Lakes in New Jersey

1. Deal Lake

Unlike most other lakes in New Jersey, Deal Lake is made up of a series of shallow pools connected by water-filled channels. Most of the lake is extremely shallow and covered in lily pads, so while it's not well suited to swimming, it's an excellent habitat for a wide variety of fish and other aquatic life. Fishing is popular here in the spring, summer, and fall, but winter fishing is not recommended because of possible unstable ice. There is no limit to the horsepower permitted on the lake, but many people also come here to canoe and kayak.

Deal Lake is 1 hr 15 min (57.2 miles via Garden State Pkwy S) from NYC.

2. Greenwood Lake

Straddling the border between New York and New Jersey, Greenwood Lake covers more than 1,900 acres and features excellent views of the nearby Bearfoot Mountain Ridge. The lake is considered to be one of the best places in New Jersey to fish for bass, but it's also home to other species of fish including catfish, perch, and pickerel. The depth of the lake varies greatly, but it's suitable for both swimming and boating. Visitors who head over to the New York side of the lake will also be able to enjoy two public beaches with volleyball courts and lifeguards.

Greenwood Lake is 1 hr 30 min (50.4 miles via NJ-3 W) from NYC.

3. Highland Lakes

The Highland Lakes consist of a large number of manmade lakes and large ponds, only a few of which are larger than 100 acres in size. Most of the lakes are privately owned and accessible only to members; many of these communities have private beaches and parks, and some offer private guest rentals that allow visitors to enjoy the lakes and their amenities. However, the 265-acre Lake Wawayanda is open to the general public; it's regularly stocked with salmon and trout, and it also offers the opportunity to swim, canoe, boat, and hike the 60 miles of trails in Wawayanda State Park.

4. Lake Aeroflex

Nestled in beautiful Kittatinny Valley State Park, Lake Aeroflex is the deepest natural lake in the state. The water here is exceptionally clear, and although there are no swimming beaches on the lake, there are two long docks on the south side of the lake and a beautiful picnic area with grills. The lake is one of only two in New Jersey to be stocked with landlocked salmon; electric and trolling motors are permitted on the water, but many fishermen choose to paddle out to the deeper parts of the lake in kayaks. Ice fishing is permitted during the winter months.

5. Lake Carnegie

Named in honor of businessman Andrew Carnegie, Lake Carnegie was built on the campus of Princeton University to provide the rowing team with a convenient place to practice. A shady pathway runs along the lakeshore; visitors are welcome to use the path to access fishing spots on the bank. The lake is privately owned, but everyone is welcome to come here to fish, boat, and enjoy the scenery. Gas-powered boats are not permitted on the water, but other private boats are allowed. Visitors can also rent canoes and kayaks, but paddlers are required to give way to the rowing team.

6. Lake Erskine

Located in Passaic County, Lake Erskine is privately owned by an active community of people with homes on the lake and a love of life on the water. Tucked away in the Ramapo Mountains and surrounded by dense forest, the 90-acre lake provides an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The community regularly hosts all sorts of activities, including potlucks, softball games, and holiday celebrations, and it boasts a beach club, an aquatic club, and a sailing club. Boats are permitted on the lake, and it's an excellent place to fish for bass.

7. Lake Hopatcong

Approximately 9 miles in length and 4 square miles in area, Lake Hopatcong is the biggest lake in the state. The lake has been a popular tourist destination for almost 150 years, and it offers a wide range of excellent restaurants, guest residences, and other tourist amenities. Some of the bars and restaurants on the lake are accessible by boat; all types of boats are permitted on the water, and many of the lake's marinas offer boat rentals. Another highlight of the park is the state park on the southwest end, which offers a beach, several picnic areas, and plenty of other amenities.

8. Lake Marcia

Found inside High Point State Park, Lake Marcia is a peaceful 20-acre lake surrounded by beautiful hiking trails. The refreshing spring-fed waters of the lake are ideal for swimming, and the beach is carefully monitored by lifeguards during the daytime in the summer months. Pets are not allowed on the beach, but is are a variety of amenities including showers, restrooms, and a concession stand selling snacks and beverages. There is also a designated swimming area for visitors to enjoy; inner tubes and rafts are not allowed here, but they can be used on the rest of the lake.

9. Lake Mohawk

Constructed in the late 1920s, Lake Mohawk is a large artificial lake that serves as the hub of an active private community. Things to do here include catch-and-release fishing, swimming or relaxing on one of the lakes eleven beaches, and golfing on the course that surrounds the lake, but most of these activities and amenities are reserved for residents of the lakeside community. However, there is an excellent selection of restaurants and shops open to the general public; many of these businesses sit along the boardwalk that runs alongside the lake and through the gardens that surround it.