Wanaque River, Passaic, NJ
When NJ residents and visitors think about swimming, fishing, boating and other water sports, the first thought that usually comes to mind is the Jersey Shore. NJ is more than the Jersey shore.
There is a treasure of relatively unknown freshwater lakes and rivers in New Jersey that have excellent boating, fishing, swimming and touring.
Lake Marcia
Photo courtesy New Jersey State Park Service
Located in High Point State Park with the highest elevation in the state of New Jersey, the spring-fed waters of the 20-acre Lake Marcia are cool and refreshing for swimmers. There are picnic tables and charcoal grills located adjacent to the beach, available on a first come-first serve basis. Canopies are permitted, maximum size is 12' x 12'. You may bring your own grill, however it must be elevated and can't be used on the beach. Swimming is only permitted during the summer months when lifeguards are on duty. Boats and personal watercraft, including kayaks and paddleboards, are not permitted in Lake Marcia.
High Point State Park
1480 State Route 23
Wantage, NJ
Website
973-875-4800
High Point State Park issss located at the summit of the Kittatinny Ridge--- at 1,803 feet above sea level --- the highest elevation in the state of New Jersey. The mountain has unrivaled views of three states and a scenic landscape where uncommon plants take root, animals find refuge, and people come to sightsee, play and relax.
Offers cabins and campsites (Group, family, and Pet friendly)
The Delaware River
Greenwood Lake
Photo Courtesy: Luke Gordon from Greenwood Lake, NY
Greenwood Lake, located in West Milford, NJ, is a seven mile long lake straddling the border on New York & New Jersey with West Milford, NJ located at the southern end. A popular lake for boating and swimming. There are two public beaches for swimming on the New York side of the lake.
Lake Hopatcong
Photo Courtesy: Borough of Hopatcong & Brad Guice
Lake Hopatcong, located in Sussex & Morris Counties, is the largest freshwater lake in New Jersey.. About 4 square miles in area, the lake is in the state's northern mountainsCampgrounds
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
159 Weldon Rd
Jefferson Twp, NJ 07849
Website
(973) 697-3140
3,200 acres of near wilderness and recreational areas, with over 20 miles of multi-use trails. One of the Reservation s outstanding features is Headley Overlook, one of the highest points in the Morris County Park System. Along the Pine Swamp trail, the highest point in Morris County, at 1395 feet, can also be found.
Mahlon Dickerson Reservation has four activity areas, beginning with two options for overnight stays. The first is a camping area with tent sites and Adirondack shelters, complete with platforms, picnic tables and fire rings. In addition, the Mahlon Dickerson trailer area, with paved sites, features electric and seasonal water hook-ups, picnic tables and charcoal grills.
Lake Wawayanda
Photo Courtesy: State of New Jersey Division Parks and Forestry
Located in Hewitt, NJ, the lake is known for its scenic forested hills, many trails (including part of the Appalachian Trail), and tranquil atmosphere. Swimmers love that the lake is crystal clear, offering glimpses of fish as they swim by. Adjacent to the beach are changing stations, restrooms, a first-aid station, and a concession stand. Visitors can also rent a variety of boats, including canoes, rowboats, and paddleboats.
Photo courtesy njhiking.com
Located in Hardwick, NJ, this 394 acre preserve is owned by the County of Warren. White Lake itself is a deep 69-acre spring fed water body. Beneath the clear blue water lays a chalky marl bottom composed of freshwater mollusk shells and clay. Visitors can enjoy, hiking, biking, horseback riding, paddling, fishing, hunting (by permit only), and picnicking. An abundance of wildlife includes bald eagles, osprey, black bear, snakes, bobcats, and rare butterflies. Set out on your kayak or canoe and enjoy the crystal clear waters of the lake or go fishing for brown or rainbow trout, bass, sunfish, and even landlocked salmon.
The White Lake Natural Resource Area has been officially designated as a National Geographic Geotourism Destination.
Website
Frenchtown Area - Delaware river
Photo Courtesy: Delaware River Tubing
The Victorian village of Frenchtown offers many river attractions. It's a scenic place for boating & tubing river trips, and to walk or bike the riverside canal paths.
Spruce Run Recreation Area
Photo Courtesy: State of New Jersey Division Parks and Forestry
Spruce Run Recreation Area, located in Clinton, NJ, (off Van Syckel's Road) is popular with picnickers, swimming, fishing, boating, camping and hiking. Operated by the state, it covers 1,290 acres with 15 miles of shoreline for recreation. Spruce Run is the third largest reservoir in the state after Round Valley and Wanaque reservoirs.
Batsto River
Photo Courtesy: CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=524461
The Batsto River, located in Burlington County, is a 22 mile long tributary of the Mullica River flowing through the Pine Barrens and Wharton State Forest.. It is a popular recreation river for canoeing and kayaking for all skill levels and for summertime swimming. The Batsto River is known for having more variety than any other river in the Pine Barrens. Though of the four rivers that flow through the Wharton State Forest, it is the least accessible. It's ideal for people who seek solitude.
Mullica River
Photo Courtesy: CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=524492
Mullica River is a 51 mile-long river flows from central Camden County, near Berlin and east-southeast across the state, crossing the Wharton State Forest. Near The Forks it connects with the Batsto River (above) and widens into a navigable river for 20 miles and emptying into Great Bay 10 miles north of Atlantic City. This is an excellent trip for paddling enthusiasts.
Batsto & Mullica Rivers - Places to Stay