Discover the Beauty of New Jersey's Lakes and Rivers

Northern 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.

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
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.

Places to Stay

Belvidere Hotel
Belvidere, NJ
A quaint hotel in the charming town of Belvidere that brings the best of towns shops and restaurants to your doorstep.
Reviews/booking

Rosemary Inn
Columbia, NJ
Located on seventeen acres, explore the property's nature trails or cuddle up with a good book within the rustic interweaving of the inn's deco.
Reviews/booking

Campgrounds

Delaware Water Gap - Worthington State Forest
2 Old Mine Road
Columbia NJ
Visit their site to learn more
The park has 78 tent and trailer sites along two miles of river frontage.عآُ Each site contains a picnic table and a fire ring. Showers, modern toilet facilities and drinking water are available.

Camp Taylor Campground
Columbia, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Located on 400 acres adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Appalachian Trail, New Jersey's most majestic terrain. The heavily wooded mountain ridges provide large shaded sites with a remote wilderness setting and miles of hiking trails. They offer a variety of primitive, electric and water sites

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.

Waterstone Inn
Greenwood Lake, NY
The Lake side B & B Inn is quietly nestled between the Mountain and the beautiful Greenwood Lake. Near the Appalachian trails, fruit orchards & wineries. Also one of the largest water parks in Mountain Creek. Rooms are large with jacuzzi tubs.
Reviews/booking

New Continental Hotel
Greenwood Lake, NY
1920's style historic B & B hosted many celebrities. Dining room overlooks the lake.
Reviews/booking

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.

Quality Inn
Ledgewood, NJ
Located just two miles from Hopatcong State Park, the hotel is minutes from points of interest like Waterloo Village, Wild West City theme park, Land of Make Believe amusement park and Centenary College. As a guest you'll enjoy amenities and features like free continental breakfast, served daily; free wireless high-speed Internet access; free local calls; free coffee; pet-friendly.
Reviews/booking

Whistling Swan Inn
Stanhope, NJ
An elegantly B&B restored 1905 Queen Anne Victorian mansion. Nestled in the village of Stanhope, NJ in the Skylands region of the state, the inn offers distinctively decorated rooms and suites, furnished in antiques and reproductions. Suites with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs for two. Massage services are also available
Reviews/booking

Campgrounds

Mahlon Dickerson Reservation
159 Weldon Rd
Jefferson Twp, NJ 07849
Visit their site to learn more
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.

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.

Wawayanda State Park
885 Warwick Turnpike
Hewitt, NJ 07421
Visit their site to learn more
For Group Camping Only. Minimum group size 7 campers

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

Central New Jersey Scenic Lakes and Rivers

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

Places to Stay

Riverside Victorian Bed Breakfast
A 6 room 1882 historic inn located in the heart of Clinton, one block from the village shops, major attractions, and casual restaurants.
Reviews/booking

Clinton Hampton Inn
A 131 room hotel located at the top of a hill overlooking beautiful landscape of Hunterdon County.
Reviews/Booking

Campgrounds

Spruce Run Recreation Area
68 Van Syckel's Road
Clinton, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
67 tent and trailer sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Flush toilets and showers are within walking distance. Open April 1 through October 31.

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Southern New Jersey Lakes and Rivers

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.

Places to Stay

Isaac Hilliard House Bed and Breakfast
Pemberton, NJ
A charming circa 1749, four unit B & B with a swimming pool.
Reviews/booking

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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.

Mullica River Boat Rentals and River Tours

Pinelands Adventures Tours & Rentals
1005 Atsion Road
Atsion, NJ
Visit their site to learn more

Campgrounds

Belhaven Resort & Campground & Boat Rentals
Green Bank, NJ
Visit their site to learn more
Belhaven Lake RV Resort! Belhaven Lake RV Resort is a southern New Jersey RV park / resort campground offering seasonal RV camping in the Pine Barrens.

Wharton State Forest Campgrounds
Hammonton, NJ 08037
Visit their site to learn mor