Swimming is permitted during the summer months while lifeguards are on duty. Not reopening for swimming in 2020. Those who wish to swim will find the water quite cold, but the views of the surrounding scenery are unforgettable. Swimming is permitted daily while lifeguards are on duty, between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. However, restrooms, changing areas, showers, first aid, and concessions remain open. Picnic areas are nearby and include tables, charcoal grills, and restroom facilities. Prices can be found here. Belleplain State Forest consists of 21,000 acres of pine, oak, and Atlantic white cedar, located in Cape May and Cumberland counties. Not reopened for swimming yet due to a lack of lifeguards. Before dogs may swim, owners must sign a permission form. Swimming is now allowed at the lakes within New Jersey State Parks, but each park is deciding when and if to open. This summer, if you want a break from the pounding waves, dive into the calm waters of one of these beautiful New Jersey lakes, which have started to reopen for the 2020 swimming season. Swartswood Lake is the park's main attraction, drawing families that enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking in its calm waters. In addition to changing areas and a concession, there are volleyball courts and playgrounds near the beach. Hosting a New Year's Eve party? If you're looking to stay cool without breaking the bank this summer, we've got your back. RELATED: Gorgeous NJ Pools Offering Day Passes, Put Hooks Creek Lake on your summer bucket list! Where: Lake Hopatcong, Hopatcong State Park, LandingFees: $6 weekdays, $10 weekends/holidaysDetails: This nine-mile lake, which is the largest body of freshwater in New Jersey, was originally created as part of the historic Morris Canal system, and today is the central feature of Hopatcong State Park. The lake has a changing area, restrooms, first aid, and concessions. Playground is closed. Boat rentals are available for fishing and canoeing, and the surrounding park features botanical gardens, historic manors, and more than a dozen trails. If so, you’re in luck! Swimming is not permitted in the main reservoir. Changing areas, restrooms, showers, first aid and concessions are available. The recreation area features picnic tables, bathhouses, and a food concession. Beaches and Lakes around Long Valley - Long Valley, NJ - AARP In Your City Original Stories, Local Events, Top Business Directories. Search Near Cape May County, NJ: Trails National and State Parks City Parks Lakes Lookouts Marinas Historical Sites. Not reopening for swimming in 2020. Free topo maps of the most popular Lakes in Cape May County, NJ - with GPS coordinates, pictures, and more. Keep in mind, all locations on the list advise visitors to be safe during COVID-19. ... lakes, reservoirs and ... allow the community to linger together after twilight. High Point is a park worthy of its name; from High Point Monument, you can see farmland and forest views across three state lines (though the monument itself isn’t open to the public). Several other lakes either remain closed or have been closed because of toxic algae, including Lake Hopatcong, the largest recreational lake in the state. The lake gets crowded on the weekends, so be prepared to arrive early. To contact us and book your picnics CALL 973-478-7490 Weekdays 11am to 3pm or email tomahawklakesales12@yahoo.com The exclusivity of these places may entice people in (a lot of them are not accessible by road, and you may actually get a citation for visiting them , etc), though maybe you probably shouldn’t swim there. Reopened for swimming in 2020, from 11am-5pm daily. If your idea of roughing it includes freshly caught trout or striped bass cooked over your own grill, you need to check the rules carefully before lighting a match in a New Jersey state park. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Public Swimming Pools in Phillipsburg, NJ. There is a playground, as well as open fields with picnic areas overlooking the reservoir; you can bring your own grill as long as it conforms to fire regulations. Rates start at $55 a night for a four-bunk cabin.More info: Click here to visit the website. While we have quite a few to choose from, the following are all fantastic places to start. Unsure if it will reopen in 2020.​ But what if you didn’t have to? Boating, fishing, hunting, and more than 50 miles of trails are available.Why I like it: The park’s Interpretive Center offers special educational programs year-round.More info: Click here to visit the website. Reopened for swimming in 2020, daily from 10:30am-6pm. The park is also a great place to explore with kids. Boating, fishing, hunting, camping and hiking trails are also available.Why I like it: Since Bass River State Forest is right off the Garden State Parkway, this is an excellent alternative for when your attempted beach trip hits a traffic snag. Beaches are open for swimming and boating, but boat rentals will have a 2 person maximum. There is a bathhouse, and concessions are available as well. Where: Round Valley Reservoir, Round Valley Recreation Area, LebanonFees: $5 weekdays, $10 weekendsDetails: Round Valley’s 180-foot-deep lake is the deepest in the state. Cool off in Lake Marcia after a hike in High Point State Park. