobiling and other authorized nighttime activities are not held…
Dogs
Not allowed in the designated swimming area from May 1 through September 15 unless posted otherwise. Outside that window and that area a dog on DCR land must be caged, bridled, or restrained on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet,…
Banned now · back September 15Fishing
Allowed year-round
Getting in
Parking
Free lot
Costfree
Ruggles Pond day-use lot
Ruggles Pond day-use lot
Costfree
Adjacent to the picnic area and ball fields
Access points along this beach
Ruggles Pond / M-M Trail trailhead
The Metacomet-Monadnock (New England) Trail heads north from the pond parking area along Lyons Brook
What's here
Facilities
Picnic area
Picnic tables and ball fields on the pond's north end
Common questions
Is Ruggles Pond in Wendell 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 there parking at Ruggles Pond, and what does it cost?
Free lot (free). Ruggles Pond day-use lot
Can you swim at Ruggles Pond?
Yes. Ruggles Pond has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Are dogs allowed at Ruggles Pond?
Not allowed in the designated swimming area from May 1 through September 15 unless posted otherwise. Outside that window and that area a dog on DCR land must be caged, bridled, or restrained on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, never unattended or at large, and its waste carried out.…
Is there an entry fee at Ruggles Pond?
No, entry is free.