Best swimming spots New Jersey 2026 lakes rivers summer time

The greatest swimming in New Jersey this summer time has nothing to do with the ocean

The Shore will not be the one choice.

I do know that seems like heresy coming from somebody who simply spent a complete piece convincing you to fill the tank and drive to Strathmere. But New Jersey has lakes, rivers, and cedar-water swimming holes that most individuals drive proper previous on their solution to the Parkway. Some of them are higher than something you will see on the seashore. None of them cost you for a badge.

My earliest swimming reminiscences don’t have anything to do with the ocean. They have all the things to do with Lake Lenape in Mays Landing, Atlantic County. The city’s municipal seashore The Cove. My mom took my brothers and me there virtually day by day in the summertime. Lifeguards, roped-off swimming areas, a snack stand the place we received a deal with on particular days if we have been fortunate. Big pines throughout, cedar water the colour of tea, and the form of afternoon that feels infinite when you’re eight years previous and have nowhere else to be.

As we received older we graduated to the Great Egg Harbor River. And then got here the obligatory South Jersey proper of passage — leaping off Spoony’s Bridge on Route 40. Years later, when my spouse Linda and I have been relationship, we jumped collectively in the summertime of 1987. Pretty quickly after that we jumped into marriage. I’ve at all times thought these two issues have been related.

When our youngsters have been younger we did intensive canoe tenting and swimming on the Mullica River. Beautiful water. I’ll warning you — the present is swift and might carry an inexperienced swimmer away quick. That occurred to our daughter as soon as. Our son was proper there to tug her again. Know your talent degree and know your children’ talent degree earlier than you get in any shifting water in New Jersey. That will not be a small factor.

We have additionally canoed and swum on the Delaware Water Gap — years in the past we launched at Milford, Pennsylvania for a two-night tenting journey over the Fourth of July and took out at Bushkill, spending extra time within the river than within the canoe. And for one thing a bit extra organized proper throughout the Delaware, Bucks County River Country in Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania affords tubing, kayaking, canoe and raft leases and opens for the season on May twenty third — proper at Memorial Day weekend.

And whereas there are many swimming pools you’ll be able to soar in at a membership, a pal’s home, lodge, motel or perhaps even your individual yard — this listing of pure areas is for my fellow adventurers amongst us. Temps could also be within the mid to excessive 50s proper now, however as we method June the nice and cozy up is on.

With all of that stated — right here is the place to go this summer time.

SEE ALSO: The 5 best South Jersey hikes

This is the Pine Barrens swimming expertise and the one I do know greatest. Tea-colored cedar water, white sand seashore, pitch pines throughout, and a sense that you’re someplace fully faraway from the New Jersey most individuals suppose they know. The water is tender and surprisingly heat in midsummer. Lifeguards on obligation in season. If you’ve by no means swum in cedar water that is the place you begin. Just depart the white bathing swimsuit at house — the tannins will dye it tan by the tip of the afternoon.

The greatest clear-water lake in New Jersey. Deep turquoise reservoir water, mountain-like surroundings, a swimming seashore with out Shore crowds, and water that stays colder than most NJ lakes even within the peak of summer time. If you need to really feel such as you drove someplace dramatic with out leaving the state, Round Valley is your reply. Best full summer time day journey on this listing.

I wrote concerning the mountaineering right here not too long ago. But Parvin has a swimming seashore too and it is among the most underrated in South Jersey. Calm freshwater lake, good forest setting, often far much less crowded than something close to the Shore. Salem County doesn’t get sufficient credit score as a vacation spot and Parvin is an enormous a part of why it ought to.

The huge social choice on this listing. New Jersey’s largest lake with coves, swimming areas, boat leases and lakeside eating places. Feels like traditional Northeast summer time lake tradition — the form of summer time Saturday that exists in previous images. Best for teams and individuals who desire a energetic environment alongside their swimming.

Forested Appalachian-style surroundings, cleaner and cooler water, an amazing mixture of mountaineering and swimming in a single journey. This one pairs naturally with any of the North Jersey hikes I wrote about not too long ago — hike within the morning, swim within the afternoon.

The simpler, extra relaxed different to close by Round Valley. Good for households, picnics, and informal swimming days. If you’re going with younger children who want a gentler expertise, Spruce Run is the reply.

SEE ALSO: The 5 best North Jersey hikes

The greatest pure river swimming within the area and one I can vouch for personally. The Delaware River seashores on the Water Gap are in contrast to anything in New Jersey — floating in clear shifting water with forested ridges rising on each side. I’ve hiked above the Water Gap. I’ve canoed it. I’ve swum in it. It earns each little bit of its repute.

One trustworthy observe earlier than you go

Some of those places have lifeguards in season. Some don’t. River entry factors specifically haven’t any supervision in any respect. Know your potential. Know your children’ potential. Moving water deserves respect that standing water doesn’t require. Check situations earlier than you go, swim with a companion, and keep inside the roped areas the place they exist.

New Jersey has extraordinary water. It simply doesn’t all circulate to the ocean.

And if certainly the ocean surf is extra your jam, under is an inventory of one of the best FREE shore seashores in New Jersey!