Brimfield State Forest
State park
4.4 (141)
86 Dearth Hill Rd, Brimfield, MA 01010
Shaded nature area with 20 mi. of multi-use trails & a fishing pond, plus a pavilion & restrooms.
Picnic tables
PondMA
Dean Pond
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
MassWildlife reports Dean Pond's beach and recreation area closed. Check Brimfield State Forest for current access; fishing access is not swimming permission.
Water type
Pond
Access
Swimming temporarily closed
Fee
Confirm current parking fees and permitted access with DCR
Best season
No swimming season recommended while the beach closure remains unresolved
Nearby towns
Brimfield, Monson
Water body
Dean Pond
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Brimfield, Monson
Access location not verified
MONSON, MA
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Dean Pond
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Dean Pond: beach closure reported
Dean Pond is in Brimfield State Forest, in Brimfield and Monson, Massachusetts. The MassWildlife pond page reports the state beach, pavilion and recreation area closed. A reopening date has not been verified. Do not plan a swimming trip here based on older directory descriptions.
Fishing access is different from swimming access
The same source describes shoreline fishing access. That does not reopen the bathing beach or establish permission to swim. Respect current signs and ask DCR which entrances and activities are available before traveling.
Contact the forest before visiting
Use the Brimfield State Forest page or call 413-245-9966 to check access, fees and facilities. Forest-wide amenities do not guarantee that the closed pond recreation area has operating restrooms or picnic services.
Why this listing changed
Earlier copy promoted summer swimming and described easy water entry without supporting current access information. Those recommendations have been withdrawn. This is a beach-closure notice, not a claim that the entire forest is closed or that all shoreline recreation is prohibited.
Getting There
Dean Pond is off Dean Pond Road in Brimfield State Forest. Confirm current permitted access with DCR before traveling; do not use historical swimming directions as authorization to enter the closed recreation area.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The state pond page reports the beach, pavilion and recreation area closed while describing separate shoreline fishing access. No swimming reopening verified.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Dean Pond Day Use Area
State park
4.2 (35)
Monson, MA 01057
Barbecue grillPicnic tables
Sunsetview Farm Camping Area
Campground
4.6 (283)
57 Town Farm Rd, Monson, MA 01057
Picnic tablesPublic restroomPublic showerRestroom
Partridge Hollow Campground
Campground
4.5 (180)
72 Sutcliff Rd, Monson, MA 01057
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Public Toilets
Public bathroom
2.5 (2)
236 Rte 15, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Peaked Mountain
Nature preserve
4.8 (209)
138 Butler Rd, Monson, MA 01057
Picnic tables
Quabbin Visitor Center
State government office
4.7 (78)
100 Winsor Dam Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007
Restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Dean Pond
Is Dean Pond free to visit?
Reported fee information: Confirm current parking fees and permitted access with DCR. Verify current pricing with the managing agency before your visit.
Is swimming allowed at Dean Pond?
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for Dean Pond. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Check with the land manager and follow posted restrictions.
What type of swimming spot is Dean Pond?
Dean Pond is a pond on Dean Pond located in Massachusetts, near Brimfield. MassWildlife reports Dean Pond's beach and recreation area closed. Check Brimfield State Forest for current access; fishing access is not swimming permission.
When is the best time to visit Dean Pond?
Seasonal planning notes: No swimming season recommended while the beach closure remains unresolved. Water levels, clarity, and temperature vary with recent weather. Check current conditions before going, especially after rain or snowmelt.
What facilities are available at Dean Pond?
Reported facilities at Dean Pond include: Forest-wide facility listings do not confirm operating services at Dean Pond's closed recreation area. Amenities can change - contact the managing agency or check recent visitor reports to confirm current availability.
Is camping available near Dean Pond?
Not at site.
Highlights
Brimfield State Forest pond
Beach closure reported by MassWildlife
Fishing access distinct from bathing access
Unique Features
Pond in Brimfield and Monson
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Respect the reported beach closure and current signs
- Shoreline fishing access does not establish swimming permission
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Use only currently permitted public viewpoints.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve Dean Pond's natural beauty. Avoid littering and disturbing local wildlife.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
No swimming season recommended while the beach closure remains unresolved.
Difficulty Level
Current permitted approach and accessibility must be confirmed with DCR
Fee
Confirm current parking fees and permitted access with DCR
Facilities
Forest-wide facility listings do not confirm operating services at Dean Pond's closed recreation area.
Activities
Check DCR for permitted non-swimming activities
Phone
413-245-9966
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Not at site.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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