New Yorkers are lucky to be surrounded by water: When we get the urge to take a dip on a hot summer day, there are plenty of family-friendly beaches right here in NYC, plus those on Long Island or at the Jersey Shore. There is a snack stand and a picnic area, a beach volleyball court, hiking trails, and restrooms with changing facilities, but no showers. Beaverdam Lake. Spring-fed Lake Marcia is cool and refreshing for swimmers. There’s a large sandy beach and swimming area, making it perfect to cool off in whether you’re sweaty from hiking or just trying to relax. Enjoy the spacious shore and freshwater at Fahenstock State Park's Lake Canopus. Lakes Nearby Me for Fishing, Kayaking, Hiking Trails, Swimming, Camping, etc. 1 bedroom, House Swimming is permitted in the day-use area only, daily from 10am to 6pm during the summer months, while lifeguards are on duty. Travelers favorites include #1 Skaneateles Lake, #2 Finger Lakes Skiing and more. 2 guests New Paltz, New York. 1 hour, 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan Great Sacandaga Lake. Visitors can bring coolers and chairs. Hawley, Pennsylvania. Many do not allow flotation devices, blow-up rafts, pool noodles, water wings, or other water toys. House ∙ There is a fee, per carload, to enter the park. A full list of rules can be found online. 1. You might even run into some more serious hikers, as the Appalachian Trail runs along the side of the park. 1 hour, 15 minutes from Midtown Manhattan However, for most residents to truly get immersed in nature, they need to drive outside the city and experience the beautiful forests, lakes, and mountains of the surrounding states. ∙ 2020 update: Reopened for daily swimming at limited capacity in 2020. 2 bedrooms, House Some allow barbecues; others do not. Driving distance from NYC: just under 2 hours What to pack: a light and airy sundress, shady sunglasses, and a picnic basket for a socially-distant lunch on the grounds or meadow. The list is not exhaustive. RELATED: NYC Beaches Reopen for Summer 2020 Season. You don’t have to go far from New York City to enjoy the beach. Cowanesque Lake covers a wide swath of 1,085 acres that come close to the state of Pennsylvania’s northerly New York border. 1. 4 guests Located about two hours outside of the city lies Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania’s third largest lake. Fishkill, New York. Avalanche Lake An antithesis to the bright lights and constant cacophony of the city, the scenic wilderness and fresh air of the Catskills can be found within a two- to … Just a couple miles outside of New York City lies Bear Mountain State Park, a popular location for hiking, boating, swimming, and picnkicnking in the summer and for skiing in the winter. 2 hours by car. Visitors can also rent a variety of boats, including canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats. New Jersey's largest lake is a significant draw for swimmers during the summer. Lake George. For more fun things to do this summer, be sure to see our Ultimate Summer 2020 Staycation Planner for NYC Kids and our jam-packed Summer Fun Guide. The first half of the loop has a few steep ups and ... 2. Located in Clarence Fahnestock Park, a haven for hikers, is the relatively small Canopus Lake. A version of this article was first published in 2017. It's one of our favorite summer spots. Notch Lake. 2 bedrooms, House Some are even close to our favorite family-friendly campgrounds, making them perfect for a weekend getaway that meets the social distancing requirements for summer 2020 fun! 1 bedroom, Condo On the New York side, in the town of Warwick, you'll find a smallish sandy town beach for swimming, known as Warwick Town Beach or Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park. ... Teatown Lake … ∙ 2020 update: Lake is open, but swimming is limited to Warwick residents only, and passes are required. Calculate the distance and travel time to find cities located within hours of your location. Like Bear Mountain, Lake Mohonk is also located in the Hudson Valley, not far from the city. 2 bedrooms. 2 guests Ranking of the top 11 things to do in The Finger Lakes. This freshwater gem in Litchfield County, the northwestern section of Connecticut, has two beaches, but just one is open to the public. Jump to navigation Jump to search. ∙ Lake Flower. It is updated annually. The state park also has a merry-go-round, pool, skating rink in the winter, and museum and zoo. And, before you go, be sure to read up on park rules and prices. Lake Placid. Read more ... One of the most popular camping sites in New York State, this 14,000-acre park offers 80 campsites and enjoy swimming in the stunning Canopus Lake … We've rounded up the best swimming lakes near NYC. Lake Champlain. It’s surrounded by beautiful woodlands, making it a great destination in the fall as well as in the summer. 1 hour from Midtown Manhattan Swimmers love that the lake is crystal clear, offering glimpses of fish as they swim by. 4 guests Photo courtesy of the Village of Greenwood Lake, New York. The bathhouse has restrooms with showers. A water obsessive’s guide to beaches, creeks, lakes, swimming holes, and lazy, hazy rivers—all within two hours of midtown Manhattan. Lake Kanawauke. By Alaina Potrikus | Contributing writer. Re: Best Lakes in New York State or surrounding area? In addition, High Point offers more than 50 miles of trails as well as picnic and camping facilities. Find cities within a 2 hours radius of me in New York and look for places to visit within a 2 hours drive. 6 guests During the summer months, the clear waters of beautiful Lake Wawayanda, part of the Wawayanda State Park, draws folks from all over the state and beyond. This article was written by Isabella Sayyah. 3. Set in the Adirondacks, Lake George offers lots of open space and a slower pace of life . The lake is surrounded by rolling forests and is accompanied by both the Tompkins Campground and the Lawrence Picnic Area, which together offer the ideal set of amenities for day trips or longer stays. 