Crater Lake is a non-lifeguard private area that's tucked deep into the Delaware Water Gap…read moreRecreation Area. It's a two hour drive from Long Island and 3.5 hours when there's a fire that's closed down the Throgs Neck Bridge. But this lake, also near Blue Mountain Lake is amazing. A few years back you would have been hard pressed to find anyone else there but on a hot Saturday in summer, there were about 30 people and some families picnicing, lounging and boozing by the water. The water was warm and almost everyone was a local who had their own kayaks, rafts and floatation devices. We traded beers for rafts and sat in the middle of the lake for at least an hour. The park closes at 10pm but most people leave around sun down so if you bring music, BUG SPRAY, a lantern and flashlights, and the game Apples to Apples you can have yourself a private lake side party undisturbed from 8 - 10p. Downsides: It costs so much money to go over bridges now from NY to NJ make sure to borrow mom or dad's EZ Pass! DAMN! Again, bring bug spray. My legs are itchy, itchy, itchy now. WARNING: It is very easy to get lost coming to this lake. Your GPS may not know what you're talking about because it's hard to enter a town name for the location in Jersey. Here's how to get there (you can thank me later - just don't tell a lot of people) Take 80 to Exit 1 - the entrance of the delaware water gap rec. area. Ask for a map w/ the person at the visitor's entrance but basically you're looking for a general store that leads you down a windy road (past blue mountain lake) and veer left at the rocky path at the end of the road. There really aren't any signs so getting a map and coming in from Exit 1 is your best bet. ALSO BE CAREFUL if you get lost and someone points you to CRANDon lake. This is Crater Lake and that's what you're looking for. My friend got very lost because of his bad hearing.

This was my first time at Crater Lake. It was a Saturday at 1pm. It was part of a hike that passed…read moreBlue Mountain Lake and Hemlock Pond as well. Since this lake has a nearby parking lot, it was much more populated than the other two, although Hemlock Pond had a good share of visitors. There's a peaceful and back to nature type feel.

Beautiful paved trail with fishing area, paddleboating, and a nice picnic area. Also has a decent…read morebathroom so that's worth every Yelp star! Serene & open but very windy and cold this early Spring morning. I love it here.

Gorgeous views, clean restrooms, and so much space and fresh air. A stunning spot to throw a ball…read moreand read a book with a loved one. The lake is stocked with trout and you can go fishing and kayaking. We went on a Friday afternoon/evening in September and there were no crowds or garbage laying around. Amazing place to get a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Stay Strong, Love Y'all!

My husband and I enjoy coming here. Friendly atmosphere, good music, great service. Good bar food.read more

I like your Beats cuz it has lots of sand and it is Frontier Celina and it has a jumping thingread more

Great friendly atmosphere. The staff is great. The location is beautiful. So much to do for…read morepeople of all ages. I will definitely return.

We spent the week at Big Boulder and visited the club and tavern several times. The staff were…read morefriendly enough. My biggest gripe is that once they know you're a "guest" versus an owner, you pay the tourist premium. For instance, renting a boat costs over 40% more once they know you're a renter rather than an owner. I hate the feeling of being taken advantage of, but I guess it's their strategy.

Had a great time here spending the day with friends and family. You can bring your our kayak and…read moresmall floating devices to enjoy the cool water from the lake.

Dang this place is lots of fun, u can ride boats, fish, swim, sign up 4 swim team, and many more…read more The life guards r very nice, 2 of which r my brothers! I would strongly advise getting a membership, and yeah that's it

I love this place people are so nice you can make a lot of friends I've been here for 2 years it's…read moreso great!!

This place is the best we been here for over 5 years everyone is so friendly kids are kind but…read morepeople go to slow down on those roads

Beautiful large lake (52 miles round). There are areas around the lake that cannot be developed, so…read morenature surrounds you. The scenery is peaceful. The lake has 4 islands and one is where eagles nest, so you will see eagles soaring over the lake. Lots of ducks on the lake and you can fish. There are 2 campgrounds on the lake too! The people are friendly and the water is fresh! Nice farm to table restaurants in the area with 4 on the lake so you can dock your water vessel and dine!

