New Jersey has no shortage of places to cool off when summer hits. Instead of heading down the Shore, why not switch things up and try one of the Garden State’s many swimming holes? By definition, a swimming hole is any lake or river that is deep enough to swim in, and there are plenty to choose from.
Here are 13 NJ swimming holes to enjoy, ranging from manmade lakes to natural pools and more.
Quarry Swim Hole – Hopewell
Since 1928, the Quarry Swim Club has been a hidden gem of Hopewell. The swimming hole runs 55 feet deep and features three anchored floats and diving boards. Since there are no shallow areas, swimmers under 13 must take a swim test. Outside the lake are picnic tables, grills, a volleyball court, and a separate pool ranging one and a half to five feet deep.
The quarry is open seasonally. Check their website for current dates and hours.
Oxford Furnace Lake – Oxford Township
Oxford Furnace Lake was once used for flood and erosion control and has since been transformed into a serene lake for all to enjoy. Not only is the Oxford Township lake great for swimming and relaxing on the beach, but it offers kayak and canoe rentals, boating, fishing, and more. There are also recreation areas and places to explore. You might even get to see the musky, a large fish that sticks its head out of the water.
Check their website for current hours and availability.
Atsion Recreation Area – Wharton State Forest
Located on the edge of the Wharton State Forest, the Atsion Recreation Area offers swimming and sunbathing on Atsion Lake. The beach features shallow and deep areas suitable for swimmers of any skill level, along with barbecue grills, picnic areas, playgrounds, nature crafts for children, and concession stands. While there, you can also explore the Batsto Village, an exhibit about 19th-century commerce and agriculture.
Check their website for current hours and availability.
Rock Lodge – Stockholm
The Rock Lodge Club in Stockholm is a nudist lodge situated on 145 acres, featuring a spring-fed swimming hole with two beaches, a sauna, hiking trails, and social events. The club ensures a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Visit their How To Visit page before going—there are steps to complete ahead of your first visit.
Bellmawr Lake – Bellmawr
Bellmawr’s man-made lake offers a beach experience without actually going down the Shore. Lounge on white sandy beaches, take a dive off one of the diving boards, or grab a drink at the bar and a treat at the ice cream stand. The Lakeside Grill handles food. The property also features picnic areas, horseshoes, volleyball, and a novelty shop.
Check their website for current hours and availability.
Darlington County Park – Mahwah
One of the larger NJ swimming holes, Darlington County Park spans 178 acres with three lakes to explore. Two of the lakes offer swimming while the other is reserved for fishing. The area features sand beaches, picnic areas, a playground, tennis and handball courts, and large inflatable attractions for kids and adults alike.
Check their website for current hours and ticket prices.
Highlands Natural Swimming Pool – Ringwood
Since 1935, this stream-fed Olympic-sized pool has been welcoming swimmers from across New Jersey and beyond. Consistently ranked among the state’s best swimming holes, it features a variety of depths—a kiddie pool, a four-foot shallow end, and a slope that declines from six to 10 feet. When you’re not swimming, you can hike the trails, picnic, and play volleyball and ping pong.
Check their website for current hours, admission prices, and seasonal schedule.
Hooks Creek Lake – Cheesequake State Park
Cheesequake State Park sits on the cusp of urban North Jersey and suburban South Jersey in Old Bridge, and Hooks Creek Lake is one of its best features. There’s a beach area with a concession stand, supplies and souvenirs nearby, and easy access to the park’s hiking trails and picnic areas.
The park is open Wednesday through Sunday. Check their website for current hours.
Lake Marcia – High Point State Park
The 20-acre Lake Marcia at Sussex County’s High Point State Park offers spring-fed waters and some of the best views in the state. Swim, lay out on the sand, grab food and drinks, and make time to hike to the highest point in New Jersey while you’re there.
Check their website for current hours and availability.
Round Valley Reservoir – Clinton
Surrounded by wooded hills in Clinton, the Round Valley Reservoir’s west side offers a dedicated swimming area with a beach, changing facilities, restrooms and showers, a first-aid station, and a concession stand. Hiking trails are available throughout the rest of the property.
The park is open Wednesday through Sunday. More info here.
Tomahawk Lake – Sparta
A lake with a water park—hard to beat. Tomahawk Lake in Sparta features the state’s largest white sand beach on a 20-acre swimming hole, along with water slides, miniature golf, a picnic area, a children’s area, and options for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Check their website for current hours and ticket prices.
Wawayanda Lake – Hewitt
Located near the NJ-NY border in Hewitt, Wawayanda Lake is one of the most scenic swimming holes on this list. Surrounded by forest, the lake features a white sand beach, hiking trails, abundant wildlife, picnic areas, and a playground for kids.
The lake is open daily. Check their website for current hours and more info.
Turtle Beach – Hardwick Township
Located near the Delaware Water Gap, Turtle Beach is a sprawling and scenic recreational area with a fee to use the beach. The surrounding area offers easy access to some of the region’s top historical sights, including Dingmans Falls and Van Campens Glen.
Open daily. More info can be found here.
Kayla is a senior communication major at the University of New Haven. When she's not writing, she's keeping up on the latest pop culture news, listening to music, and cooking.
