Lakes and ponds are great options for some refreshing fun when you don’t feel like trekking all the way to the seashore and the weather gets hot. Check out some of these beautiful freshwater spots across Massachusetts, and don’t forget to visit the wonderful lakes that we’ve already spotlighted. We definitely recommend heading to one of these amazing lakes in Massachusetts as soon as you can!

  1. Laurel Lake, Erving

Flickr/Rusty Clark Located in Erving State Forest, this beautiful lake in Massachusetts was suggested to us by one of our readers. Enjoy splashing around in the clean lake waters, camping along its shores and picnicking on the sand. The park also offers over eight miles of scenic hiking trails. The daily vehicle parking fee is $8.00 for Massachusetts plates, but the visit is well worth it. It also makes the list of one of the 14 Swimming Spots With The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Massachusetts! Laurel Lake Road, Laurel Lake Rd, Erving, MA, USA

  1. Long Pond, Harwich

Flickr/MOTT This gorgeous pond is located right along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. It’s the perfect bike ride destination, and offers white sandy beaches that rival the most beautiful of Cape Cod seaside spots. We love this Massachusetts lake, and think it’s a great spot to enjoy a good stroll. So good, we added it to These 10 Gorgeous Waterfront Trails In Massachusetts Are Perfect For A Summer Day. Long Pond, Long, Harwich, MA 02645, USA

  1. Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester

Flickr/Discover Central Mass Also known as Long Pond, this pond is a lovely spot for summer watersports, fishing, sailing and swimming. The lake regularly hosts regattas, with the first being held in 1857. Eight small islands dotted across its surface, though most of these are privately owned and not open to exploration. Pack a picnic and be sure to poke around the surrounding Quinsigamond State Park when you’re done enjoying the lake. This lake in Massachusetts is just one of the reasons why Worcester is so beautiful! Lake Quinsigamond, Massachusetts, USA

  1. Long Pond, Middlesex Fells

Flickr/NoahBKaplan Okay, this is the last Long Pond on this list, I swear. Located in Middlesex Falls, this spot boast remarkably clear water and a real sense of privacy. Surrounded by tall trees and smooth stones, this pond is perfect for canoeing and kayaking. One of the cleanest lakes in Massachusetts, it’s also one of the most beautiful. Long Pond, Winchester, MA 01890, USA

  1. Spy Pond, Arlington

Flickr/ptwo Spy Pond might actually be most popular during the winter months, due to its tendency to freeze into an excellent ice skating spot. This 103-acre kettle pond is equally impressive during the summer months, where it hosts plenty of interesting birds, fish and bathers. We think it’s one of the 9 Hidden Gems You Have To See In Boston Before You Die! Spy Pond, Arlington, MA, USA

  1. Cochituate Lake, Cochituate

Flickr/Jack DiMaio Located in Cochituate Lake State Park, this beautiful swimming hole is a great place for taking a dip on a hot day. If you’d prefer to stay a bit drier, the lake is also perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Spread a beach towel on the clean, sandy shore and enjoy the beauty of the state park. This is one of the best lakes in Massachusetts for swimming; in fact, we think it rivals the coastline! Cochituate State Park - North Lake Cartop Boat Access, 88-94 Commonwealth Rd, Wayland, MA 01778, USA

  1. Great Herring Pond, Cedarville & Plymouth

Wikimedia Commons Most of this pond lies in Plymouth, with part of it extending into the Cedarville region of Pondville. Great Herring pond has actually been the site of a number of giant turtle sightings, mostly under Carters Bridge. The waters here are relatively warm, even early in the summer. This is also one of the best locations to catch stripers on the entire East Coast. Looking for more ridiculously gorgeous lakes in Massachusetts? We’ve got plenty! Great Herring Pond, Massachusetts, USA

  1. Lake Ashmere, Peru & Hinsdale

Wikimedia Commons This lake may be familiar to those who attended summer camp in the Berkshires; Camp Ashmere, Camp Danbee and Camp Taconic are located along its shores. It’s an excellent place for swimming and kayaking. And has beautiful views, and as well as being one of the cleanest lakes in Massachusetts. Ashmere Lake, Massachusetts 01235, USA

