New Jersey is the place you should really consider visiting to spend time with nature. The state offers a variety of options which are amazing and waiting to be explored.
The lakes in the north are near New York city while the lakes in the south are nestled in forests surrounded by beautiful and serene campsites.
The best lakes to visit for boating and fishing in New Jersey are given below:-
Lake Hopatcong
Location: 40 miles from New York City
Known for: Lake Hopatcong is the largest freshwater body in the state of New Jersey.
Activities: The Lake Hopatcong State Park is open year-round offering activities like fishing, boating, and swimming.
Best for: People looking to get away from the city heat. The popular summer destination is resorts for visitors.
Lake Atsion
Location: Wharton State Forest Area, Batsto Village.
Known for: Sandy beaches, historic village of Batsto, founded in 1766 as industrial centre for bore iron and glass making. You can still find shops, and galleries.
Activities: Swimming is permitted only under lifeguards’ watch.
Best for: People looking to campsite on sandy beaches with a variety of lakes, rivers and ponds to explore.
Round Valley Reservoir
Location: Clinton township
Formed in 1960, this is the largest reservoir in the state of New Jersey.
Known for: The crystal-clear blue water. Interestingly, the reservoir is called the Bermuda Triangle of New Jersey as 26 people have drowned there since 1971, of which six have never been found.
Activities: Camping, swimming, scuba diving, boat ramp, hiking, biking, fishing.
Best For: Fishing enthusiasts. The reservoir offers extraordinary fishing experience which includes pickerel, bass, catfish, perch, eel, and types of trout.
Farrington lake
Location: Brunswick township
Known for: Shallow depth of only 6-ft. This is a man-made lake and is created by a dam. During rains, the water cascades down the steps of the dam. It is a treat to watch the stunning visual effect.
Activities: Fishing
Best for: Rainy days
Monksville Reservoir
Location: Defunct town of Monksville.
Known for: Historical area was known for its ironworks during the 18th century.
Activities: Fishing and Boating
Best For: Kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating. The reservoir has two boat launches, on the north side and the south side, this makes the reservoir easy to access for boats of all sizes.
Manasquan Reservoir
Location: Howell Township
Known for: One of the New Jersey’s busiest lakes. It has an environmental centre, multi-use recreational area, and five different hiking trails.
Activities: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, running, biking, and horse-riding.
Best for: People looking for the bustle and adventure, in a carnival feel. It is said this place could keep you entertained for months.
Lake Carnegie
Location: Princeton
Known For: It is a man-made lake constructed solely for the Princeton University rowing team.
Activities: Rowing, picknick, fishing, ice-skating.
Best for: People looking for a nice low-key quiet family outing.
Deal Lake
Location: New York City
Known for: History of being constructed when inlet to Atlantic Ocean was purposefully blocked to create lakes and ponds in the area.
Activities: Sightseeing
Mercer lake
Location: West Windsor
Known for: Cleanest lakes in New Jersey. It has held multiple Olympic trials for many years. Created in 1975 during dam construction to control flooding.
Activities: Crew racing
Best for: Picknick
Merrill Creek Reservoir
Location: Warren County
Known for: Deepest man-made reservoir in New Jersey. variety of wildlife including deer, turkey, and bald eagles.
Activities: Birdwatching
Best for: Birdwatching and fishing enthusiasts
Green Pond
Location: Rockaway Township
Known for: It hae an underground spring. 2003 The Station Agent movie was shot near the Green Pond.
Activities: Fishing
Ramapo Lake
Location: Ramapo Mountain State Forest area
Known for: Trails with best view of New York’s skyline
Activities: Camping, hiking, hunting, canoeing, cross-country skiing and mountain biking.
Best for: People looking to explore and spend lost time.
Sunfish Pond
Location: Kittatinny Ridge
Known for: Appalachian trails
Activities: Camping, hiking
Best for: People looking for a quiet place to take a hike.
Lake Mohawk
Location: Sparta county in northern New Jersey.
Known for: Long history of summer cottages.
Activities: Boating, fishing.
Best for: Hiking and sunset enthusiasts
Westons Mill Pond
Location: Outside of New York city
Known for: Man-made pond with a dam located at the southern end.
Activities: Fishing, Boating (gasoline motors are prohibited).
Best for: People looking for a weekend getaway from New York.
Check out this great resource to find out where to rent charter boats, pontoon boats, and sailing charter boats in NJ.