Jersey City Lakes

Lakes Close to Jersey City

When the weather is right you should gather your family and friends and make time to be near the water. A stay at a lake is wonderful for people that enjoy wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to take in the local scenery and all that nature has to offer.

There are many brilliant arguments for making a trip to a lake in Jersey City while it’s hot outside – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer activities like wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Browse through the table directly beneath this paragraph to see the options from small lakes with beaches to all sports lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Near Jersey City

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Jersey City you’ll find all kinds of activities that can be enjoyed by groups of all types. You could go for an exciting day trip or decide to stay overnight to a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you visit a Jersey City lake:

Picnic time. The lakes near Jersey City gives you the chance to visit a wealth of top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some tasty treats, or something as simple as crackers and cheese and a cold beverage by the water. Should you be with someone you want to impress, a picnic on the beach should be suitably romantic.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Jersey City will provide all kinds of fun and excitement for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!

Catch some fish. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you reel in a day of fun whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or standing on a dock with a beer in one hand and a rod in the other.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A lake day itinerary can be drastically different depending on which lake you’re going to, when you decide to go, and what you want to do while you’re there. To make things easier we’ve assembled a rundown of popular go-to necessities for you to use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Jersey City you will likely need to bring several of these items to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and getting the most out of your getaway.

  • Insect repellant
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • A cooler and drinks
  • USB charger
  • Garbage bags
  • Snacks
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • UV protection

Additional lake gear

The gear in the list below could be helpful for excursions to the lake depending on what you’ll be doing. You may want to double check some of these before heading out.

  • Toys for the beach
  • Masks and snorkels
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Worms or other bait
  • Your tackle box
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Wine key
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.

Staying Safe on a Lake

Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that will ensure that everyone stays safe while around the lake.

  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Jersey City Lake Tips

Some people may not get the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around Jersey City and likely have some questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, no matter where you go each lake is going to have unique qualities and surroundings, but here are a few things to look into while planning which could help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. Rent a boat. Many lakes have nearby marinas that offer boat rentals. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Doing a quick Google search can usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.
  2. Pay attention to the beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes beaches may be really busy. If you want a little more privacy, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Make the most of unique assets in the area. If there’s time for a lengthier stay, look for local state parks and recreation areas that offer the option to camp near or even on the water at an affordable price.