Quick Summary:

  • What outdoor activities can I enjoy at the lakes in New Jersey?
    • New Jersey offers a variety of outdoor activities at its freshwater lakes, including swimming, fishing, boating, and even ice skating in the winter.
  • Are the lakes in New Jersey suitable for winter activities?
    • Yes, many of New Jersey's lakes are suitable for winter activities, including ice skating and ice fishing.
  • How can I purchase a fishing license in New Jersey?
    • You can purchase your fishing license online in New Jersey.
  • Are there lakes in New Jersey close to New York City?
    • Yes, many of the best lakes in New Jersey are located within a day trip distance from New York City.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Deal Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Deal Lake | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of Wilfred - Fotolia.com

2. Greenwood Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Greenwood Lake | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of rmbarricarte - Fotolia.com

3. Highland Lakes

Category: Activities
Highland Lakes | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of DESIGNOSAURUS. - Fotolia.com

4. Lake Aeroflex

Category: Activities
Lake Aeroflex | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of lom742 - Fotolia.com

5. Lake Carnegie

Category: Activities
Lake Carnegie | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of eqroy - Fotolia.com

6. Lake Erskine

Category: Activities
Lake Erskine | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of gdvcom - Fotolia.com

7. Lake Hopatcong

Category: Activities
Lake Hopatcong | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com

8. Lake Marcia

Category: Activities
Lake Marcia | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of mandritoiu - Fotolia.com

9. Lake Mohawk

Category: Activities
Lake Mohawk | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of nreina - Fotolia.com

10. Lake Musconetcong

Category: Activities
Lake Musconetcong | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of Simon - Fotolia.com

11. Lake Owassa

Category: Activities
Lake Owassa | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of sofia30 - Fotolia.com

12. Lake Tappan

Category: Activities
Lake Tappan | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of Pascal Halder - Fotolia.com

13. Manasquan Reservoir

Category: Activities
Manasquan Reservoir | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of Jin - Fotolia.com

14. Merrill Creek Reservoir

Category: Activities
Merrill Creek Reservoir | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of eyepark - Fotolia.com

15. Oxford Furnace Lake

Category: Activities
Oxford Furnace Lake | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of Aleksei - Fotolia.com

16. Pine Barrens Lakes

Category: Activities
Pine Barrens Lakes | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of Norm - Fotolia.com

17. Round Valley Reservoir

Category: Activities
Round Valley Reservoir | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of Michael - Fotolia.com

18. Shepherd Lake

Category: Activities
Shepherd Lake | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of mandritoiu - Fotolia.com

19. Spring Lake

Category: Activities
Spring Lake | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of yak_olesya - Fotolia.com

20. Spruce Run Reservoir

Category: Activities
Spruce Run Reservoir | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of Jin - Fotolia.com

21. Sunrise Lake Beach Club

Category: Activities
Sunrise Lake Beach Club | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of LUGOSTOCK - Fotolia.com

22. Swartswood Lake

Category: Activities
Swartswood Lake | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of frank1crayon - Fotolia.com

23. Tomahawk Lake

Category: Activities
Tomahawk Lake | Lakes in New Jersey
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com

24. Union Lake

Category: Activities
Union Lake | Lakes in New Jersey
© john raffaghello II/stock.adobe.com

Map:


Best time to fish in NJ is May through September:

Source: National Weather Service

Month Average High (°F) Average Low (°F) Average Precipitation (inches)
January 39 25 3.9
February 42 27 3.2
March 52 35 4.5
April 63 44 4.1
May 73 53 4.5
June 82 62 4.0
July 87 67 4.6
August 85 66 4.6
September 78 58 4.2
October 66 47 3.7
November 55 37 4.1
December 44 29 4.1

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