Lake side house rentals in Lake Hopatcong

The life aquatic thrives here at New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake — the nine-mile-long, 2,500-acre Lake Hopatcong, which has turned the area into both a coveted residential neighborhood and favorite lakefront destination. The man-made lake was built in the 1860s as a water source for the 90-mile Morris Canal running from Newark to Phillisburg, but as the railways developed, the need dissipated and it eventually gained a reputation as a popular lakeside getaway, complete with a (now demolished) amusement park. Now the area draws a different kind of funseeker, as a local favorite hotspot for every kind of watersport — boating, jet skiing, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. The surrounding region is also filled with natural preserves, including state and county parks, and several wildlife management areas.

With outdoor activities and camping being the area’s highlights, the most pleasant time of year to stay in one of Lake Hopatcong’s vacation rentals is from mid-June to mid-September, when the days are warm and the nights are mild. Late spring and early fall weather can also bring pleasant days, minus the mugginess that plagues the midsummer weeks, though the evenings can get chilly. Winters become quite biting, with lows dipping below freezing. Festivities are part of lakeside life year-round, such as the summer’s Antique & Classic Boat Show and Lake Hopatcong Fireworks for the Fourth of July, while the fall makes way for the Lake Hopatcong Block Party and the Lake Loop Challenge.

Hopatcong State Park

Whether you prefer to enjoy the shores or head into the water, this park on the southwestern end of the lake is primed for activities of every kind. The boat ramp is open daily for motorboats, sailboats, jet skis, and canoes, while lifeguards keep watch over the swimming area. The hill is filled with picnic tables, while lakeside sports can be played on the volleyball and basketball courts, as well as the playing field. The park also houses the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum in a building that used to be the Morris Canal locktender’s home.

Lee’s County Park Marina

On the lake’s eastern shore is this 13-acre marina in Van Every Cove with three boat slips for easy access into the waters. It’s no wonder this is a popular launch point for fishing tournaments.

Mahlon Dickerson Reservation

One of the highest points in the area is Headley Overlook at this 3,200-acre preserve named after a former New Jersey governor. Its more than 20 trails — including the popular Pine Swamp Trail Loop — are suited for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and in the winter, the area opens up to ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.