Posted in Connecticut On The Water, Summer June 05, 2022 by

11 Gorgeous Lakes In Connecticut That You Must Check Out This Summer

The lakes in Connecticut are not only easy on the eyes, but they also offer a great way to have some fun in the water without having to deal with the heavy crowds that you’d find at oceanfront beaches. Connecticut lakes also allow you to experience the feel of fresh water that’s free of salt and seaweed. So, if you’re looking to do something different on a warm day out, read on to learn more about some of the best lakes in Connecticut.

1. Candlewood Lake spills into both Fairfield and Litchfield County. At 8.4 square miles, it's the largest lake in the state.
Wendy/Flickr
Candlewood Lake, Connecticut, USA
2. Gardner Lake is small but aesthetically stunning. You can access this lake in Salem, Montville, and Bozrah.
george pollock/Flickr
Gardner Lake, Connecticut, USA
3. Lake Lillinonah is the second-largest lake in Connecticut. Also located in Fairfield and Litchfield counties. When you visit here, you'll easily see when it's one of the best lakes in Connecticut.
H. Morrow Long/Wikimedia
Lake Lillinonah, Connecticut, USA
4. Bantam Lake is shared by Morris and Litchfield. This scenic lake is great for sailing and ice fishing. There's also a historic hiking trail around the lake.
Felix Guzman/Flickr
Bantam Lake, Connecticut, USA
5. Lake Zoar is actually a reservoir on the Housatonic River formed by Stevenson Dam. Monroe, Newtown, Oxford, and Southbury share this place.
infinity513/Flickr
Lake Zoar, Connecticut, USA
6. Squantz Pond in New Fairfield has a state park attached to it, which means more room for activities, scuba diving included!
criana/Flickr
Squantz Pond, Connecticut, USA
7. Mashapaug Lake in Union is surrounded by Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest, which is probably why it's so serene.
billandkent/Flickr
Mashapaug Lake, Union, CT 06076, USA
8. Crescent Lake in Southington is great for canoeing and low exertion walking trails.
Morrowlong/Wikimedia
Crescent Lake, Southington, CT 06489, USA
9. Mansfield Hollow Lake is a reservoir on the borders of Windham and Tolland County, perfect for a nice picnic. Learn more about the lake and town here.
CorpsNewEngland/Flickr
Mansfield Hollow Lake, Connecticut 06250, USA
10. Hop Brook Lake in Middlebury has a 21-acre recreation pool for folks who love to play in the water.
CorpsNewEngland/Flickr
Hop Brook Lake, 4 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, CT 06762, USA
11. Deer Lake Reservoir is separate from the Boy Scouts' sanctuary Deer Lake. The 6-acre pond is breathtaking at sunset.
slack12/Flickr
Deer Lake Resevoir
Killington CT

Now that you know why these are some of the best lakes in Connecticut, which ones do you plan to visit? Share your thoughts in the following comment section.

After checking out these lakes in Connecticut, feel free to also check out 10 Amazing State Parks In Connecticut That Are Perfect For Your Next Kayaking Adventure for more ideas on what to do on a family outing.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

11 Gorgeous Lakes In Connecticut That You Must Check Out This Summer

June 06, 2022
Marla S.

What's the most beautiful lake in Connecticut?

There are over 3000 lakes in Connecticut. While each is special in its own way, Candlewood Lake stands out as one of the most beautiful lakes in Connecticut due to its stunning blue water. Along with the vibrant color of the water, Candlewood Lake is a perfect day trip for hiking. swimming, boating, having a picnic and spending quality time with your family.

Which state parks should I visit in Connecticut?

Many lakes in Connecticut are based in state parks that are great destinations for taking out a kayak or going for a dip. So, if you're looking for the ideal spot to enjoy some fun in the sun with your family and friends, take a look at these lakes in Connecticut that are scattered around the state.

Where can I find the bluest water in Connecticut?

There are plenty of Connecticut lakes with crystal clear blue water that'll make you want to dive right in on a warm day. Along with the bodies of water highlighted in the above article, some other lakes (and other bodies of water) that lead the list of having the bluest water include Indian Wells in Shelton, Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, and Riga Falls in Salisbury.