  1. Crystal Lake, Newton

Flickr/Aurélia, Luc, Jennifer and Philippe Le Hégaret This lake offers two small parks in addition to a well-maintained town beach. There’s also also a public bath house that makes changing in and out of bathing suits very convenient. Crystal Lake is a great option for those looking for a grassy place to relax, as well as a nice swimming spot. Crystal Lake is just one of the many crystal clear lakes in Massachusetts that you can enjoy! Crystal Lake, Newton, MA 02459, USA

  1. Big Pond (Otis Reservoir), Otis

Flickr/boxer bob Also known as Otis Reservoir, Big Pond is a popular summertime hangout for locals and visitors alike. Beavers are very active in the area, and kayakers are likely to stumble across some of their handiwork. Swimming, fishing and camping are all great options at Big Pond. In fact, the general consensus is that it’s one of the best swimming holes in Massachusetts! Big Pond, Otis, MA 01029, USA

  1. Lake Monomonac, Winchendon

Wikimedia Commons Lake Monomonac is actually an artificial lake, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less beautiful. Partially located in New Hampshire, this spot is a great option for fishing. Anglers can look forward to reeling in black crappie, chain pickerel, white perch, pumpkinseed, bluegill, horned pout, and green sunfish. Lake Monomonac, United States

  1. Lake Cochichewick, North Andover

Flickr/Dennis Wright This lake actually collects water from Weir Hill and other higher grounds in the area. Swimming isn’t allowed in this lake as it is an important drinking water source for North Andover. However, boating is permitted Rowing shells, johnboats, dinghies, rowboats, canoes and kayaks are all allowed, as long as the occupants don’t actually come into contact with the water. Explore this Massachusetts lake on one of the gorgeous hiking trails in the area. Lake Cochichewick, North Andover, MA 01845, USA

Which one is your favorite out of these amazing lakes in Massachusetts? Is there any we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

Flickr/Rusty Clark

Located in Erving State Forest, this beautiful lake in Massachusetts was suggested to us by one of our readers. Enjoy splashing around in the clean lake waters, camping along its shores and picnicking on the sand. The park also offers over eight miles of scenic hiking trails. The daily vehicle parking fee is $8.00 for Massachusetts plates, but the visit is well worth it. It also makes the list of one of the 14 Swimming Spots With The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Massachusetts!

Laurel Lake Road, Laurel Lake Rd, Erving, MA, USA

Flickr/MOTT

This gorgeous pond is located right along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. It’s the perfect bike ride destination, and offers white sandy beaches that rival the most beautiful of Cape Cod seaside spots. We love this Massachusetts lake, and think it’s a great spot to enjoy a good stroll. So good, we added it to These 10 Gorgeous Waterfront Trails In Massachusetts Are Perfect For A Summer Day.

Long Pond, Long, Harwich, MA 02645, USA

Flickr/Discover Central Mass

Also known as Long Pond, this pond is a lovely spot for summer watersports, fishing, sailing and swimming. The lake regularly hosts regattas, with the first being held in 1857. Eight small islands dotted across its surface, though most of these are privately owned and not open to exploration. Pack a picnic and be sure to poke around the surrounding Quinsigamond State Park when you’re done enjoying the lake. This lake in Massachusetts is just one of the reasons why Worcester is so beautiful!

Lake Quinsigamond, Massachusetts, USA

Flickr/NoahBKaplan

Okay, this is the last Long Pond on this list, I swear. Located in Middlesex Falls, this spot boast remarkably clear water and a real sense of privacy. Surrounded by tall trees and smooth stones, this pond is perfect for canoeing and kayaking. One of the cleanest lakes in Massachusetts, it’s also one of the most beautiful.

Long Pond, Winchester, MA 01890, USA

Flickr/ptwo

Spy Pond might actually be most popular during the winter months, due to its tendency to freeze into an excellent ice skating spot. This 103-acre kettle pond is equally impressive during the summer months, where it hosts plenty of interesting birds, fish and bathers. We think it’s one of the 9 Hidden Gems You Have To See In Boston Before You Die!

Spy Pond, Arlington, MA, USA

Flickr/Jack DiMaio

Located in Cochituate Lake State Park, this beautiful swimming hole is a great place for taking a dip on a hot day. If you’d prefer to stay a bit drier, the lake is also perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Spread a beach towel on the clean, sandy shore and enjoy the beauty of the state park. This is one of the best lakes in Massachusetts for swimming; in fact, we think it rivals the coastline!