It was such a delight to have traversed through this lake. There is a convenient parking lot…read moreadjacent to the beginning of the trail. The entire lake encompasses 52 miles of shoreline, 5,700 acres, and is 13 miles long. If you're interested in a boat tour, they have them available and we saw many on the lake. The trail will take you through various types of terrain, but they're all enjoyable and full of sites to see. As you're making your way through the tree filled section of the trail, don't forget to look for the geocaches that are hidden throughout. It is fun to hunt and each geocache contains cool items.

This experience was so amazing, and went above and beyond our expectations. My kids rave that this…read moretubing experience was above and beyond any of their other experiences. Captain Rob is a patient teacher who explains everything very clearly for both tubing and wake boarding. He also modifies the tubing experience based on your preferences and adventure level. We had a terrific time and would 100% recommend booking with them.

Not only is Rob a super cool dude, he explains everything thoroughly and taught us inexperienced…read morepeeps with ease. From booking the boat, to tubing and wakeboarding, this experience was amazing! It definitely was the highlight of my birthday weekend getaway. We are going to make this an annual trip up here and, for sure, will book Lake Harmony Watersports again! Highly recommend!!

Did you know that Lake Hopatcong is NJ's largest freshwater lake?…read more And did you also know that there's a great little place on the lake that lets you rent all sorts of strange inventions like a 'pedalboard' and a 'hydrobike' (along with the classics like kayaks and paddleboards) - so you can cruise along the lake, get a bit of exercise, fill those lungs with fresh air and more importantly... work up an appetite (so you can hit The Windlass right after)? I tell you it's true. All true. There were six of us (celebrating a birthday) - 5 on hydrobikes, 1 on a pedalboard. The lake is drop dead gorgeous and we went when it was still early and a bit overcast so it wasn't too crowded with boats and jet-skis and the like. (Waves/wakes from other boats can really dampen your own fun... so that stuff matters a bit.) But I gotta be honest: it was a lot of work. Unlike a kayak where you might get a nice 'bite' with your oar and can coast a bit... the bike is akin to being pneumatic (you stop pedaling and you almost immediately come to a halt as well). And those seats? They are not comfortable at all. Sore dupas all around (the following day as well, actually). But we all had a great time. The crew (Patty and Joe, I believe) were really cool, total professionals, and we always felt like we were safe as well having a great time exploring some of the lake and adjoining islands and whatnot. (We would definitely return in the future but would lean towards a kayak and not do the bikes again.) Wear sunblock, bring water, not sure if it was just me but my right foot was pretty soaked by the end whereas my left was dry (so you'd be better off wearing an old ratty pair of sneakers, regardless). Post-pedal was The Windlass (excellent) as well as some mini-golf (also excellent). Lots to do in this lovely part of Jersey. (But it'll cost ya!)

A cousin of mine tried the hydrobikes and lived it, so I thought I would give it a try. I asked a…read morefriend to come with me and he said it looked like a pain in the ass. I made a reservation online. Patty was so friendly and made it a great time! She let me use some sun block and fill up my reusable cup at their water fountain. She told me that I would probably like the standup paddle board better because it had better maneuverability. I took her advice. It was a lot of excise and fun as we rode around and she told me about the history and pointed out different areas around the lake. We even picked up some trash from inside the lake and it made me happy to know that there are good people out there who are also passionate about the environment. It was hot and I "accidentally" fell in and got to enjoy the water a little bit. Patty also gave me restaurant and hiking recommendations around the area and even took a picture of me. You may be able to call and make a same day appointment, but online will only allow the following day. I don't think it's with bringing or risking losing your camera or phone out on the lake, there isn't anything really photo worthy.

Great for swimming and hiking. The water has a high algae level so can look mucky but is fine to…read moreswim in. The two main trails, Old 611 and Frank Gantz trail are nice. Neighter are loops they both go towards Tobyhanna SP.

I've only been here a few times even though it's just a few miles down the road from my house…read more Although it's a beautiful state park the amenities are pretty old. The lake is stocked every year with trout and there are plenty of bass, crappies, and pan fish as well. I think boat rentals are about $20/hr. There are plenty of trails but they aren't maintained that well which is actually how I like it. Gives you somewhat of a challenge. Alcohol isn't allowed in PA state parks but if you need to wet your whistle, The Dutchman Tavern is right on Rt. 507 of you go north and Hammerjax Bar and Grill is on the end of Phillps Road about 1 mile from the park.