Life jackets, always
A life jacket is required for every person on every type of watercraft.
On the water & in the woods
Recreation & Safety
Kayakers, rowers, paddlers, swimmers, sailors, and anglers all share Chebacco Lake. Because this is a residential lake where sound carries far across the water, a little courtesy and care keeps it welcoming for everyone.
Before you launch
Three rules that keep everyone safe
Travel counterclockwise
Because of the lake’s shape, all boaters should circulate counterclockwise at all times.
No jet skis
Personal watercraft are prohibited. Keep a safe speed, distance, and a sharp lookout.
Enjoying Chebacco Lake
Recreation on the water
Chebacco Lake supports boating, fishing, paddling, swimming, rowing, and other year-round recreation. Awareness, courtesy, and preparation help everyone enjoy the lake safely.
Boating
Personal watercraft, commonly called jet skis, are prohibited on Chebacco Lake.
Because of the lake's irregular shape and narrow areas, boaters should travel counterclockwise, maintain a safe speed and distance, and remain alert for swimmers, paddlers, docks, and other watercraft.
Before launching, review the Massachusetts Boating Law Summary and the Massachusetts Boating Safety Guide.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the lake's most popular activities, both in open water and through the ice.
Species identified during MassWildlife surveys include largemouth bass, brown bullhead, yellow perch, chain pickerel, black crappie, white perch, and pumpkinseed.
Use the digital fishing map to explore fishing access, water depths, pond information, and bathymetric mapping.
Paddling & swimming
Kayakers, canoeists, rowers, paddleboarders, and swimmers share the lake with motorized boats throughout the warmer months.
Wear a properly fitted life jacket when paddling, remain visible, and use extra caution when crossing open water or entering narrow sections of the lake.
Swimmers should remain aware of boat traffic and stay close to shore, designated swimming areas, docks, or accompanying safety vessels whenever possible.
Getting on the lake
Access points & places to explore
State Boat Ramp
Located at the lake’s southeast corner, the State Boat Ramp provides parking for 14 vehicles and trailers, along with a portable toilet maintained from spring through fall.
Centennial Grove — Essex Town Beach
The town beach and pavilion are open sunrise to sunset and are rented exclusively to Camp Dory from 9am–1pm while camp is in session.
Gordon Rowing Center
Founded in 2015, the center grew from a student club into a successful collegiate sculling program.
Chebacco Woods
A maintained trail system winds through woodlands and along two ponds, crossing glacial eskers and connecting to the Gordon College trails.
Protect Chebacco Lake
Love the lake? Help protect it.
The recreation you enjoy depends on clean, healthy water. Join the Association or make a gift to help protect Chebacco Lake and its watershed.