Scargo Beach (Scargo Lake) - Image 1
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Scargo Beach Scargo Lake

4.5
·64 reviews·Dennis, United States

A serene freshwater oasis on Cape Cod, Scargo Lake offers crystal-clear waters for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with free parking and famil...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Scargo Beach (Scargo Lake) - Image 1

Scargo Beach Scargo Lake

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene freshwater oasis on Cape Cod, Scargo Lake offers crystal-clear waters for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with free parking and family-friendly amenities.

4.5
(64 reviews)

"Love love love this beach, if you're looking for a place to wash off the salty ocean water, this is the place!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Parking Alert! 🚗

Enjoy free parking at Scargo Lake beaches, a welcome change from some other Cape Cod spots.

Rinse Off Ocean Salt 💧

Perfect spot to wash off salty ocean water after a day at the coast. The water is exceptionally clear.

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 64 reviews

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear Waters

Crystal Clear Waters

Scargo Beach

Enjoy exceptionally clear freshwater, perfect for swimming and seeing the lakebed below. Ideal for a refreshing dip.

Kid-Friendly Calm

Kid-Friendly Calm

Princess Beach

This calm, freshwater beach features a playground and picnic area, making it a hit with families and young children.

Scenic Lake Views

Scenic Lake Views

Scargo Lake

Experience beautiful lake vistas and observe small fish near the shore. A peaceful spot for relaxation and photography.

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Planning Your Visit

Freshwater Fun for All Ages

Scargo Lake offers a refreshing alternative to the ocean, with calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and water sports. It's a fantastic spot for families and those seeking a more relaxed beach experience. Parking is free, making it an accessible choice for a day out.

Best for a Quick Dip or Paddle

While Scargo Beach is loved for its clear water and calm conditions, some visitors note limited space for laying out towels. It's ideal for a refreshing swim, kayaking, or paddleboarding, especially if you're looking to rinse off ocean salt or enjoy a peaceful paddle.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌊 Looking for family-friendly spots in Dennis, MA that aren’t Mayflower Beach? Don’t worry—we’ve got two gems that locals love 💙 1️⃣ Princess Beach Tucked along freshwater Scargo Lake, Princess Beach is a quiet, peaceful spot perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding 🛶 The calm waters make it super kid-friendly, and there’s even a small playground for little adventurers 👧🧒 Bring lunch...
massachusettswithkids
2.3K likes • 87.8K views

Free Parking Alert! 🚗

Enjoy free parking at Scargo Lake beaches, a welcome change from some other Cape Cod spots. Reddit

Rinse Off Ocean Salt 💧

Perfect spot to wash off salty ocean water after a day at the coast. The water is exceptionally clear. Instagram

Have you visited Dennis' Scargo Lake? It has two beachfronts great for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding – Scargo Beach, which has a roped off area for swimming, and Princess Beach, a larger beachfront with a playground, a picnic area and restrooms. My granddaughter is named after Princess Sacrgo. My children learned to swim there! We ❤️ Scargo. Dr Valarie Whiting Books in bio #scargos...
scargos_cape_cod_adventures
6 likes • 275 views
Want more info on this property? DM me or leave a comment! $829,000 1507 Route 6A 4 bed | 3 bath | 1680 sqft Just over a mile to Sesuit Neck and Harborview Beach, Scargo Lake and Princess Beach. Fine dining, shops and an incredible opportunity to own over an acre on Historic Route 6A in East Dennis, one of the most desirable spots in the Mid Cape area. Step up and make all your Cape Cod dreams...
capecodhomevalues
7 likes • 246 views

Kayaking & Paddleboarding Fun 🛶

The calm, freshwater lake is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding adventures. Instagram

Family Favorite Spot 👨‍👩‍👧

Princess Beach offers a playground and calm waters, making it a great choice for families with young children. Instagram

reddit.com

Early season spots?

Anybody got recommendations of early season fly fishing spots? Just got news my boat is going to be down this year and need to find some honey holes from shore. Thanks!

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Parking Alert! 🚗

Enjoy free parking at Scargo Lake beaches, a welcome change from some other Cape Cod spots. Reddit

Rinse Off Ocean Salt 💧

Perfect spot to wash off salty ocean water after a day at the coast. The water is exceptionally clear. Instagram

Kayaking & Paddleboarding Fun 🛶

The calm, freshwater lake is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding adventures. Instagram

Family Favorite Spot 👨‍👩‍👧

Princess Beach offers a playground and calm waters, making it a great choice for families with young children. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(64 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Scargo Lake's exceptionally clear, calm freshwater, making it ideal for swimming and rinsing off ocean salt. The free parking and family-friendly amenities at Princess Beach, including a playground, are frequently praised. Some note that space for laying towels can be limited, but the overall experience is highly positive.

"Always a great stop when travelling Rtf. 6A. Trout fishing was the order of the day...CPR...catch, photo, release!
Plenty of great views and watch the video of the small fish going by the shore.
I have been stopping here for 30 years...you should to!"

QUINNY

"Great Lake. Nice, calm and relaxing place. Cleanest water for swimming and kayaking."

Olga B

"Love love love this beach, if you're looking for a place to wash off the salty ocean water, this is the place! So clear you can see the ground. The only downside is there's not much room to lay your towels, but there is some room. Definitely worth the trip to check it out!"

Nicole Diodato

What People Like

Crystal clear freshwater
Calm waters for swimming
Free parking

What People Dislike

Limited towel space

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Scargo Lake is located in Dennis, MA, accessible via Route 6A. There are two main beach access points: Scargo Beach and Princess Beach. Parking is available and free at both locations. Instagram

While specific public transport routes directly to Scargo Lake may vary, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) operates bus services throughout Dennis. It's advisable to check their current schedules for routes that may get you close to the lake. Reddit

Parking is generally free and available at both Scargo Beach and Princess Beach. Arriving earlier in the day, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure a spot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, parking at Scargo Beach and Princess Beach on Scargo Lake is free. This is a significant advantage compared to many other Cape Cod beaches. Reddit

There are no entrance fees to access Scargo Lake or its beaches. It's a public recreational area for everyone to enjoy. Instagram

Scargo Lake and its beaches are generally accessible from dawn until dusk. There are no strict operating hours posted, but it's best to visit during daylight for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Scargo Lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding due to its calm, clear freshwater. Princess Beach also has a playground and picnic area. Instagram+1

Yes, Scargo Lake is highly recommended for swimming. The water is clear, calm, and freshwater, making it a refreshing and pleasant experience, especially for families. Reddit

Yes, restrooms are available at Princess Beach, which is a larger beachfront area. Instagram

Yes, fishing is a popular activity at Scargo Lake, with many visitors enjoying catch-and-release trout fishing. Reddit

While specific dog regulations can change, generally dogs are allowed on many Cape Cod beaches during certain hours or seasons. It's always best to check local town ordinances for the most current rules regarding pets at Scargo Lake. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Scargo Lake is located on Historic Route 6A in East Dennis, which offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. Instagram

Absolutely! Princess Beach has a dedicated picnic area, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with a view. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the serene lake views, the clear water, and the peaceful atmosphere. Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light for photography. Reddit

While drone usage regulations can vary, the open water and scenic views of Scargo Lake could offer great aerial photography potential. Always check local FAA and town regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

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