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, swimming is permitted on the north side of the lake, where lifeguards are on duty. Pay at the gate; only towels on the beach – no chairs or coolers. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, planning a family reunion, or just 15 Best Lakes in New Jersey. It's open for swimming daily during the summer from 10am to 6pm. Next to the beach, visitors can access restrooms, changing areas, showers, a first-aid station, and a kid-friendly (and reasonably priced) concession stand. Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Morris County Park CommissionAdditional Images:NJ Division of Parks and ForestryParvin State Park / Facebook. Lake Hopatcong in NJ has reopened for swimming with new social distancing rules in place. During the summer months, an entrance fee to the park is charged per vehicle. Originally published 2014 and updated annually. Picnics are simple pleasures that kids of all ages can enjoy, so grab a blanket and your favorite goodies and head out to one of North Jersey's best spots for family gatherings. "I want to swim, swim, swim, swim! If you are planning to move in to New Jersey, you need to talk to Joshua M. Barris , one of the best realtors. More specifically, we are a lifestyle and tourism website showcasing all the things that make our state so great. The lake has a changing area, restrooms, showers, first aid and concessions. Photo courtesy of W Fukuyama. The beach is protected by lifeguards, and there is a bathhouse and food concession adjacent to the beach, which is open daily July through Labor Day weekend 10am to 6pm (weather permitting). Chairs, coolers, and umbrellas OK. Bass River State Forest was the first forest acquired by the state of New Jersey in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife management. All in One Place. Photo courtesy of Photography by Stephen Harris. The Garden State is famous for its beautiful ocean beaches, but we’ve also got some fabulous swimming lakes in New Jersey!The calm waters of NJ swimming lakes are ideal for small children or anyone who would like an alternative to the busy pace of summer at the Jersey shore. Swimming is permitted from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend at a lifeguarded area of the Lake. Greenwood Lake this week became the latest New Jersey lake to be closed due to high bacteria levels from toxic algae blooms. Be sure to check the daily swim schedule for status updates. You can safely swim in the enclosed area of the lake and there is also a sandy beach, dunes, a sunbathing area and sports area, with equipment to play games, which you can enjoy. Pay at the gate/toll booth. From majestic views and wooded trails to tranquil lakes and shady playgrounds, these parkland treasures are worth a visit. From our Original Series spotlighting NJ Vocabulary and Historic Landmarks, to our Statewide Events Calendar; to our Business Directory full of the best local eateries, entertainment and services. Located within the Wharton State Forest, the lake is a popular destination for families looking for an alternative to the Jersey Shore. Beat the Heat at these NJ Swimming Lakes! If you plan to go on the weekend, get there early as the park often fills to capacity and is closed by 10am. Commemorate July 4th at one of New Jersey's historical sites, many of which are hosting special historic July 4th celebrations. Purchase a season pass and save big (see website for pricing).Why I like it: Rent a pavilion or picnic tables to host your lakefront gathering. These lakes are assured kid friendly lakes so just come prepared to have some fun. Nestled in south Jersey’s Belleplain State Forest is a former cranberry bog-turned-hotspot for camping, boating, fishing for largemouth bass and swimming on the north side of the lake (just right off of Meisle Road). The Wharton State Forest is the biggest single tract of land in the state parks system, and is also home to Batsto Village, a re-created 19th-century village that offers programs and tours, and Harrisville, a “ghost town” abandoned in the late 1800s. Daily swimming (11am-5:30pm) but at reduced capacity. Swartswood became New Jersey's first state park in 1915, established to ensure residents would have access to one of the state's largest freshwater lakes. An entrance fee per car is charged during the summer months. Photo courtesy of Wawayanda State Park. The lake offers a modest swimming area and a nice beach, both extremely clean and welcoming. You can find picnic areas with tables and grills throughout the park; two areas are available for large groups. Barbecue Restaurants in Pompton Lakes on YP.com. They permit swimming through Labor Day weekend while lifeguards are on duty. OK to bring coolers and chairs. There’s Something Magical About These 12 New Jersey Lakes In The Summer. For more information contact him today to get more information on recent NJ listings . Head over to Lake Absegami for a swim, wait for the traffic to ease up, then hit up the beach for the evening!More info: Click here to visit the website. Outside of the Jersey Shore, this is the place to be for waterfront fun. In 1910, Mountain Lakes was a rural woodland owned by a few families with names such as Righter, Grimes, Ball and Van Duyne. There are 14 Hertfordshire