In the summertime, there is nothing better than taking a dip in a pool or at one of our local lakes. Family trips are taken to enjoy beach life, picnicking from the cooler; the whole experience is something special. But the best part is, of course, the swimming. It feels amazing in the summer to swim, wherever that may be. We’ve put together a list of the best local places in Sussex County where you can take a dip in the beautiful cool water! As a side note, many swimming waters require Coast Guard-approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD) or life jackets.
High Point State Park
1480 NJ-23, Sussex
Swimming is permitted when lifeguards are on duty. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lake Marcia is a beautiful spring-fed lake that offers cooling waters to swimmers. The lake itself is a whopping 1,803 feet above sea level! There are changing rooms and a concession stand diagonal to the lake, where the whole family can get snacks after an afternoon of swimming. The lake is supposed to open to swimmers in mid-June, as per the NJDEP website. Park passes are $5.
Hopatcong State Park
260 Lakeside Blvd, Landing
Lake Hopatcong is the largest man-made lake in New Jersey, boasting nine miles in length and approximately 2,500 acres of freshwater to enjoy. The shining gem of this lake is Hopatcong State Park. Swimming in this beautiful lake is permitted only when there is a lifeguard on duty. Entrance is free for the 2023 season. The same rules apply; swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty. Estimated to open for swimming in mid-June. There is also a bathhouse, complete with changing areas, showers, restrooms, and a first-aid room. There is also a concession stand where you can purchase both snacks and supplies to bring to the beach.
Swartswood State Park
1091 County Road 619, Newton
Swartswood State Park is an extremely serene and quiet, perfect for just chilling in the water and paddling around quietly. This is a 519-acre glacial lake that features tranquil and still waters to enjoy. Entry is free for the 2023 season, so all you need to do is bring yourself and a swim suit and have fun in this cool and beautiful lake. It is expected to open in mid-June.
Newton Town Pool
111 Moran Street, Newton
The Newton Town Pool is open to both residents and non-residents of the town. You can enjoy a great place to take a dip and enjoy some camaraderie; you may even meet new people! Pool tags are free for residents and $10 for non-residents. They also have season passes available to those who will be swimming there primarily this summer. Open swim is from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Their official grand opening weekend is June 17th and 18th. You can view their flyer here.
Tomahawk Lake Waterpark
155 Tomahawk Trail, Sparta
A local waterpark celebrating its 71st anniversary, Tomahawk Lake has plenty of features, fun, and games for the whole family. For parents with little ones, Papoose Land is perfect for children under four feet tall. They can splash, play on small slides, and enjoy hopping on giant frogs and turtles. Head off to one of the park’s seven slides or its other attractions. You can even swim in their clear 20-acre lake. Other activities on the property include miniature golf, volleyball, ice cream, a beer garden for mom and dad, and even paddle and row-boats to enjoy.
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Mountain Creek Waterpark
200 NJ-94, Vernon
The name Mountain Creek is pretty synonymous with the word fun. Whether it is skiing down their slopes in the wintertime or enjoying their waterpark in the summer, there’s always something to do. From the Rogue River ride to the Zero-G, there is thrill after thrill to be had while cooling off in their waters. For the little members of the family, there are water attractions like the “Sprayground” and “L’il Dippers,” making sure that there is something there for every member of the family. Around the park are restaurants and snack stands where you can enjoy a concession on their way to the next attraction! Two gift shops are also located in the park, so make sure to grab a souvenir to remember such a fun day. Opening day is June 24th, 2023.
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There are so many ways to cool down in Sussex County, and there is no shortage of beautiful lakes to swim in, plus fun day trips to waterparks. Enjoy the summer!
Members of Life In Sussex staff have contributed to this post.
