Kingsley Beach is a DCR-run sand swimming beach on Pequot Pond (Hampton Ponds) in northeast Westfield, one of two named beaches inside Hampton Ponds State Park. It is the park's accessible beach, with a seasonal beach mat and beach wheelchairs for reaching the water.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot $8 MA-resident vehicle / $30 non-resident vehicle, May-Labor Day 8am-5:30pm; free off-season
Free until MaySwimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Parking fee collected about 8:00 am-5:30 pm during the May-Labor Day fee season; park otherwise open sunrise to sunset with no gate.
From MaySeason
Park grounds open year-round, sunrise to sunset. The designated swimming area is guarded seasonally, Memorial Day through Labor Day (2026 season May 23-Sep 7), subject to DCR lifeguard staffing.
Accessibility
DCR places a seasonal beach mat (Memorial Day-Labor Day) at Kingsley Beach for a firm path to the waterline, and lists beach wheelchairs on site (2 sand chairs, 1 floating wheelchair), plus an accessible pavilion/picnic area.
Lifeguard
Guarded in season (Memorial Day-Labor Day) subject to DCR staffing; exact daily hours vary and are not separately posted for Kingsley Beach.
Off duty · back Memorial DayFishing
Allowed year-round, subject to MA freshwater fishing regs
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (Hampton Ponds State Park)
(413) 532-3985 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Cost$8 MA-resident vehicle / $30 non-resident vehicle, May-Labor Day 8am-5:30pm; free off-season
Hampton Ponds State Park main lot, North Road
Hampton Ponds State Park main lot, North Road
Cost$8 MA-resident vehicle / $30 non-resident vehicle, May-Labor Day 8am-5:30pm; free off-season
Shared lot serving both Kingsley Beach and Lambert's Beach
Access points along this beach
Kingsley Beach swim area
Accessible designated swim area with beach mat
Main park gate/parking lot
Off North Road
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Bathhouse/pavilion at the main beach
Common questions
Is Kingsley Beach in Westfield 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 Kingsley Beach wheelchair accessible?
Yes. DCR places a beach mat at Kingsley Beach each summer for a firm path to the water and keeps beach wheelchairs on site, plus an accessible pavilion for picnicking nearby.
When is the swimming area guarded?
Lifeguards cover the designated swim season, Memorial Day through Labor Day (May 23-Sep 7 for 2026), though daily hours depend on DCR staffing and aren't posted specifically for this beach.
The gate charges $8 per vehicle for Massachusetts residents and $30 for out-of-state vehicles, collected roughly 8am to 5:30pm from mid-May through Labor Day; parking is free the rest of the year.
Are there restrooms at Kingsley 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 Kingsley Beach?
Beach closures can occur on short notice due to cyanobacteria (harmful algae) blooms or bacteria test results; check DCR's advisory page before visiting.