lakes to pick from. With more than 30,000 Kilometers of waterways, the area is the largest water landscape in Germany and, together with the northern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, forms the … Closed for swimming at this time. Where: Lake Marcia, High Point State Park, SussexFees: $5 weekdays, $10 weekends/holidaysDetails: The spring-fed, 20-acre Lake Marcia is typically open for swimming on weekends between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm through Labor Day weekend, while lifeguards are on duty. Check the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's daily swim schedule for updates. Sunrise Lake Beach Club is one of our favorite summer destinations. The lake is open on weekends and holidays from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm. Picnic areas with grills, changing areas, restrooms, showers, first aid, and concession stands are available, but there is no grilling along the beach. In addition, picnic tables spaced six feet apart will be available for use; though they encourage bringing your own table cloth. Picnic areas are located along the lake’s shore, and you will find canoes, rowboats and paddle boats available to use at the rental facility.Why I like it: Of all the deep lakes in the Garden State, only a small handful house coldwater fish like trout and salmon…and Lake Wawayanda is one of them!More info: Click here to visit the website. Changing areas, restrooms, showers, first aid, and concessions are available. Underneath pine, cedar and oak trees, enjoy the dedicated swimming area and perhaps a goose sighting while in the water. There are 13 lakes in Cape May County, New Jersey. Where: Spruce Run Reservoir, Spruce Run Recreation Area, Clinton (CLOSED FOR 2020)Fees: $5 weekdays, $10 weekendsDetails: Spruce Run offers 15 miles of shoreline for recreational use. Photo by David via Flickr. Explore other popular activities near you from over 7 million businesses … Picnicking, chairs, coolers allowed on the grassy areas while beach is limited to towel and a water bottle. Due to COVID-19, the park is operating at limited capacity; but you can click here to check the New Jersey State Parks’ Facebook page to see new updates. Find the best Swimming Lakes near you on Yelp - see all Swimming Lakes open now. Berlin and its surrounding state of Brandenburg can be also called “the land of 3,000 lakes”. © 2019 BestofNJ.com LLC/All rights reserved. We are your one-stop shop for where to go, what to do, and why New Jersey is the best! Free pools, lakes and other water attractions . Where: Parvin Lake, Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove (CLOSED FOR 2020)Fees: $2Details: Parvin State Park is nestled in the southwestern corner of the state and it has a rich history to tell, having served as a summer camp for the children of displaced Japanese Americans in 1943. Visitors can also rent a variety of boats, including canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats. The park is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm through Labor Day, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm through September 30, and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm through October. Masks should be worn when in or around gatehouses, restrooms or any open buildings; and patrons should keep six feet of distance between other parties at all times. We've rounded up the best lakes in Hertfordshire in our quest to discover brilliant family attractions and places to visit near you. Reopened for daily swimming (11am-5:30pm) at limited capacity in 2020. HAPPY HOLIDAYS and HAPPY NEW YEAR We look forward to seeing you in 2021. During the summer months, the clear waters of beautiful Lake Wawayanda, part of the Wawayanda State Park, draw folks from all over the state. Membership is required but absolutely worth it. Swimming Lakes in Phillipsburg on YP.com. Lake Closures Leave NJ with Few Places to Swim . Playgrounds, concession stands, restrooms, and changing areas are available lakeside. I always enjoy the Seven Lakes Drive scenery. Photo courtesy of Morris County. Beautiful Atsion Lake gets crowded on the weekend, so get there early! Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find the best lakes & reservoirs for swimming near you.| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |. Swimming is permitted during the summer months while lifeguards are on duty. New Jersey Lakes: A list of all the Lakes in New Jersey with maps, driving directions and a local area search function. Places to Swim near Margate - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Margate NJ The Best NJ Lakes and Reservoirs for Swimming, Hot Topics in NJ Presented by Caucus Educational Corporation, Digital/Promotional Services for Local Businesses, click here to check the New Jersey State Parks’ Facebook page, Super Bowl 411: Your Cheat Sheet to the Game, New Year’s Eve: Fab Finger Food Ideas for Your Party, The Best NJ Restaurants Open on Christmas, The Best NJ Hiking Trails: Sunrise Mountain (Stokes Forest), By Land Or Sea Brings BBQ & Seafood To Glassboro, I HeART New Jersey: The Best Mural Artists. While our beautiful beaches are one of the best ways to beat the heat, New Jersey’s gorgeous lakes really shine in the summer. Playgrounds will also be open, but no volleyball nets will be up at this time. Annual memberships. For more Best of NJ content, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our Weekly Newsletter. You’re all set for the beach. Beaches and Lakes around Medford Lakes - Medford Lakes, NJ - AARP In Your City In addition, High Point offers more than 50 miles of trails as well as picnic and camping facilities. New Jersey (NJ) | 15 Best Lakes in New Jersey. No pets are allowed.Why I like it: Every Tuesday morning in July, check out Toddler Time, where toddlers and their parents get to have exclusive access to the water without the hustle and bustle of the daily crowds.More info: Click here to visit the website. The group barbecue picnics are epic. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We're glad you asked! The snack stand is also open for takeout purchases. Enjoy a hike after your swim to see the vegetation change as you move from a coastal salt marsh to an upland forest.More info: Click here to visit the website. We love a visit to the lake. Note that the lakes' swimming hours are subject to change to due weather and staff changes. It can be very packed here and people may struggle to find parallel parking on the side of the road. We have updated this NJ swimming lakes article with current information, but please call ahead as things are changing quickly. It is also home to beautiful Lake Nummy. Where: Swartswood Lake, Swartswood State Park, Swartswood (CLOSED FOR 2020)Fees: $5 weekdays, $10 weekendsDetails: New Jersey’s first state park, Swartswood was established in 1915. Lake Absegami, a 67-acre lake created in the 1930s, is the center of the forest's recreational facilities. There are plenty of beach-side amenities, including playgrounds, volleyball courts, changing areas with showers, and a concession building that sells food and beach supplies. Swimming is open as of July 3, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm while lifeguards are on duty. The park also offers boating and fishing.Why I like it: Large trees overlooking the lake offer a shady respite from the heat.More info: Click here to visit the website. Swimming is permitted Friday through Tuesdays, through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty. Photo courtesy of Morris County. Named the best swimming hole in New Jersey, recommended as one of "8 Places To Visit In New Jersey This Summer," and "The Incredible Swimming Pool In New Jersey You Absolutely Need To Visit," this Olympic-sized, stream-fed freshwater swimming pool is located in a wooded setting adjacent to the 5,400 acre Norvin Green State Forest in Ringwood, NJ.. No chemicals are used in the po Though New Jersey might not be the first place you think of when you consider great states for visiting lakes, it does in fact offer a variety of options that are both clear and ready to be explored. As of July 28, 2020, swimming remains open, but there is an algae bloom watch in effect. These ratings and reviews can be found throughout Google, Yelp and Facebook. Where: Sunrise Lake Beach Club, Lewis Morris Park, Morristown (CLOSED FOR 2020)Fees: Adults $6, $8 weekends/holidays; kids and seniors $5, $7 weekends/holidaysDetails: The Sunrise Lake club, run by the Morris County Park Commission, offers an inflatable obstacle course for swimmers as well as beach volleyball, paddle boats, restrooms, showers and family campout nights. Photo by Mommy Poppins, Take a cool dip in the pristine waters of Atsion Lake. The NJ State Parks Facebook page regularly updates which parks have reached capacity so be sure and check there before heading out. The latest update for The Best NJ Lakes and Reservoirs for Swimming is written by Lindsay Podolak. Starting June 25, new weekday hours of 10:00 am to 5:00 pm will be in place. The park also offers camping, trails, fishing, hunting, boating and nature programs for families.Why I like it: For boating fans, you can rent canoes, kayaks, motor boats and pontoon boats.More info: Click here to visit the website. Picnic areas and concessions are also available. In the space of ten years, however, the entire face of Mountain Lakes changed from a wilderness of Dutch and English properties to a planned suburban community. The lake is clean and not crowded during the week. Become part of the Best of NJ community and get new restaurant updates, entertainment picks, and upcoming event details delivered straight to your inbox weekly! Then, you get on the road and sit in Garden State Parkway traffic for three hours. BONUS: You Probably Shouldn’t Swim in Blue Hole When we polled our audience, quite a few of you said Blue Hole, even though no swimming is allowed (cough cough). Where: Lake Wawayanda, Wawayanda State Park, HewittFees: $5 weekdays, $10 weekends/holidaysDetails: The forested hills surrounding Lake Wawayanda create a picturesque backdrop for anyone who visits the lake, whether it is for hiking, boating, swimming or fishing. Entrance fees are charged per vehicle during the summer months. New Jersey is known for its outstanding beaches, but it also has some of the best swimming lakes in the Northeast. Where: Lake Garrison, MonroevilleFees: $8 weekdays, $10 weekends/holidaysDetails: A perfect alternative to the beach, Lake Garrison’s clean beach and refreshing waters are just the ticket for a fun family outing.