Greenwood Lake

For New Jersey residents seeking a premier lakeside experience, Greenwood Lake stands as an undisputed jewel in the state's natural crown. As "the biggest lake in New Jersey that borders New York," it offers a vast expanse of fresh water, stunning scenery, and a wealth of recreational opportunities. From serene boat tours to exciting fishing expeditions, Greenwood Lake promises a refreshing escape for locals looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're revisiting a cherished childhood memory or discovering its charms for the first time, this expansive lake, particularly beautiful in the summer, provides an ideal setting for relaxation and adventure.

As locals, we are fortunate to have such a significant natural resource right in our backyard. Greenwood Lake isn't just a body of water; it's a vibrant hub for recreation that caters to a diverse range of interests. As one returning visitor noted, "The Greenwood lake boat tour at the Castle Cove was a great way to see it. The captain knew his stuff & the 1-hour ride was very enjoyable." This highlights just one of the many ways to experience the lake's beauty, offering insights into its history and ecology from a unique vantage point. For anglers, the lake is celebrated as a "good fishing location for bass, crappie, carp," and even offers "great ice fishing location too if Lake freezes over," showcasing its year-round appeal.

While the allure of Greenwood Lake is undeniable, it's important for New Jersey locals to be aware of public access points. One reviewer mentioned, "Only problem is that there is very very little public access next to water that you can get your fishing line wet." This points to the need for planning, often requiring the use of designated public parks, marinas, or boat launches to fully enjoy the lake's offerings. Despite this, the sheer size and beauty of Greenwood Lake ensure that it remains a top destination for those seeking aquatic adventures, stunning views, and a refreshing break from the everyday. Its extensive shoreline and diverse activities make it a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in the Hewitt area and beyond.

Greenwood Lake is primarily located in Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA, though it famously straddles the border of New Jersey and New York State. This unique geographical feature makes it a significant landmark and recreational hub for residents of both states, particularly Northern New Jersey and the Hudson Valley in New York. The New Jersey side of the lake falls predominantly within West Milford Township, Passaic County.

For New Jersey locals, accessing Greenwood Lake is predominantly by car. Major state routes, such as Route 23, connect to local roads like Warwick Turnpike (County Route 511) and Lakeside Road, which lead directly to various points along the lake. The drive from many parts of Northern New Jersey (e.g., Bergen, Morris, Essex, and Passaic Counties) is manageable, typically ranging from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the starting point and traffic. Designated public parking areas are available at various parks, marinas, and boat launches located along the lake's shore.

Public access points to the lake itself, for activities like fishing from shore or simply enjoying the waterfront, can be somewhat limited, as noted by a reviewer. Most direct access for boating, swimming (at designated beaches), or extensive fishing often requires visiting public parks (like Browns Point Park or the New Jersey State Park System's access points) or utilizing private marinas and boat launches. While specific public transportation directly to all points on the lake is scarce, regional bus services do operate through West Milford Township, potentially allowing for connections to parts of the lake. However, for full enjoyment and flexibility, having a private vehicle is highly recommended to explore the various facets of Greenwood Lake and its surrounding attractions.

• Boating Opportunities: The lake supports various boating activities, including motorboating, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Numerous private marinas offer boat rentals, launching facilities, and services.
• Fishing Destination: Known for good fishing, with abundant bass, crappie, and carp. Permits (New Jersey fishing license) are required.
• Ice Fishing (Seasonal): When the lake freezes over sufficiently, it becomes a popular spot for ice fishing.
• Greenwood Lake Boat Tours: Guided boat tours are available, such as those from Castle Cove, offering a narrated experience of the lake's history and sights.
• Public Parks & Beaches: Several public parks along the shoreline offer limited public access points, picnic areas, and potentially designated swimming beaches (e.g., Brown's Point Park, Long Pond Ironworks State Park may offer some lake access).
• Water Sports: Activities like waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing are popular during warmer months.
• Marinas and Docks: Numerous private marinas around the lake provide docking, fuel, boat repair, and rental services for boaters.
• Local Dining & Shopping: The lakeside communities in Hewitt (NJ) and Warwick (NY) offer various restaurants, shops, and amenities catering to visitors.

• Largest Lake in New Jersey: As the biggest lake primarily within New Jersey (and bordering New York), its sheer size is a significant feature, offering vast areas for exploration and recreation.
• Interstate Border: The unique feature of straddling the New Jersey-New York state line adds to its appeal and accessibility for residents of both states.
• Scenic Beauty: The lake is surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of the New Jersey Highlands and the New York Hudson Valley, particularly stunning in summer and during fall foliage.
• Diverse Fish Species: A highly regarded fishing destination, known for its healthy populations of bass, crappie, carp, and other species, attracting anglers year-round.
• Recreational Hub: A central point for a wide array of water-based activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and watersports.
• Boat Tours: The availability of guided boat tours offers a unique and informative way to experience the lake and its history, as highlighted by a satisfied customer.
• Ice Skating & Ice Fishing: During colder months, when the lake freezes over, it becomes a popular spot for winter recreational activities, weather permitting.
• Lakeside Communities: The charming towns and communities surrounding the lake (e.g., Hewitt, West Milford in NJ; Warwick, Greenwood Lake Village in NY) offer amenities, dining, and a vibrant local culture.

