Massachusetts: There Are Still Over 50 Beaches Closed Due To Water Quality
We’ll have some nice weather and sunny days this week, but unfortunately, there are still some beach areas marked as “unsafe.” Massachusetts has over 50 beaches (53 total as of July 10) closed due to poor water quality and high bacteria counts.
“When the water quality is unsafe, the beach is required to be ‘posted’ with a sign that indicates swimming is unsafe and may cause illness,” the state environmental department posted in their most recent update.
Why Are These Beaches Closed?
The Salem News provided details on what is causing these continued closures throughout the state saying, “Beaches are closed when levels of E. coli exceed limits. Water is considered unsafe for swimming when two exceedances occur on consecutive days.” Much of this is directly connected to heavy downpours and flash floods that hit the east coast over the past week. Residents and guests can still go to the beach, you just can’t swim in the waters.
Areas Impacted
The North Shore beaches have seen a significant number of closings. Currently, there are six beaches in Beverly alone that are closed. Lynn, Mashpee, and Swampscott are also in the same position. The closures apply to both marine and freshwater beaches.
Unfortunately, in northern parts of New England, such as Vermont, the rain caused major flooding. In Burlington, for example, the National Weather Service reported over eight inches of rain. This has caused roads to close. Boston.com reported that “flash flood warnings and advisories for much of the state from the Massachusetts line north to the Canadian border.” Thankfully, the rain is now moving out.
The next testing for the Massachusetts beaches that are closed will not occur until next week. You can find the full list of current beach closings here.
Six Of New England's Best RV Sites
Massachusetts - Pine Lake RV Resort
These grounds were completely renovated and reopened in November 2020. It is located in Sturbridge, which is in the south-central region of the state. There is an eight-acre lake onsite, a large pool, and an indoor recreation center for movies and games. Pine Lake also has cottages that you can rent.
Connecticut - Acres High RV Park
Labeled a “luxurious camping resort,” Acres High is open year round. It is located in East Lyme, CT off Chesterfield Rd. There’s a large fishing pond that has a beach area on the south side and a brook with paddle boats available. There are great hikes right at the base of the grounds. Moreover, if you’d like to explore attractions in close proximity to the park, Foxwoods Casino and the Children’s Museum are a close drive.
Rhode Island - Ashaway RV Resort
Settled peacefully near Westerly, RI, Ashaway inspires relaxation. It’s more of a flat ground, but does allow bikes to explore the all the sites. You can chill with your feet up at Ashaway or you can be very active. There are go-carts, basketball courts, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, and mini-golf.
New Hampshire - Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort
There are 152 campsites with 65 full hookups for RV’s. Sea Coast is right off US Route 1 in North Hampton, NH. It is surrounded by green trees. The closest shoreline beach is just four miles from the grounds. Onsite they are pet friendly and offer a large playground. While there is not a ton of swimming options outside your door, this is a great location to hit multiple New Hampshire vacation favorites. In addition to the stretches of beach, Portsmouth is only eight miles up the road.
Vermont - Sugar Ridge RV Village
Sugar Ridge is settled on 68 acres of maple and pine trees. You can even rent 40-foot campers at this family-friendly village. It is located on Old Stagecoach Rd. in Danville, VT. There are two swimming pools, horse wagon rides, and dedicated hiking and bike trails. Sugar Ridge organizes daily activities you can partake in as well.
Maine - Balsam Woods, Spacious Skies
Spacious Skies has two locations in Maine, however, Balsam Woods is where RV’s go to really feel the spacious sky overhead. This is in Abbot, Maine, and while you share the grounds with cabins, you have the choice to pull your RV up to a woods or non-woods site. Regardless, there are miles of hiking trails. As for unique amenities – gem mining or jumping on a giant pillow trampoline anyone?
