Where to Get on the Water in Sussex County This Summer
Here’s a guide to the best places to sunbathe, paddle, boat and swim around northern NY
Lake Hopatcong State Park: 260 Lakeside Boulevard, Landing. NJ
The park is actually located in Roxbury Township, Morris County, but borders Hopatcong Borough in Sussex. Swimming is allowed in designated areas when lifeguards are on duty. Heavy boat traffic precludes swimming out further from the shore than allowed. The bathhouse features restrooms, showers, changing rooms and a concession stand. Boat launches are available at Hopatcong State Park and at Lake Musconetcong
Activities: Swimming at Lake Hopatcong, boating (including gas motors), paddling, fishing, picnicking, grilling, volleyball and basketball courts and playgrounds
Hours: Park open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Labor Day. Swimming is typically offered Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. when lifeguards are on duty (check for updates, swimming is expected to open for the season on June 17). Parking is $6 weekdays / $10 weekends and holidays for NJ residents.
Swartswood State Park: 1091 County Rd. 619, Newton, NJ
Swimming is allowed in the cove at the north end of the lake from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty. Facilities include changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station and a concession building where food and beach supplies may be purchased. Kayaks are available to rent for self-guided tours of the Swartswood Lake Water Trail.
Activities: Swimming, boating (no gas motors), paddling, fishing, picnicking, hiking
Hours: Swimming 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., park hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. New Jersey resident parking is $5 on weekdays, $10 on weekends and holidays.
Milford Beach: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, 150 Milford Beach Rd., Milford, PA
Milford Beach is one of the few designated swimming areas within the recreation area. There are no lifeguards; visitors swim at their own risk. Amenities include river access, picnic facilities and a boat launch.
Activities: Hiking, biking, swimming, paddling, boating, fishing, picnicking
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Parking is $10.
High Point State Park: High Point State Park, 1480 State Route 23, Wantage, NJ
High Point State Park offers multiple opportunities to get on the water. Swimming is allowed at Lake Marcia from Memorial Day to Labor Day when lifeguards are on duty. There is a bathhouse and first aid station.
Sawmill Lake and Steenykill Lake both have boat launches, welcoming paddleboards, kayaks and boats with electric motors.
Activities: Swimming at Lake Marcia, paddling and boating at Sawmill and Steenykill lakes, fishing, hiking, biking
Hours: Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Swimming is expected to start June 17, and will be available Wednesday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day. New Jersey resident parking is $5 on weekdays, $10 on weekends and holidays.
Wawayanda State Park: 885 Warwick Tpke., Hewitt
Wawayanda State Park offers a beach for sunbathing and swimming, along with boat rentals and a boat launch for privately owned watercraft. Facilities include changing areas, restrooms, and a first-aid station.
Activities: Swimming, boating (no gas motors), paddling, fishing, hiking, biking and volleyball
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. New Jersey resident parking is $5 on weekdays, $10 on weekends and holidays.
Monksville Reservoir and Green Turtle Pond: Long Pond Ironworks State Park, 1334 Greenwood Lake Tpke., Hewitt, NJ
Motorboats (10 HP or less) are permitted on Monksville Reservoir, and may launch from either the north or south boat launches. Only electric motors are permitted on Green Turtle Pond.
Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are permitted on Monksville Reservoir from the South Boat Launch or the Beech Rd. Cartop Launch, or at Green Turtle Pond.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, boating, paddling and mountain biking
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Stokes State Forest: 1 Coursen Rd., Branchville, NJ
Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and small boats with electric motors are permitted on the waters of Lake Ocquittunk and Lake Ashore. There is no boat ramp.
Activities: Paddling, fishing, camping, hiking, picnic area, playground and horseshoe pits
Hours: Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is a $5 parking fee for New Jersey residents on weekdays and a $10 fee on weekends and holidays.
Allamuchy State Park: Waterloo Rd., Stanhope, NJ
Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, hiking, boating, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, paddleboarding, hunting and rock climbing
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Activities: Hiking, biking, swimming, paddling, boating, fishing, picnicking
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Parking is $10.
High Point State Park: High Point State Park, 1480 State Route 23, Wantage
High Point State Park offers multiple opportunities to get on the water. Swimming is allowed at Lake Marcia from Memorial Day to Labor Day when lifeguards are on duty. There is a bathhouse and first aid station.
Sawmill Lake and Steenykill Lake both have boat launches, welcoming paddleboards, kayaks and boats with electric motors.
Activities: Swimming at Lake Marcia, paddling and boating at Sawmill and Steenykill lakes, fishing, hiking, biking
Hours: Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Swimming is expected to start June 17, and will be available Wednesday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day. New Jersey resident parking is $5 on weekdays, $10 on weekends and holidays.
Due to lifeguard shortages, be sure to check that beaches are open for swimming before visiting. State Park swimming schedules are available at: dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/swimming-schedule/