The largest freshwater body in New Jersey, United States, with a surface area of around 10 km2, is Lake Hopatcong. The lake is part of the border between Sussex and Morris counties in the northern highlands section of the state, which is 64 kilometers from Manhattan and 48 kilometers from the Delaware River. The Great Pond, Little Pond, and Musconetcong River—the lake's natural outlet—were dammed and flooded to create Lake Hopatcong. It was formerly well-known as a resort lake for New Yorkers on vacation, but it is now primarily a suburban residential lake.

The Hopatcong basin's waters fed into the Raritan River prior to the previous ice age. The lengthy terminal moraine that the glacier created, which sculpted much of the New Jersey Highlands, drove the water from the basin into the Musconetcong River. Nearly 3.2 kilometers apart, the two ponds the glacier left behind.

Summertime fantasies are made of Lake Hopatcong. This sparkling gem, the largest freshwater lake in the Garden State, entices swimmers, anglers, and water skiers to play for hours. The lake is bordered by 45 miles of beautifully maintained shoreline that has made the most of its popularity, and it is located just 40 miles from New York City's top attractions in the center of Hopatcong State Park.

Location: Morris / Sussex counties, New Jersey

In the extreme northeastern portion of Princeton, Mercer County, New Jersey, a dam on the Millstone River created the reservoir known as Lake Carnegie. This lake is one of the best lakes in New Jersey. Along the lake's eastern shore is where the Delaware and Raritan Canal and its associated tow way are located. The lake was built with funding provided by a well-known businessman and benefactor Andrew Carnegie and given to Princeton University. On the National Register of Historic Places since 1990, the Lake Carnegie Historic District is listed.

The university's rowing team uses the privately owned lake, which also serves as the base for the US Olympic rowing squad. However, it is open to the public for uses like ice skating, fishing, and picnicking. Largemouth bass, carp, pickerel, crappie, channel catfish, and occasionally a few rainbow and brown trout that enter Carnegie Lake from Stony Brook are among the fish species. The lake's safety levels have dangerously declined as a result of years of pollution. The water quality of Carnegie Lake is being worked on.

You won't be able to swim here, but watching the teams train and fishing in the waterways, which is permitted as long as you release the fish once you catch them, are both very enjoyable. They allow ice skating there in the winter.

Location: Mercer / Middlesex counties, New Jersey

In Monmouth County, New Jersey, there is a man-made lake called Deal Lake. With 158 acres, it is the biggest lake in the county and one of the biggest in New Jersey. It empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The lake has a 64-hectare area. Along the 43 km of the lake's shoreline, seven municipalities may be found: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Deal, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Neptune Township, and Ocean Township.

Deal Lake has gone by several names over the years, including Lake Uliquecks, Great Pond, and Hogs Swamp Pond. Residents eventually came to understand its charm as sea views, marine life, and nesting birds enhanced its banks' allure. In large numbers, they started to construct on its beaches, preferring a tranquil lakeside setting to Manhattan's bustling streets. The lake is now renowned for both its excellent fishing and for being a terrific place to paddle a kayak.

Deal Lake was once an estuary of the Atlantic Ocean, but it began to change in 1890 when the inlet to the ocean was blocked off and numerous new lakes and ponds were made. Deal Lake served as a late 19th-century example of effective flood control and stormwater management system. Many people were drawn to build near the lake's banks over time. Nearly the entire shoreline has been developed in the present, and many homes have been constructed inside the 100-year flood plain.

Location: Monmouth County, New Jersey

The next position on the list of the best lakes to visit in New Jersey is Greenwood Lake. The Munsee Native Americans who resided nearby gave the lake the name "Quampium" in the beginning. European settlers who came to the region in the 18th century to farm and make iron gave it the new name "Long Pond," which was later changed to "Greenwood Lake". Greenwood Lake is a large, deep lake with numerous rocky shoals located in the Canadian Shield ecoregion. Its depths vary greatly and the lake contains two deep basins, one near the center and the other in the eastern bay.

This freshwater lake is split in half, with half in Orange County, New York, and the other half in New Jersey. Greenwood Lake, which has crystal-clear water, receives its water from brooks and springs. A small hamlet, also known as Greenwood Lake, is perched on the lake's northeastern side, and there are stores, restaurants, and marinas lining its banks. Swimming, water skiing, SUPing, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, boating, and fishing are popular summertime activities. Two of the lake's best beaches, Greenwood Lake Public Beach and Sand Beach, are ideal for a full day of fun.

Location: Orange County, New York

In the Pine Barrens, in the town of Atsion, Burlington County, New Jersey, there is a man-made lake called Atsion Lake located in Wharton State Forest. The Mullica River includes the lake. The lake provides camping, boating, hiking, fishing, swimming, and cross-country skiing opportunities throughout the year.

The Lenni Lenape Unami language is where the term Atsion originates. The tribe called the strong, cedar-colored stream Atsayunk, or Atsiunc, by this name. Late in 1765, under Charles Read, Atsion was transformed into the location of an iron forge that manufactured equipment for American armies during the American Revolution. Following the war, the region started producing iron stoves, and saw, paper, and grist mills were established.

Atsion Lake can be found in the Wharton State Forest. Massive pine trees tower over the lake's edge and surround the pure water on all sides. On a great night, they are mirrored in their flawless surface, together with the breathtakingly pink sunset that begs to be captured on camera.

