The Top 20 Lakes in New Jersey
Looking to visit the best lakes in New Jersey? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of New Jersey’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: November 4, 2025
Oradell Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
The Oradell Reservoir is an important source of clean drinking water to around 750,000 people. Built up over the early 1900s and completed in 1923, it’s now protected as a …
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Wild Duck Pond
Highlight • Lake
Nice place for a rest.
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Carnegie Lake Dam
Highlight • Monument
Built in 1907 at the meeting point of Stony Brook and Millstone River, the Lake Carnegie dam created the lake enjoyed by rowers and the community. After a century of …
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Ramapo Lake
Highlight • Lake
Ramapo Lake offers spectacular views over the water and surrounding rock formations. It's also a popular place for anglers and paddlers to get out on the water, although swimming is prohibited.
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Watchung Reservation
Highlight • Forest
The Watchung Reservation is a vast parcel of protected land in Mountainside, New Jersey. There are hiking trails, parks/picnic areas, playgrounds, a Nature Center, an abandoned village, and a lake.
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Sourland Mountain County Preserve
Highlight • Forest
The Sourland Mountain County Preserve is a beautiful woodland nature preserve run by the Somerset County Park Commission. There are several miles of well-maintained hiking trails that weave through the park.
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Osborn Pond
Highlight • Lake
This reservoir is popular with fishing and birding enthusiasts.
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MacMillan Reservoir Dam
Highlight • Monument
Spanning about 250 feet long and rising 20 feet tall, this low-flowing dam is constructed of concrete faced with stone. Only a thin veil of water typically trickles over the …
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Sunfish Pond
Highlight • Lake
This natural pond is relatively clean and therefore is a good refilling spot for backpackers (at the northern outlet). Swimming and boating are not allowed. Only a few species of …
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Lincoln Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Bike lane in each direction around this easy, 1.25-mile loop. Nice views of the water, pleasant park, quiet place to get some laps in.
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