Laurel Lake at the Erving State Forest is awesome! We were there around 9:15am on a Tuesday. It was deserted, but probably because school isn't out yet for everybody else.
NOTE: There isn't really any cell service. Very limited. I could send delayed texts (not photos), but no wifi and I couldn't make a call. I have Verizon.
This a great, sandy beach in the middle of a state park. Hiking trails surround it. It is small, but very nice. The whole lake is probably a mile long, but this beach area is much smaller (I'll update with size later).
There is a fee to enter, but we didn't see where to pay. We used a free pass from our library, anyway. For MA residents, a pass to all the state parks for 2018 is $60, so we might invest in that.
They have real bathrooms! With toilet paper, sinks, and soap! Plus a separate changing area with private stalls.
These both sit at the top, by the parking lot and the stairs - word to the wise if you need to use the bathroom a lot, you'll have to go up and down each time.
I'll check next time I go to see if there's changing tables; I forgot to look.
They are men & women, I didn't see a gender neutral/inclusive option.
There aren't any shaded parking spots, but there is lots of parking.
There are two ways to get down - a paved but cracked, steep hill (which I kept slipping & falling down), or stairs (which I used after my hill experience, lol).
I didn't see any handicap accessible access, for those in wheelchairs, etc., unfortunately. It seemed like there was a handicap accessible boardwalk to the side below, but I didn't see any ramps to easily get down to that area.
Right now it is unguarded, but I saw 6 lifeguard posts, so I assume they use those during busy season.
There are lots of places to sit and watch your kiddos and/or sunbathe - sunny & shaded grassy spots, and sunny beach spots. You can also go out on your kayak or canoe, if you want.
There is a small wading area off to the side, for little, and it has bouys around it.
Note - you can't use inflatables, i.e. inner tubes, but you can use life vests, boogie boards, pool noodles, etc.
The water is so clear!! There are fish and salamanders. We did not see any snakes or leaches.
Lots of hiking trails around, too. And we saw at least one grilling spot. I don't know if animals are allowed. I'm pretty sure it's non-smoking, though.
It was great! We want to go again later this summer, too, to see how crowded it gets. I'll update then. Pictures attached. read more