Families traveling to the Jersey Shore should spend the day at this lake. Sadly, a lot of people have discovered this lake's remarkably peaceful and transparent waters, so it can get fairly busy, especially on weekends during the summer. The period from Memorial Day to Labor Day sees lifeguards on duty.

Location: Atsion, Burlington County, New Jersey

The New Jersey Water Authority built two significant dams and drowned a sizable valley in 1960, creating the Round Valley Reservoir in Clinton Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, USA. The naturally occurring circular valley that is bordered by Cushetunk Mountain bears the reservoir's name. The soft sedimentary rock's erosion resulted in the deep valley.

Cushetunk Mountain's surrounding ridges are resilient because they were underlain by dense, hard volcanic rock diabase that progressively cooled beneath the earth's surface. What was formerly a rural village is now covered by a reservoir; on the lake's bottom are the ruins of a school and a chapel.

Swimming is only permitted in the main area of Round Valley Reservoir because it is technically a reservoir. Even then, swimming is only allowed when there are lifeguards on duty. This enormous body of water is stunning in its stillness and clarity, and it is very alluring on a hot summer day.

If you're fortunate enough to come while the sun is rising or sinking, you'll consider your actions carefully before making ripples that would ruin the reservoir's flawless image. There are several non-swimming activities available in the Round Valley Recreation Area, including volleyball courts, smooth sand perfect for building sandcastles, and fun playgrounds.

Location: Clinton Township, New Jersey

About 54 kilometers west of Denver, Colorado, on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a park called Echo Lake Park. On one side of the lake, the park offers a stone shelter with picnic tables and grills, while on the other, you'll find the Arapaho National Forest campground and the 1926 Echo Lake Lodge (which solely offers restaurant and gift shop service). The Chicago Lakes and Lincoln Lakes pathways, as well as others, are accessible from the lake's edge. The Denver Mountain Parks system includes the park.

Fishing, boating, and swimming are all available at Echo Lake, which features all the amenities you'd expect from a lake (ice-skating during winter). The lake is best observed from one of the concrete walking routes that run along its coastline, which is located in Union County's Echo Lake Park.

Take a seat on one of the numerous seats and take in the scenery, grab a snack from the concession store, or take a picture in the charming gazebo. A family may easily pass the day in the park thanks to its dog park, playgrounds, and baseball diamonds. Echo Lake Park is one of the best lakes to visit in New Jersey.

Location: 1028 Springfield Ave, Mountainside, New Jersey

A picturesque freshwater reservoir called Farrington Lake may be found in Middlesex County, New Jersey, not far from Milltown. The lake is actually an enlarged portion of the Lawrence Brook, which is a tributary of the Raritan River that was dammed to create it. Ireland Brook, Beaverdam Brook, and Oakeys Brook are its principal tributaries.

Edward Farrington, the mayor of New Brunswick, New Jersey, from 1915 to 1918, had the idea to build a dam to supply water to his city, and the lake bears his name. In 1918, Mayor Farrington passed away while in office.

East Brunswick, North Brunswick, and South Brunswick are all about the lake. It has a surface area of approximately 1.17 km2, a mean depth of 2 meters, and a maximum depth of 4 meters. There is a boat ramp that leads to the lake, and the only powered boats that are permitted are those with electric motors.

On a wet day, you definitely want to go to this location. A spectacular visual impact is produced when it rains by the extra water cascading down the steps on one side of the dam. This lake only has an average depth of 6 feet, making it relatively shallow. Additionally, boats can only have electric motors.

Location: East Brunswick / North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey

In West Milford, New Jersey, a dam was built on the Wanaque River in 1987 to create the artificial lake known as the Monksville Reservoir. It is named after the previous settlement of Monksville, which was moved and drowned as a result of construction. The reservoir's construction began in 1985. The area was removed, and gravel was locally crushed and heaped. To cross the dam, Stonetown Road was rerouted. A little Bailey bridge that was built in 1977 was taken down and rebuilt somewhere else. The Monksville dam is about 0.64 kilometers (0.40 miles) long. The Greenwood Lake Turnpike was shifted to follow a higher elevation.

This reservoir, which was built in 1985 on top of the now-defunct township of Monksville, is renowned for its great fishing. This reservoir is accessible by boats of all sizes thanks to its two boat launches, one on the north side and one on the south.

On the reservoir's south launch, a tiny store offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. The Long Pond Ironworks State Park is in charge of most of the surrounding area. When the young United States was only becoming a nation in the 18th century, the region was well-known for its ironworks.

Location: Ringwood / West Milford, Passaic County, New Jersey

The Manasquan Reservoir is a 4.87 km2 park and a source of water for utilities and towns in Howell Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA. As a component of the Monmouth County Park System, the reservoir serves as both a park and a reservoir. The park's amenities include paths, a tourist center, a nature/environmental center, a boat launch facility, and a number of fishing dikes.

The recreational area around Manasquan Reservoir is truly multi-use. It promotes hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, beaches, and miles of paths. If necessary, this location might keep you entertained for days. Manasquan Reservoir is one of the best lakes to visit in New Jersey.

This lake is among the busiest in New Jersey, receiving more than a million people annually. Visit the park's environmental center if you want to learn a little bit more about the local animals and flora. There is a trail for every pace and skill level in the park thanks to its five varied hiking routes. The reason this county park is one of the most well-liked hiking locations in Central New Jersey and attracts more than a million visitors annually is due to the nature trails that wind around the reservoir.

Location: Monmouth County, New Jersey