New Jersey is famously known as the Garden State, but you can’t have beautiful gardens without water. Luckily, there are more than a few sources of water in the state, many of them perfect for paddling. With this in mind, we’re shoving off our list of The Best Places to Kayak in New Jersey.
Whether you already have your own or need to rent one from nearby, these are NJ’s best kayaking spots. So grab a paddle, a life jacket, and some sunscreen and prepare for a relaxing water tour. From lakes and rivers to ponds and reservoirs, you can kayak across each of these beautiful bodies of water.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find The Best Places to Kayak near you.
North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey
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North Jersey
Cranberry Lake
Location: Byram Township (Accessible via Allamuchy Mountain State Park)
Details: A public boat launch is available for boaters, canoers, and kayakers to use year-round at Cranberry Lake. Kayaking here offers 55 miles of shoreline, where you can explore numerous coves and inlets.
Why I like it: Cranberry Lake is shallow and a great place for beginners learning to kayak.
Hackensack River
Location: Laurel Hill County Park, Secaucus
Details: The Laurel Hill Paddling Center makes it easy to explore the Hackensack River. You can rent either a single or tandem kayak for just $25 per paddler for four hours.
Why I like it: The park also offers guided paddle tours. You can choose a moonlight paddle (beginner-friendly) or a Sunday high-tide paddle for more experienced kayakers.
Lake Hopatcong
Location: Hopatcong State Park, Landing
Details: Of course New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake offers great kayaking! This nine-mile lake has 2,500 acres of water to explore. While there are no places to rent a kayak within the park, plenty of nearby private marinas offer rentals.
Why I like it: You’ve got two great options for your view; the historic homes on the shoreline or Liffy Island, the largest undeveloped section of the lake.
Monksville Reservoir
Location: 1081 County Road 511, Ringwood (South Boat Launch)
Details: This serene body of water is the perfect place to take an afternoon paddle; you’ll be surrounded by the forests of the Long Pond Ironworks State Park. If you’re up for a three-mile kayak trip, you can journey from one end to the other; otherwise, you can just meander around the reservoir’s 500 acres of water and still have a great time.
Why I like it: The Flatwater Paddle Company offers kayak rentals right by the boat launch.
Overpeck Creek
Location: Overpeck Kayak Launch, Teaneck
Details: The Hackensack Riverkeeper organization has one of their paddle centers here; which aims to give families a convenient, fun way to explore the local waterways. Overpeck Park Paddling Center rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards for use in Overpeck Creek; a spot that is perfect for beginners.
Why I like it: Children ages 12 and older can paddle a single kayak by themselves. (But they must be accompanied by an adult in another kayak.)
Passaic River
Location: Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland
Details: You can launch your kayak from West Essex Park and set out on the Passaic River. Whether you choose to go upstream or downstream, you’ll be sure to see all sorts of wildlife; ranging from deer and blue herons to turtles and more.
Why I like it: This area is perfect for day trips, with various trails and gardens to explore.
White Lake
Location: White Lake Natural Resource Area, Hardwick
Details: Named after its white, chalky marl bottom, White Lake is great for kayakers on the lookout for wildlife. In fact, you’re likely to find bald eagles, bears, and even bobcats. But there are other sights to see, including several endangered plant species; as well as a historic lime kiln and the remains of a marl-processing facility from years ago.
Why I like it: The park’s Kayaking Program has free rentals every Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 PM. However, they are by reservation only.
Central Jersey
Branta Pond
Location: Environmental Education Center, Basking Ridge
Details: If you’re new to paddling, the Somerset County Park Commission offers canoe and kayaking classes. Then once you’re comfortable enough, you can move on to the guided paddle activities.
Why I like it: They even offer instructional classes in the pool if you’re not ready for the pond.
Davidson’s Mill Pond
Location: Davidson’s Mill Pond Park, North Brunswick
Details: This pond is another ideal spot for beginner kayakers. It’s quiet with not much traffic, plus it’s surrounded on all sides by serene forests.
Why I like it: You’ll find a series of pollinator boxes throughout the park; in an effort to improve conditions for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Lake Carnegie
Location: Princeton University Campus, Princeton
Details: This man-made lake was created in 1906 for use by Princeton University’s rowing teams. Today it is open for public use to anyone in a non-motorized boat. During your trip, you’ll paddle by islands, bridges, and picturesque homes.
Why I like it: Community access to the lake is available from the free boat launch; adjacent to Route 27, near Kingston Road.
