The Lake Mansfield Recreation Area is comprised of Lake Mansfield (also known as "Mansfield Pond"), a public boat launch at the southeast shore, a public beach and picnic area at the northeast shore, and a conservation forest across the road from the beach extending to Christian Hill Road. The remaining lands around the lake and conservation land are privately owned. The recreation area is overseen by the Conservation Commission. All wetland areas within the recreation area are protected by the Wetlands Protection Act.
The property is for the use and enjoyment of the public. Passive recreational activities, such as hiking, picnicking, fishing, swimming and boating, are encouraged. Winter activities, such as ice skating, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing, are also permitted. Such uses are expected to be reasonable, without litter, damage or other activities that might infringe upon the rights or enjoyment of others.
§ 217-31.1. 
Permits.
For special events in the beach and picnic area, permits may be obtained from the Great Barrington Parks and Recreation Commission by submitting a parks usage request and associated documentation.
§ 217-31.2. 
Swimming.
Lifeguards are provided at limited times during the summer months to help protect the safety of swimmers and enforce beach rules. Water safety is paramount. Swimming at any time is at your own risk, and adult supervision for children 12 years of age and younger is required. Appropriate attire is required in the swimming area. Diving (head-first entries) is prohibited. Underwater weed-control fabric is used in the swimming area, and it shall not be disturbed or removed except by authorized personnel. Swimming outside the buoys is not controlled by the lifeguards and is at your own risk.
§ 217-31.3. 
Boating.
Boating is allowed at your own risk. No motors (except electric boat motors) are allowed. Boating is prohibited in the swimming area defined by the buoys during the summer swimming season. Care must be taken by boaters to avoid the introduction of invasive species such as zebra mussels into the lake. State boat surveys must be filled out and placed in the dashboard of your vehicle affirming that your boat is free from invasive species. Massachusetts state boating laws must be followed at all time.
§ 217-31.4. 
Fishing.
Fishing is prohibited at the beach area throughout the year in order to minimize fishing hook hazards to bathers and disturbance of the weed control material.
§ 217-31.5. 
Dogs.
Dogs are prohibited in the beach and picnic areas to prevent disease from dog waste.
§ 217-31.6. 
Overnight camping.
Overnight camping at the beach and in the parking lot is prohibited.
§ 217-31.7. 
Fires.
Open fires are not allowed except in grills.
§ 217-31.8. 
Smoking.
Smoking is prohibited.
§ 217-31.9. 
Alcohol/illegal substances.
Illegal substances are prohibited. Alcohol is prohibited unless an alcohol use permit is obtained from the Great Barrington Board of Selectmen for a specific function and duly authorized by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
§ 217-31.10. 
Glass containers.
Glass containers are prohibited.
§ 217-31.11. 
Alteration of natural growth.
Cutting of trees or other significant alteration of natural growth on the property is prohibited except by written permission of the Conservation Commission.
§ 217-31.12. 
Violations and penalties.
Unless a higher fine has been established for a specific offense by the Town of Great Barrington or the State of Massachusetts, violation of these regulations is punishable by a fine of not more than $300 for each offense. Each day the violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
§ 217-32.1. 
Vehicle restrictions.
All motorized vehicles, including but not limited to motorcycles, minibikes, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, are prohibited on the property without written permission of the Conservation Commission.
§ 217-32.2. 
Dogs.
Dogs are welcome but must be restrained on leashes in accordance with Great Barrington leash laws. All dog solid waste shall be immediately removed.
§ 217-32.3. 
Overnight camping.
Overnight camping is allowed only with written permission from the Conservation Commission.
§ 217-32.4. 
Fires.
Fires are prohibited.
§ 217-32.5. 
Smoking.
Smoking is prohibited.
§ 217-32.6. 
Alcohol/illegal substances.
Alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited.
§ 217-32.7. 
Glass containers.
Glass containers are prohibited.
§ 217-32.8. 
Alteration of natural growth.
Cutting of trees or other significant alteration of natural growth on the property is prohibited except by written permission of the Conservation Commission. The picking of berries and mushrooms for personal consumption is allowed.
§ 217-32.9. 
Hunting/trapping.
Hunting and trapping are prohibited.
§ 217-32.10. 
Structures.
Structures may not be constructed or modified without permission from the Conservation Commission.
§ 217-32.11. 
Violations and penalties.
Unless a higher fine has been established for a specific offense by the Town of Great Barrington or the State of Massachusetts, violation of these regulations is punishable by a fine of not more than $300 for each offense. Each day the violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense.
§ 217-33.1. 
Boating.
Boating is allowed at your own risk. No motors (except electric boat motors) are allowed. Boating is prohibited in the swimming area defined by the buoys during the summer swimming season. Care must be taken by boaters to avoid the introduction of invasive species such as zebra mussels into the lake. State boat surveys must be filled out and placed in the dashboard of your vehicle affirming that your boat is free from invasive species. Massachusetts state boating laws must be followed at all time.
§ 217-33.2. 
Vehicle restrictions.
All motorized vehicles, including but not limited to motorized boats (except electric motors), snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, are prohibited on the lake. The use of small snowblowers to clean the ice for skating is permitted at the owner's own risk.
§ 217-33.3. 
Swimming.
Swimming outside the controlled beach area is not encouraged and is at your own risk. There are many hazards in the lake, including underwater structures, sunken logs, and heavy water vegetation and weeds. Personal safety is paramount.
§ 217-33.4. 
Fishing.
Fishing is allowed in accordance with Massachusetts fishing regulations. There is no fishing at the beach area.
§ 217-33.5. 
Ice skating/winter activities.
Use of the lake for winter activities such as snowshoeing, skating, skiing or ice fishing is at your own risk. Extreme caution is required as the condition of ice on the lake can be unpredictable and treacherous.
§ 217-33.6. 
Dogs.
Dogs are welcome but must be controlled at all times. All dog solid waste shall be immediately removed.
§ 217-33.7. 
Fires.
Winter fires on the ice are permitted in fire pans/containers. Any remaining debris as well as all litter shall be removed from the ice to prevent its introduction to the lake when the ice melts. There is no cutting of firewood along the shore of the lake.
§ 217-33.8. 
Smoking.
Smoking is prohibited.
§ 217-33.9. 
Alcohol/illegal substances.
Alcohol and illegal substances are prohibited.
§ 217-33.10. 
Glass containers.
Glass containers are prohibited at all times.
§ 217-33.11. 
Hunting/trapping.
Hunting is prohibited. Trapping is permitted only by approval of the Conservation Commission.
§ 217-33.12. 
Structures.
Construction of any structures that extend into the water, such as docks, are prohibited.
§ 217-33.13. 
Removal of lake water.
Water may not be removed from the lake at any time as provided by the Wetlands Protection Act.
§ 217-33.14. 
Introduction of foreign species.
Plants, wildlife, fish, or foreign species of any kind may not be introduced into the lake except for authorized fish stocking by the State of Massachusetts. It is especially important not to empty aquariums or release pets of any kind into the lake to avoid the introduction of invasive species.
§ 217-33.15. 
Violations and penalties.
Unless a higher fine has been established for a specific offense by the Town of Great Barrington or the State of Massachusetts, violation of these regulations is punishable by a fine of not more than $300 for each offense. Each day the violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense.