As a New York native, I was surprised that we have so many lakes so close to us in New Jersey. The funny thing is compiling this list was anything but easy. The season for all of the parks runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Keep in mind, NJ State parks have many rules so make sure you familiarize yourself with them before you go. Also, the park and swimming area may close temporarily if it reaches maximum capacity for visitors. Call the park prior to your visit to check the status. At all of the parks inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the bathing area. Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach.The following listing is in order based on distance from Summit, NJ.
Sunrise Lake, 270 Mendham Avenue, Morris Township, NJ
Distance: approximately 24 minutes
Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (May 24 to August September 1 - NOT OPEN ON MONDAYS)
Fees: Adults (18-64) $6; Children/Seniors (65+) $5, Children 4 and under is FREE. Additional Fees: Paddle Boats (2 person) $5; Paddle Boats (4 person) $7; Row Boats $5; Wibit Kayaks $5; Wibit Use: $3 per person (must be at least 7 years-old and pass swim test.
Lifeguard on duty: yes
Lake Hopatcong Route 183, Netcong, NJ
Distance: approximately 35 minutes
Hours: daily Sunrise to Sunset (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
Fees: Per car, $6 weekdays and $10 weekends
Lifeguard on duty: yes
For more information call (973) 398-7010. There is a bathhouse complex containing restrooms, showers, changing areas, a first aid room and concession where food and beach supplies are available for purchase. Grilling is limited to the picnic areas only. Grills are not permitted on the lawn areas. There are two sand volleyball courts and a playground near the beachfront. Click here for more information.
Round Valley Recreation Area Follow signs on Route 22, Lebanon, NJ
Distance: approximately 35 minutes
Hours: daily 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Fees: Per car, $5 weekdays and $10 weekends
Lifeguard on duty: yes
For more information call (908) 236-6355. There is a beach complex containing changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies are available for purchase. Grilling is prohibited along the beachfront. There are two playgrounds and volleyball nets on the beachfront. In this park there is also Scuba and Skin Diving with rich aquatic life. Diving is permitted from April 1st through October 31st depending on water conditions. Scuba divers must be certified. All divers are required to register at the area office, have a dive buddy, inflatable vest and a dive flag. Divers must check-in prior to, and checkout after, each dive. Click here for more information.
Spruce Run Recreation Area, 68 Van Syckel's Road, Clinton
Distance: approximately 40 minutes
Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Sat, Sun & Holidays opens at 7:00 AM)
Fees: Per car $5 weekdays and $10 weekends
Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
Lifeguard on duty: yes
For more information call (908) 638-8572. There is a beach complex containing changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies may be purchased. Grilling is prohibited along the beachfront including the posted grassy area. There is a playground and open fields to accommodate various ball and net games. Click here for more information.
Cheesequake State Park (Hooks Creek Lake), 300 Gordon Road, Matawan, NJ
Distance: approximately 50 minutes
Hours: daily, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Fees: Per car $5.00 weekdays and $10 weekends
Lifeguard on duty: yes
For more information call (732) 566-2161. There is a beach complex containing changing area, restrooms, a first-aid station and a concession offering refreshments, novelties and beach supplies. Click here for more information.
Lake Wawayanda, 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ
Distance: approximately 50 minutes
Hours: daily 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Fees: Per car $5 weekdays and $10 weekends
Lifeguard on duty: yes
For more information call (973) 853-4462. Adjacent to the beach are facilities with changing areas, restrooms, a first-aid station, and a food concession where food and beach supplies may be purchased. Click here for more information.
Stokes State Forest (Stony Lake), 1 Coursen Road, Branchville, NJ
Distance: 1 hour
Hours: open daily sunrise to sunset
Fees: Per car $5 weekdays and $10 weekends
Lifeguard on duty: yes
For more information call (973) 948-3820. There is a beach complex containing changing area, restrooms a first-aid station and picnic facilities. Click here for more information.
Swartswood State Park, Route 619, Swartswood, NJ
Distance: approximately 1 hour
Hours: daily 8:00 AM to sunset
Fees: Per car $5 weekdays and $10 weekends
Lifeguard on duty: Yes
For information call (973) 383-5230. Adjacent to the beach are facilities with changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies may be purchased. The facilities are accessible for people with disabilities. Click here for more information.
High Point State Park (Lake Marcia), 1480 Route 23, Sussex, NJ
Distance: approximately 1 hour
Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Fees: Per car $5.00 weekdays and $10 weekends
Lifeguard on duty: yes
For more information call (973) 875-4800. 20 acre lake for swimming, lifeguards on duty, bath house and concession stands. Click here for more information.
Bass River State Forest (Lake Absegami), 762 Stage Rd, Tuckerton, NJ
Distance: approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
Hours: daily sunrise to sunset
Fees: Per car $5 weekdays and $10 weekends per car
Lifeguard on duty: yes
For information call (609) 296-1114. Adjacent to the beach are facilities with changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies may be purchased. Click here for more information.
