Watson Pond State Park

Watson Pond State Park is a small, seasonal DCR beach park at 1644 Bay Street in Taunton, on the shore of 78-acre Watson Pond. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Memorial Day and Columbus Day, with a beach, bathhouse, playground, picnic areas and a small pavilion. Parking costs $8 for Massachusetts plates and $30 for out-of-state plates in season. For day visitors to Massasoit State Park, which has no public swimming, it is the nearest DCR beach.

Hours and Season

DCR operates Watson Pond seasonally, from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For 2026 DCR listed the season as May 26 to October 9. Outside the season the beach facilities are closed.

Parking Fees

DCR charges a daily parking fee from May 23 through October 12: $8 for Massachusetts residents and $30 for non-residents, decided by your license plate. A Massachusetts state parks pass covers it, and Massachusetts seniors can get DCR's lifetime senior pass.

The Beach and Facilities

The 10-acre park has a beach with picnic areas along it, a bathhouse, a playground, grills and a small pavilion. DCR lists the park as wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and a beach wheelchair. The pavilion can be reserved; call (508) 884-8280.

Watson Pond

MassWildlife describes Watson Pond as a 78-acre great pond off Bay Street, averaging 6 feet deep with a maximum of 12 and water clear to about 6 feet. Its shores are wooded and lie within the state park. Kayaks and canoes can be carried in and launched from the beach area on the south-eastern shore.

Fishing

MassWildlife's surveys list largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow and white perch, black crappie, pumpkinseed, bluegill, brown bullhead, golden shiner and American eel, with "endless sunfish for the kids." The pond has produced award-size bass, pickerel, perch and crappie. Shore fishing is possible from paths around the pond. Anglers 15 and older need a license.

Rules

• No alcohol and no littering.
• No dogs on the beach from May 1 to September 15.
• Swim only in the designated beach area.

Watson Pond and Massasoit

Massasoit State Park in East Taunton allows swimming only for campers, so the two pair well: a hike or paddle at Massasoit, then a swim at Watson Pond. See swimming at Massasoit and Lake Sabbatia, which is also on Bay Street.