New Jersey Scenic Lakes and Rivers

Photo courtesy New Jersey State Park Service
Lake Marcia
Located in High Point State Park with the highest elevation in the state of New Jersey, this scenic landscape surrounding 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. Swimming is permitted during the summer months when lifeguards are on duty. Boats and personal watercraft, including kayaks and paddleboards, are not permitted in Lake Marcia.

The Delaware River
The Delaware River is the most popular river in New Jersey for recreational use. The New Jersey non-tidal section of the river runs from the border of New York/Pennsylvania downstream south to Trenton, just north of the Rt 1 over pass. The clean, clear waters of the River and it's cold tributary streams support a landscape rich in fish and wildlife and the scenic vistas of the Delaware Water Gap. It is also a vital natural resource for drinking water with over 15 million people, about 5 percent of the nation's population, relying on the Delaware River Basin for their drinking water. Popular recreational activities include: kayaking, canoeing, tubing, fishing, camping, and hiking.

Photo Courtesy:  Luke Gordon from Greenwood Lake, NY
Greenwood Lake
Greenwood Lake 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.

Photo Courtesy: Borough of Hopatcong & Brad Guice
Lake Hopatcong
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 mountains.
A very popular lake with year round activities including boating (boat power boating and sailing) swimming, fishing including winter ice fishing & ice skating. They have an excellent marina and Sunday Sailboat regattas.

Photo Courtesy: State of New Jersey Division Parks and Forestry
Lake Wawayanda
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
White Lake Natural Resource Area
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.
The White Lake Natural Resource Area is managed in cooperation with the New Jersey Youth Corps. The NJ Youth Corps is a full-time service and conservation corps, offering young people with a chance to earn their GED while providing a valuable community service.
Visit their site to learn more

Photo Courtesy: State of New Jersey Division Parks and Forestry
Spruce Run Recreation Area
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 reservoir

Photo Courtesy: CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=524461
Batsto River
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. Its 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.

Photo Courtesy: CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=524492
Mullica River
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.