Belchertown Town Beach — Attraction in Belchertown

It's a very cute beach with a plethora if amenities including a clean bathroom, playground, grilling area, concession stand, paddle boats, kayaks. The beach area can get pretty crowded during busy times but everybody during my visit was very friendly. This beach is very family-centric. The parking was completely packed when I had arrived, so we ended up parking along the road.

The reason for this 3 star though is because of the lifeguards and policies. They should write as their last rule amongst their already exhausting list, "You can't have fun." I saw lifeguards blow their whistle at kids for playing in the water when they were on break, and then tell everybody 10 seconds later that they were off break and that people could swim. The lifeguards are on a major power...

The beach is nice. But the rules are crazy! The lifeguard will get you if you splash (seriously you can not splash!), throw a ball, touch the rope, and certainly no piggy back rides. These are the rules I was told that were just placed on Friday. My kids felt no freedom to have fun because of the lifeguard attacking their every move. I understand safety but be ready for just standing in the water and...

No other beach in the region charges a fee to swim. The "command and control" of the staff is over the top. There is no requirement for fresh water beaches to have life guards. The fee is unconstitutional and oppressive, essentially designed to keep poor people from being able to swim. Eight dollars for me and my kid, each time, even if we want a quick dip. ...