Located just 30 miles from the Delaware Water Gap and 40 miles from New York City, Lake Hopatcong's 45 miles of shoreline is home to restaurants, marinas, and public beaches, making it a great escape for the day. Note that the lakes' swimming hours are subject to change to due weather and staff changes. Free topo maps of the most popular Lakes in Cape May County, NJ - with GPS coordinates, pictures, and more. However, restrooms, changing areas, showers, first aid, and concessions remain open. Where: Lake Absegami, Bass River State Forest, Tuckerton (CLOSED FOR 2020)Fees: $5 weekdays, $10 weekends/holidaysDetails: Lake Absegami was created in the 1930s by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps. Pay at the gate/toll booth. 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. Closed for this season are the sand volleyball courts, basketball courts and playgrounds. It is also home to beautiful Lake Nummy. The recreation area features picnic tables, bathhouses, and a food concession. It is a good place to visit during any season, but I especially love to visit during the height of the fall foliage. It provides an area for swimmers as well as a serene setting for boating and canoeing. Photo courtesy of Photography by Stephen Harris. Plus: Get the recipe for Chili's famous margarita! Membership is required but absolutely worth it. In short, we aim to be The Best of New Jersey, All in One Place. Swimming is now allowed at the lakes within New Jersey State Parks, but each park is deciding when and if to open. Playgrounds will also be open, but no volleyball nets will be up at this time. Unsure if it will reopen in 2020.​ It is home to fresh- and salt-water marshes, five different trails, campsites, a nature center (complete with live animals), and a crabbing bridge. 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. It's open for swimming daily during the summer from 10am to 6pm. Not reopening for swimming in 2020. New Jersey is known for its outstanding beaches, but it also has some of the best swimming lakes in the Northeast. One of several water holes in Ringwood State Park, Shepherd Lake's spring-fed waters are open to swimmers when lifeguards are on duty, from 10am to 6pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. 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). For more Best of NJ content, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our Weekly Newsletter. Not reopening for swimming in 2020. Coolers, chairs, and umbrellas OK. While our beautiful beaches are one of the best ways to beat the heat, New Jersey’s gorgeous lakes really shine in the summer. Photo courtesy of Morris County. Visitors can also rent a variety of boats, including canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats. 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. RELATED: Best NJ Shore Beaches from Sandy Hook to Cape May, The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wawayanda draw lots of visitors every summer. These ratings and reviews can be found throughout Google, Yelp and Facebook. Search Near Cape May County, NJ: Trails National and State Parks City Parks Lakes Lookouts Marinas Historical Sites. There are restrictions in place due to COVID-19, but you can still have a fun day.Most of these spots have reduced capacity, so plan ahead and head out early so you get a spot. 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. The park is open sunrise to sunset with swimming permitted through Labor Day from the hours of 11:00 am to 5:30 pm. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Barbecue Restaurants in Pompton Lakes, NJ. Below, you’ll find a sampling of the best NJ lakes and reservoirs for swimming. 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. While we have quite a few to choose from, the following are all fantastic places to start. © 2019 BestofNJ.com LLC/All rights reserved. The park is known for its scenic forested hills, many trails (including part of the Appalachian Trail), and tranquil atmosphere. The blue waters of Round Valley Reservoir are enjoyed by swimmers, boaters, and fishermen. Starting June 25, new weekday hours of 10:00 am to 5:00 pm will be in place. Daily swimming (11am-5:30pm) but at reduced capacity. More specifically, we are a lifestyle and tourism website showcasing all the things that make our state so great. Beaches and Lakes around Long Valley - Long Valley, NJ - AARP In Your City The group barbecue picnics are epic. Parking areas, a bathhouse, first-aid station, canoe rental and concession stand can be found adjacent to the lake.Why I like it: Make a weekend of it and rent a furnished cabin for the family. Swimming is open as of July 3, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm while lifeguards are on duty. After taking a swim, check out the trail through the Absegami natural area, which wanders through the woods and a small Atlantic white cedar bog. The park also offers camping, fishing, boating, and nature center programs.Why I like it: Cheesequake offers a fun way to learn about different habitats, because it lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. Swartswood Lake is the park's main attraction, drawing families that enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking in its calm waters. Beaches are open for swimming and boating, but boat rentals will have a 2 person maximum. 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. 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 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. 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. Underneath pine, cedar and oak trees, enjoy the dedicated swimming area and perhaps a goose sighting while in the water. If you're looking to stay cool without breaking the bank this summer, we've got your back. 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. We are your one-stop shop for where to go, what to do, and why New Jersey is the best! 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. The latest update for The Best NJ Lakes and Reservoirs for Swimming is written by Lindsay Podolak. Where: Hooks Creek Lake, Cheesequake State Park, Old BridgeFees: $5 weekdays, $10 weekends/holidaysDetails: The Cheesequake State Park, bridging North and South Jersey, offers a little of everything: saltwater and freshwater areas, fields, a swamp and the Pine Barrens. For more summer fun, check out our NJ Kids Summer Activities Guide—and sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox! Photo by weimin liu via Flickr. It can be very packed here and people may struggle to find parallel parking on the side of the road. There is a fee, per carload, to enter the park. Barbecue Restaurants in Pompton Lakes on YP.com. The lake is clean and not crowded during the week. Where: Atsion Lake, Wharton State Forest, HammontonFees: $5 weekdays, $10 weekendsDetails: Atsion Lake is in the Atsion Recreation Area on Route 206, Shamong Township. 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. 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). Picnicking on the lakeshore is also a popular way to spend time here. These lakes are assured kid friendly lakes so just come prepared to have some fun. If so, you’re in luck! Adjacent to the beach are changing stations, restrooms, a first-aid station, and concession stand. The lake offers a modest swimming area and a nice beach, both extremely clean and welcoming. Changing areas, restrooms, showers, first aid, and concessions are available. Photo by David via Flickr. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, planning a family reunion, or just Prices can be found here. Swimmers love that the lake is crystal clear, offering glimpses of fish as they swim by. 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. It’s a cool and refreshing alternative to the beach, and New Jersey has some great lakes. OK to bring coolers and chairs. In addition, visitors can rent pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks. Next to the beach, visitors can access restrooms, changing areas, showers, a first-aid station, and a kid-friendly (and reasonably priced) concession stand. The Best of NJ. 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. Cool off in Lake Marcia after a hike in High Point State Park. During normal times, spaces hold up to 200 people.More info: Click here to visit the website. RELATED: Gorgeous NJ Pools Offering Day Passes, Put Hooks Creek Lake on your summer bucket list! Photo courtesy of Morris County. 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. Keep in mind, all locations on the list advise visitors to be safe during COVID-19. Prices can be found, Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May, Kid-Friendly Hikes, Swimming at Jersey's Cheesequake State Park, Visit High Point State Park For Epic Views and All-Seasons Recreation, Jersey Shore Beaches, Long Island Beaches Extend Summer Seasons, Best NJ Shore Beaches from Sandy Hook to Cape May, Hooks Creek Lake in Cheesequake State Park, Santa Reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' Live on Zoom with Q & A, Christmas Underwater at the Adventure Aquarium. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Maybe you’d like a different swimming option? Annual memberships. Swimming is permitted in Parvin Lake daily during the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, when lifeguards are on duty. There is a bathhouse, and concessions are available as well. Chairs, coolers, and umbrellas OK. 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. We've rounded up the best lakes in Hertfordshire in our quest to discover brilliant family attractions and places to visit near you. A picnic area with grills, shelter, athletic fields and a playground is near the beach. Be sure to check the daily swim schedule for status updates. 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). During the summer months, an entrance fee to the park is charged per vehicle. Sunrise Lake Beach Club is one of our favorite summer destinations. Visitors can swim from Memorial Day through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty, from 10am to 6pm. Reopening for daily swimming at 50% capacity. Then, you get on the road and sit in Garden State Parkway traffic for three hours. Picnic areas and concessions are also available. There are 14 Hertfordshire lakes to pick from. 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. 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