Lake Surprise
Location: Watchung Reservation, Mountainside
Details: A hidden gem in the middle of Watchung Reservation, Lake Surprise is 24 acres of flat water. Of course, this makes it a perfect spot to kayak. This quiet, peaceful lake is also surrounded by abundant wildlife and a wooded shoreline.
Why I like it: When you’re back on land, you can check out the park’s Deserted Village of Feltville.
Spruce Run Reservoir
Location: 12 Van Syckles Road, Clinton
Details: Spruce Run Reservoir is a varied, 15-mile long shoreline with lots of nooks and crannies to explore; making it an exciting destination for a kayak trip. You’ll pass sandy beaches, campsites, wooded areas, and an island.
Why I like it: The water is flat, so once again beginners will feel at ease.
Jersey Shore
Cape May Harbor
Location: 1600 Delaware Ave, Cape May
Details: Rent a single, double, or surf kayak at Aqua Trails before setting out on Cape May Harbor. Likewise, you can sign up for one of the guided tours that are available; they range from options such as sunset tours to full moon tours.
Why I like it: Aqua Trails offers free delivery around Cape May if you’re renting for 24+ hours.
Cedar Creek Campground
Location: 1052 Atlantic City Blvd, Bayville
Details: This family campground has it all, including camping, kayaking, canoeing, and more. You can rent a variety of kayaks or bring your own to paddle Cedar Creek. In fact, the staff will drop you off at one of three locations, depending on how far you’re paddling.
Why I like it: Anyone who rents a kayak or canoe is welcome to use the facility’s showers.
Great Egg Harbor River
Location: Penny Pot Park, Hammonton
Details: The Great Egg Harbor River is massive. But if you start at Penny Pot Park, you can kayak the non-tidal section downstream to Lake Lenape. You’ll see swamps and marshes alike on this easier stretch of the river.
Why I like it: Kayak and canoe rentals are not available at the park; but you can find them at nearby sites such as Winding River Campground.
Swimming River
Location: 483 West Front St, Red Bank
Details: Like Somerset County, the Monmouth County Park System provides instructional kayaking classes for $25 per person (kayak rental included). The hour-long class is led by a park naturalist, and teaches you how to safely operate a kayak; while also discussing the local history and wildlife.
Why I like it: Children ages 12 to 18 can participate if accompanied by an adult.
South Jersey
Cooper River
Location: 450 South Park Drive, Collingswood
Details: You can relax as you coast along the waters of the bustling Cooper River Park. There are several launch points for your kayak, so you can access the river from a few spots; but be on the lookout for the professional rowers who practice here.
Why I like it: Cooper River is a great fishing spot, with a variety of species available to catch.
Greenwich Lake
Location: Greenwich Lake Park, Gibbstown
Details: At Greenwich Lake Park you’ll find a boat launch, fishing, grill areas, as well as restrooms. In other words, it’s the perfect place for a day trip that includes some kayaking. Like many other NJ lakes, this one has calm waters and is great for beginners.
Why I like it: The lake is stocked with trout, so you can do some serious fishing after kayaking!
Rancocas Creek Canoe Trail
Location: Rancocas Creek Dr, Pemberton
Details: This is another great spot for watching wildlife. The 14-mile long Rancocas Creek Canoe Trail boasts blue herons, turtles, ducks, and geese. You’ll also pass Historic Smithville Park before reaching the end of the trail in Mt. Holly.
Why I like it: Several access points along the trail means you can shorten the journey, if necessary.
Parvin Lake
Location: Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove
Details: You can access Parvin Lake from the boat launch at Fisherman’s Landing. From there, you’ll find an easy paddle around the perimeter. The scenery is filled with beautiful plants and flowers, but the colors are most vibrant in the spring.
Why I like it: After you get your workout paddling, you can head to the lifeguarded beach to swim.
Union Lake
Location: Boat Ramp (off Carmel Rd), Millville
Details: Union Lake is quite large, with a handful of access points plus a larger boat ramp. You can definitely spend a day exploring the over 5,000 acres of this manmade lake. Union Lake is peaceful and flat, so it’s great for novices or just a relaxing paddle.
Why I like it: There are a number of small islands located within the lake serving as rest points.
Top Photo: © White Lake Natural Resource Area / Facebook
Other Photos (in Order):
Hackensack Riverkeeper / Facebook
Middlesex County / Website
Cedar Creek Campground / Facebook
New Jersey DEP / Website
