We're collecting the best swimming lakes near NYC on one handy map! Pack the beach gear and try out one of these parent-approved places to swim (or boat or fish) with kids.
Help other parents out by adding your tips & reviews, and let us know if we're missing any other great swimming holes and lakes within a couple hours of NYC.
For more places to swim near you, check out - and chime in on - our list of the best NYC beaches, too.
Round Valley Recreation Area
Round Valley Swimming Beach welcomes swimmers during the summer months. The swimming area is separated from the main reservoir by an earth dam. Amenities in the beach complex area include restrooms, showers and concessions.The beach also has two playgrounds and volleyball nets.
Lake Hopatcong
The largest lake in New Jersey welcomes swimmers during the summer while lifeguards are on duty. A bathhouse complex has restrooms, showers, and food and beach supplies for purchase. Families can also enjoy fishing, a large picnic area with grills, and playgrounds.
Lake Marcia at High Point State Park
Spring-fed Lake Marcia is the swimming lake at High Point State Park, and there are picnic tables, charcoal grills, changing rooms and a snack stand on site.
Wawayanda Lake
Families can swim off the white sand beach at Wawayanda Lake during the summer months when lifeguards are on duty, and restrooms, concessions and a picnic area are nearby. Wawayanda State Park also has boat rentals and plenty of hiking, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail.
Highlands Natural Pool
Carved out of a hillside in 1935, this stream-fed New Jersey swimming hole is the size of an olympic pool. The pool has a shallow fenced area for kids and non-swimmers. Restrooms, a rinse-off shower and a pool snack stand are on site.
Lake Tiorati Beach
Harriman State Park has a beautiful swimming lake bordered by wooded hills and meadows. There's a sandy beach, hiking, picnicking, and clean restrooms with showers.
Canopus Lake
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park offers plenty of outdoor adventures for families, including a large sandy swimming beach, rowboat rentals and a picnic area at Canopus Lake.
Lake Taghkanic State Park
Families can enjoy the swimming beach at Lake Taghkanic, plus hiking trails, picnic spots and two playground areas. There are rowboat, paddleboat and kayak rentals. If you want to stay a while, vacation rental cottages and campsites are available.
Bantam Lake
Sandy Beach is the only swimming spot open to the general public on Bantam Lake. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer, and there is a shady picnic area, concessions, volleyball, swimming lessons and more.
Primary photo: Oleksandr P on Pexels
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