As a natural body of water and a public resource, Greenwood Lake itself does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers." However, various local businesses and organizations operating on or around the lake frequently have promotions that enhance the visitor experience. For New Jersey locals, these can include:

• Boat Tour Discounts: Tour operators like Greenwood Lake Boat Tours (e.g., from Castle Cove) might offer seasonal discounts, group rates, or special event pricing. It's always advisable to check their websites or call directly for current promotions.
• Marina Specials: Local marinas around Greenwood Lake often have promotions on boat rentals, docking fees, or service packages, especially during the off-season or for early bookings. Inquire with individual marinas for details.
• Restaurant and Retailer Offers: Restaurants, shops, and lodging establishments in Hewitt (NJ) and Warwick (NY) that cater to lake visitors may run seasonal specials, happy hour deals, or package deals that include dining or accommodation.
• Fishing Charters & Guides: Local fishing guides operating on Greenwood Lake may offer introductory rates, group discounts, or special packages for half-day or full-day trips.
• Local Event Promotions: Keep an eye on community calendars for West Milford, NJ, and Warwick/Greenwood Lake Village, NY. These towns often host lakeside festivals, concerts, or markets that might have free admission or special vendor offers.
• State Park Access: While not a direct "promotion" for the lake, access to public areas like Browns Point Park or other state park facilities might involve small parking fees. For frequent visitors to NJ State Parks, an annual State Park Pass (like the NJ State Parks Pass) can offer cost savings.

To find the most current promotions, it is recommended to visit the websites of specific businesses (marinas, tour operators, restaurants) or local tourism boards for Greenwood Lake and the surrounding areas in both New Jersey and New York.

Greenwood Lake is a large natural lake, and as such, it does not have a single "contact number" or a dedicated office like a commercial business. Information about the lake and its various access points and recreational opportunities is managed by several entities across New Jersey and New York.

Address: Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA (This is a general geographical reference for the New Jersey side of the lake, not a specific point of contact.)

For general inquiries or specific needs related to Greenwood Lake, New Jersey locals should consult the following resources:

• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) - Division of Parks and Forestry: For information on state park access points, fishing regulations (including licenses), and general environmental guidelines related to the New Jersey side of the lake. Their website (nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/) is a primary resource.
• West Milford Township: As the primary municipality on the New Jersey side, their official website and recreation department can provide local information, including any township-managed parks or events on the lake. You can usually find their contact information on the West Milford Township municipal website (e.g., westmilford.org).
• Specific Businesses: For inquiries about boat tours (like Greenwood Lake Boat Tours at Castle Cove), boat rentals, or marina services, it's best to contact those individual businesses directly. Their phone numbers can typically be found via an online search for "Greenwood Lake boat rentals" or "Greenwood Lake marinas."
• New Jersey Fish and Wildlife: For detailed fishing regulations, licensing, and stocking information, their website (dep.nj.gov/njfw/) is the authoritative source.

There is no single phone number for "Greenwood Lake" itself. If an emergency arises on the lake, always dial 911 immediately.

For New Jersey residents, Greenwood Lake stands as an exceptionally suitable and valuable local treasure, offering a comprehensive array of recreational opportunities and a stunning natural escape right within our reach. Its status as the largest lake in New Jersey that borders New York makes it a significant regional landmark, providing a vast aquatic playground that caters to a diverse range of interests and age groups.

The primary suitability for locals stems from its diverse recreational offerings. Whether you're an avid angler keen on catching bass, crappie, or carp, a family looking for a leisurely boat tour, or an adventurous soul eager for watersports in the summer or even ice fishing in the winter (when conditions permit), Greenwood Lake provides the perfect setting. This versatility ensures that every visit can be a unique experience, keeping locals engaged and providing a consistent destination for outdoor activity throughout the year. The scenic beauty, particularly "beautiful in the Summer," adds a restorative element, allowing residents to de-stress and reconnect with nature.

While public access for shore fishing can be somewhat limited, the numerous marinas, public parks (like Browns Point Park), and boat launches facilitate various forms of engagement with the lake. This encourages locals to explore different ways to enjoy its vastness, from renting a pontoon boat to kayaking. Ultimately, Greenwood Lake is more than just a large body of water; it's a vibrant community hub and a natural jewel that significantly enhances the quality of life for New Jersey residents. It offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, relaxation, and creating cherished memories with family and friends, making it an indispensable part of our local landscape.

Greenwood Lake

Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA