While our beautiful beaches are one of the best ways to beat the heat, New Jersey’s gorgeous lakes really shine in the summer. While we have quite a few to choose from, the following are all fantastic lakes in New Jersey to visit when you need a change of scenery. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

1. Carnegie Lake, Princeton
Carnegie Lake Parking, Unnamed Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
Wikipedia/Cholmes75
This 262-acre man-made lake was created by the construction of a dam on the Millstone River. It is owned by Princeton University and is one of the best lakes in New Jersey for boating and fishing.

2. Lake Marcia, Montague
Lake Marcia, Montague, NJ 07827, USA
Wikipedia/Beyond My Ken
This lovely lake offers scenic mountain and monument views. Located in High Point State park, visitors can enjoy both sand and grass beaches for just $5 per carload on weekdays and $10 per carload on weekends. Picnic areas/grills are available, too.
3. Shepherd Lake, Ringwood
Shepherd Lake Road, Shepherd Lake Rd, Ringwood, NJ, USA
Wikipedia/Mwanner
Located in Ringwood State Park, this is one of the most scenic lake in New Jersey, and you could easily spend a day enjoying the views. Choose from boating, swimming or fishing on the lake's 74 acres and hike the surrounding state park. Boat rentals are available.
4. Lake Absegami, Tuckerton
Lake Absegami, Bass River, NJ 08087, USA
Flickr/Dan Jeffrey
Located in Bass River State Forest, this 67-acre man-made lake was created in the 1930s and has been a favorite New Jersey lake ever since.
5. Tomahawk Lake, Sparta
Tomahawk Lake, 155 Tomahawk Trail, Sparta, NJ 07871, USA
Wikipedia/Erica P.
This family friendly destination also offers a water park. The 20-acre lake features New Jersey's largest white sand beach and numerous attractions including mini-golf, volleyball courts, boat rentals and picnic areas.
6. Atsion Lake, Shamong
Atsion Lake, Shamong, NJ 08088, USA
Flickr/Chrisstorb
Located in Wharton State Forest, this 100-acre lake offers boating, fishing and swimming. You'll absolutely fall in love with the clarity of the water. In fact, it's one of the clearest lakes in New Jersey.

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7. Lake Hopatcong, Mount Arlington
Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club Inc, 75 N Bertrand Rd, Mt Arlington, NJ 07856, USA
Flickr/Hope Abrams
At 4 square miles, this lake is the largest freshwater body in New Jersey. Besides swimming, enjoy other activities including cruises on the lake. Aside from being the largest lake in New Jersey, the lake is also home to a rather peculiar creature, and you may want to read up on the scenic hike in New York
8. Crater Lake, Kittatinnies
Lake Success, Walpack Township, NJ 07851, USA
Yelp/Billy M.
Located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Lake, visitors love swimming in this gorgeous glacial lake in New Jersey.
9. Lake Nummy, Woodbine
Lake Nummy, 204-210 Champion Rd, Woodbine, NJ 08270, USA
www.njhiking.com
Enjoy swimming and picnicking on this gorgeous lake in New Jersey that's nestled within the Belleplain State Forest.

10. Lake Wawayanda, Hewitt
Wawayanda Lake, Vernon Township, NJ 07422, USA
Wikipedia/Mwanner
Enjoy swimming, fishing and boating in this beautiful lake. Canoe, rowboat and paddleboat rentals are available if you'd like to explore this beautiful New Jersey lake from a different perspective.
11. Sunrise Lake, Morristown
Sunrise Lake Drive, Sunrise Lake Dr, New Jersey, USA
Yelp/Nora M.
This lakefront beach club in New Jersey is open to the public with daily admission. There is much to enjoy here, from boating to swimming and an inflatable obstacle course on the water - a favorite for kids.
12. Round Valley Reservoir, Clinton
Round Valley Reservoir, Clinton Township, NJ 08833, USA
Wikipedia/Public Domain
With beautiful clear blue water, this man-made gem is a favorite spot for scuba divers. Reaching depths of 180 feet, this is the deepest (inland) body of water in New Jersey. Swimming is permitted between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

When it comes to New Jersey lakes, this list is only the beginning. For even more outdoor fun, check out some of our favorite New Jersey swimming holes.

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Lakes in New Jersey

Jackie Ann | July 08, 2022

Are there any waterparks in New Jersey?

Some of the best waterparks in New Jersey include:

  • Runaway Rapids Waterpark
  • DreamWorks Water Park
  • Ocean Oasis Water Park + Beach Club

 

If you’ve got the need for speed, New Jersey waterparks are just what you need. On a hot summer day, the thrilling slides and attractions of Morey’s Piers and Waterparks are incredible. There’s also an amusement park, so once you’ve dried off, the fun can still continue on land. Runaway Rapids is another epic waterpark in New Jersey that features slides of all shapes and sizes, multiple swimming pools, hot tubs, and everyone’s favorite waterpark attraction: the lazy river.

What are the most beautiful beaches in New Jersey?

Some of the most beautiful beaches in New Jersey include:

  • Avalon
  • The Wildwoods
  • Ocean Grove
  • Seaside Heights
  • Cape May

 

Summer just isn’t summer unless you’ve spent a day with your toes in the sand, and New Jersey has plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy. While Atlantic City may be known for its gambling opportunities, you may be surprised to learn that the nearby beach isn’t just beautiful, but it’s free! If you’re looking for gorgeous views of the New York City skyline, you can’t go wrong with Keansburg Beach, which is also close to one of the oldest amusement parks in the country.

Where can I camp on the beach in New Jersey?

You can camp on the beach at High Point State Park and River Beach Resort in Mays Landing.

New Jersey has endless miles of beautiful beaches that hug the shoreline of our lakes, rivers, and ocean. If you’ve never been beach camping in New Jersey, you’re in for a real treat. You can pitch a tent right along the water’s edge at High Point State Park in Sussex, and you’ll wake up to stunning views of Sawmill Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in New Jersey. For one of the best RV parks in New Jersey, make arrangements to visit the River Beach Resort in Mays Landing.

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