Monksville Reservoir and Green Turtle Pond: Long Pond Ironworks State Park, 1334 Greenwood Lake Tpke., Hewitt, NJ
Motorboats (10 HP or less) are permitted on Monksville Reservoir, and may launch from either the north or south boat launches. Only electric motors are permitted on Green Turtle Pond.
Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are permitted on Monksville Reservoir from the South Boat Launch or the Beech Rd. Cartop Launch, or at Green Turtle Pond.
Activities: Hiking, fishing, boating, paddling and mountain biking
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Camp Hope Pool: 1792 Union Valley Rd., West Milford, NJ
Activities: Swimming and a spray park
Hours: 2026 hours have yet to be posted as the pool is undergoing repairs. The pool hopes to open mid-June. Check passaiccountynj.org to confirm when the pool is officially open for swimming, and to check this year’s hours. Day passes must be purchased in advance.
Bubbling Springs
1468 Macopin Rd., West Milford NJ
Bubbling Springs features a swimming lake with lifeguards, plus a floating Wibit obstacle course, diving board, slide, coracle boats, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Activities: Swimming, hiking trails, softball fields, fishing, disc golf
Hours: Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and weekends 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Day passes must be purchased in advance. Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty.
Highlands Natural Pool
180 Snake Den Rd., Ringwood, NJ
This Olympic-sized, stream-fed pool operates without chemical treatment and includes a diving board, shaded picnic areas, a snack stand and a small sandbox area for children.
Activities: Swimming, sandbox, grilling ($25 for table with grill), hiking, large field for other activities.
Hours: Open weekends through the end of June; daily beginning in July through Labor Day; weekends in September. Pool hours: 12 p.m-6 p.m. Day passes can be purchased upon arrival: $20 for adults on weekdays, $25 on weekends and holidays; $15 for seniors and military, $10 for children (ages 5-17); children 4 and under are free.
Wawayanda State Park: 885 Warwick Tpke., Hewitt, NJ
Wawayanda State Park offers a beach for sunbathing and swimming, along with boat rentals and a launch for privately owned watercraft. Facilities include changing areas, restrooms, and a first-aid station.
Activities: Swimming, boating (no gas motors), paddling, fishing, hiking, biking and volleyball
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. New Jersey resident parking is $5 on weekdays, $10 on weekends and holidays.
Greenwood Lake: Greenwood Lake, NY and West Milford, NJ
Greenwood Lake stretches across New York and New Jersey and is one of the region’s most popular destinations for paddling and boating. There are several public-access launches around the shoreline.
Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, boating, fishing
Hours: Public access areas and launches generally operate from sunrise to sunset.