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
Water not monitored off-season
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,…
Allowed now · ban starts May 1Fishing
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?
Ruggles Pond 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 there parking at Ruggles Pond, and what does it cost?
Free lot (free). Ruggles Pond day-use lot
Can you swim at Ruggles Pond?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Ruggles Pond 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 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.