Cochituate State Park - North Lake Cartop Boat Access, 88-94 Commonwealth Rd, Wayland, MA 01778, USA

Wikimedia Commons

Most of this pond lies in Plymouth, with part of it extending into the Cedarville region of Pondville. Great Herring pond has actually been the site of a number of giant turtle sightings, mostly under Carters Bridge. The waters here are relatively warm, even early in the summer. This is also one of the best locations to catch stripers on the entire East Coast. Looking for more ridiculously gorgeous lakes in Massachusetts? We’ve got plenty!

Great Herring Pond, Massachusetts, USA

This lake may be familiar to those who attended summer camp in the Berkshires; Camp Ashmere, Camp Danbee and Camp Taconic are located along its shores. It’s an excellent place for swimming and kayaking. And has beautiful views, and as well as being one of the cleanest lakes in Massachusetts.

Ashmere Lake, Massachusetts 01235, USA

Flickr/Aurélia, Luc, Jennifer and Philippe Le Hégaret

This lake offers two small parks in addition to a well-maintained town beach. There’s also also a public bath house that makes changing in and out of bathing suits very convenient. Crystal Lake is a great option for those looking for a grassy place to relax, as well as a nice swimming spot. Crystal Lake is just one of the many crystal clear lakes in Massachusetts that you can enjoy!

Crystal Lake, Newton, MA 02459, USA

Flickr/boxer bob

Also known as Otis Reservoir, Big Pond is a popular summertime hangout for locals and visitors alike. Beavers are very active in the area, and kayakers are likely to stumble across some of their handiwork. Swimming, fishing and camping are all great options at Big Pond. In fact, the general consensus is that it’s one of the best swimming holes in Massachusetts!

Big Pond, Otis, MA 01029, USA

Lake Monomonac is actually an artificial lake, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less beautiful. Partially located in New Hampshire, this spot is a great option for fishing. Anglers can look forward to reeling in black crappie, chain pickerel, white perch, pumpkinseed, bluegill, horned pout, and green sunfish. Lake Monomonac, United States

Flickr/Dennis Wright

This lake actually collects water from Weir Hill and other higher grounds in the area. Swimming isn’t allowed in this lake as it is an important drinking water source for North Andover. However, boating is permitted Rowing shells, johnboats, dinghies, rowboats, canoes and kayaks are all allowed, as long as the occupants don’t actually come into contact with the water. Explore this Massachusetts lake on one of the gorgeous hiking trails in the area.

Lake Cochichewick, North Andover, MA 01845, USA

Looking for more great waterfront places to visit in Massachusetts? How about one of these Massachusetts swimming holes?

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Address: Massachusetts, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Amazing Lakes In Massachusetts May 20, 2022 Megan McDonald How many lakes are in Massachusetts?  There are over 3000 gorgeous lakes in the state of Massachusetts. These beautiful bodies of water are the perfect place for swimming, water recreation, relaxing, and fishing. And there’s almost guaranteed to be one close to you! What is the deepest lake in Massachusetts? The deepest lake in Massachusetts is probably also it’s most famous: Walden Pond. Walden Pond is 103 feet deep, and is what they call a glacial kettle hole pond. It stays relatively cool all year long.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Amazing Lakes In Massachusetts

May 20, 2022

Megan McDonald

How many lakes are in Massachusetts?  There are over 3000 gorgeous lakes in the state of Massachusetts. These beautiful bodies of water are the perfect place for swimming, water recreation, relaxing, and fishing. And there’s almost guaranteed to be one close to you! What is the deepest lake in Massachusetts? The deepest lake in Massachusetts is probably also it’s most famous: Walden Pond. Walden Pond is 103 feet deep, and is what they call a glacial kettle hole pond. It stays relatively cool all year long.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are over 3000 gorgeous lakes in the state of Massachusetts. These beautiful bodies of water are the perfect place for swimming, water recreation, relaxing, and fishing. And there’s almost guaranteed to be one close to you!

What is the deepest lake in Massachusetts?

The deepest lake in Massachusetts is probably also it’s most famous: Walden Pond. Walden Pond is 103 feet deep, and is what they call a glacial kettle hole pond. It stays relatively cool all year long.