The 6 Cleanest Lakes In Massachusetts With Crystal-Clear Waters And Endless Fun

With over 3,000 lakes in Massachusetts, finding the perfect one for summer travel can be a task. This can be especially challenging if you're concerned about cleanliness while still wanting all the typical lakeside experiences with beautiful nature, wildlife, fishing, boating, and room to swim or paddle the day away. Luckily, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides public water quality data for public beaches and bodies of water that can help point residents and travelers towards the cleanest lakes in the state.

When conducting their assessments, MassDEP tests for dissolved oxygen levels, pH, nutrients, and temperature which can all impact aquatic life. This data helps MassDEP determine if bodies of water are safe for drinking, swimming, fishing, and boating. To assess water quality for swimming and recreation, specifically, MassDEP regularly tests for harmful contamination that could make people sick. If the levels of bacteria exceed the maximum for safe swimming, the affected beach or body of water is closed to the public.

To create this list, we used MassDEP's water quality dashboard, which is consistently updated during the summer months to reflect recent bacteria levels on beaches, lakes, and ponds throughout the state. This, alongside visitor reviews, helped us find not only the six cleanest lakes and ponds in Massachusetts but the most fun, too. When deciding which lakes or ponds you want to visit, be sure to check for updates as conditions can change.

Part of the Barnstable Land Trust, Hathaway's Pond is a 20-acre recreational area for swimming, hiking, biking, and non-motorized boating with a beach and boat ramp. Per MassDEP's water quality dashboard, bacteria levels in the pond remain well below the threshold throughout the summer season making it safe to swim in the pond's calm and warm waters. As one reviewer on Google noted, "The water is clear and stays pretty sandy for wading." Around the pond, there is also the 1.4-mile Hathaway Pond Loop Trail that weaves throughout the nearby forest with several overlooks that lead to the shore.

The Whitin Reservoir is a waterbody that is described by visitors as extremely clean and clear (backed up by MassDEP's water quality assessment). While lacking public boat ramps, the reservoir can be accessed through Breezy Picnic Grounds, a family-owned and operated recreational facility. The picnic grounds are located less than 20 miles from Worcester and less than 5 miles from the Mine Brook Wildlife Management Area, a scenic nature park. At Breezy Picnic Grounds you'll find a cash-only concession stand, clean bathrooms, over-water hammocks, a sandy beach, and groomed grassy areas and tables for the perfect summer day after a reservoir swim.

Laurel Lake is located in the Erving State Forest surrounded by beautiful green hills. This lake is frequently tested for bacteria levels by MassDEP and typically comes in well below the threshold, making it a great spot for clean swimming. The beach at Laurel Lake features a roped-off area for wading into the clear water. There is a picnic area with tables and charcoal grills as well as lifeguards on duty during the summer months. Laurel Lake is a great spot for swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing but if you want to explore the area more, spend the night at one of the 27 campsites or head out on miles of surrounding forest trails.

Lake Mansfield, a serene family-friendly lake in Great Barrington, is located in the Lake Mansfield Recreation Area and is a fantastic place to spend the day on the water, exploring the local trails, or having a picnic. When it comes to water quality, the Lake Mansfield Alliance that stewards the area works hard to maintain a lake that is clean and thriving with native flora that support the local wildlife and act as a natural filter against pollutants. The 29-acre lake is great for swimming and fishing and open to non-motorized boats such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. There is also a 0.25-mile walking loop around the lake that is accessible for wheelchair users.

Long Pond is located on the peninsula near the serene dunes of Cape Cod and is one of many amazing ponds in the Wellfleet area. Made up of two connected waterbodies, Long Pond is a kettle pond that measures around 38 acres and is among the cleanest in Wellfleet. Visitors consistently remark on the clear waters and the state's water quality assessment confirms its cleanliness. Long Pond is warm, clear, and calm, making it a great spot for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The pond is also used for the quarter-mile swimming portion of the annual Wellfleet Sprint Triathlon that takes place each summer. 

Located on the west side of Massachusetts, Lake Garfield can be found in the town of Monterey and is the largest of the lakes on this list at 275 acres. The water here is regularly tested with low to no bacteria and is clear up to 11 feet of depth. With such calm waters, the lake is great for kayakers and paddleboarders, and there is a designated swimming area just off the sandy shore with floating docks. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. Anglers can also enjoy fishing in the lake for multiple types of bass, perch, pickerel, and trout which are stocked each spring.