4. The lake is surrounded by top destinations for spectacular scenery, such as the waterfalls and gorges of Watkins Glen State Park, and the Finger Lakes National Forest, known for its miles of hiking trails. RELATED: 15 NYC Pools Set to Reopen by August 1 for Summer 2020 Swimming, Lake Tiorati in Harriman State Park is always popular in the summer. At 1,803 feet above sea level, the view from the High Point Monument is a spectacular panorama of rich farmland and forest that spans three states. Also known as: Deer Pond, Mud Pond, Third Lake, Seventh Lake, Sixth Lake, Fifth Lake, Fourth Lake, Second Lake, First Lake After long months of anticipation and hours of negotiation, the newly-acquired Essex Chain of Lakes opened in New York's Adirondacks region. Photo courtesy of New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. ∙ Lifeguards keep the horseplay under control (we've seen them in action!). Lower Saranac Lake. It’s just a 2 ½ hour drive (or a slightly longer but more relaxing train ride!) Address:790 Hulse Landing Road Wading River, NY … With over 12 MILLION vacation homes and short-term rentals on Tripping, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay. Swimming is not allowed in the main reservoir. - within a 12 hour drive from DC, so we're thinking anywhere from NY state to South Carolina - a village/town with a charming downtown that would at least have a couple bars and restaurants (can't be too too remote) ... 2. 2 hours from Midtown Manhattan Guests are asked to pay at the gate, and only towels are allowed on the beach. But, for families with little kids, the ocean can be intimidating, with its choppy waves and miles of hot sand without an inch of shade. The largest lake in the small state of Connecticut, Candlewood Lake was originally formed to store water to generate power. Lake Taghkanic offers a sandy beach, plus playgrounds and more fun for kids. Catskill Falls; Photo Credit: Flickr.com/chethanjs. Once the beach reaches capacity, it will close for the day. The beach park, with restrooms, volleyball court, and playground, is popular with locals and has a low-key vibe. United States - Quick weekend getaway drive within 2 hours of NYC??? One of the many perks to being a resident of New York is that, generally speaking, no matter where you’re living throughout the state, you’re almost always just a short drive away from a gorgeous lake! Kids can enjoy “Chicken Rock,” a rock from which they can jump into the 40-foot-deep lake or a rope swing as alternative methods to submerge themselves in the refreshing water. Adjacent to the beach are changing stations, restrooms, a first-aid station, and concession stand. This page can help you find new awesome lakes near you, and can be particularly useful for people in search of new fishing lakes, kayaking spots, hiking trails, places to go swimming and camping, etc. The Catskills: Two to Three Hours by Car. Situated at the head of the Moose River in upstate New York, Big Moose Lake is popular for its remote location and beautiful landscapes. Photo courtesy of I Love the Hudson Valley, end of Windermere Ave Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park, Best Spraygrounds and Sprinklers for NYC Kids, Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May, Family-Friendly Campgrounds Near NYC for Summer 2020 Camping, NYC Beaches Reopen for Summer 2020 Season, family-friendly beaches right here in NYC, Ultimate Summer 2020 Staycation Planner for NYC Kids, 15 NYC Pools Set to Reopen by August 1 for Summer 2020 Swimming, Easy New York State Park Hikes for Families, Conference House's Annual Grand Illumination. ∙ These 20 Gorgeous Lakes In New York Are Demanding Your Attention. You'll also find a snack stand, restrooms, and shower facilities. Though usually a summer destination, in the winter the lake is open for ice skating and ice fishing. Please note: While we've attempted to provide highlights of these swimming holes at their best, some of the features and amenities listed below are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 1 hour, 15 minutes from Midtown Manhattan 1 hour, 45 minutes from Midtown Manhattan Tomkins Cove, New York. If Lake George, Lake Placid, and the Fingers Lakes are not great enough choices for you, try planning a trip to one of the Great Lakes (Lake Erie and Lake Ontario) that border The Empire State to the north. ∙ Surprise Lake Loop (1 hour, 45 minutes from NYC) Be sure to wear waterproof shoes for this trek. from Manhattan, but you’ll feel as if you’re in another state entirely. WITHIN HOURS Find places 1 hour 1-1/2 hours 2 hours 2-1/2 hours 3 hours 3-1/2 hours 4 hours 4-1/2 hours 5 hours 6 hours 50 miles 100 miles 150 miles 200 miles 250 miles 300 miles 350 miles 400 miles from me Danbury, Connecticut. Get there early as the parking lot fills quickly on weekends. Lakes Near New York City. There are plenty of picnic areas and grills, but you might want to bring a full picnic basket—there's no concession stand, just vending machines. Sandy Beach on East Shore Road has a concession stand, restrooms, and a shaded picnic area. What it lacks in size, however, it makes up for in location and setting. The 141,300 square kilometre state stretches from the North Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, with mountains, rivers, forests, farms and lakes making up much of its geography. Many lakes are located even farther upstate, four to five hours from the city, but here are the closer lakes, all of which can easily be visited in a weekend or even a day. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. #2 Best Value of 43 Beach Resorts in New York “ Room is clean warm and within walking distance of most of the fun activities of Lake George, staff is helpful and considerate, right on the lake with a beautiful private beach . - Does anyone have a suggestion for a nice resort within 2 hours of NYC for a quick (this coming weekend - Feb 20,21) - … Lakes in the state are enjoyed throughout the summer months, and there are plenty of them. 2020 update: Capacity will be limited, and once it is reached, non-members will not be admitted but can wait outside and may be allowed to enter as other guests leave. 2020 update: Limited day passes will be sold, and social distancing measures are in effect. ∙ If you're hoping to take the family camping, consider booking at North-South Lake Campground. Capacity will be limited. ∙ Swimming is available at two beaches, as long as a lifeguard is present (call the campground for exact hours), and kids can stay busy with lots of additional activities, from hiking to horseshoes to playing on the playground. 1 hour from Midtown Manhattan The beach is protected by lifeguards, and there is a bathhouse and food concession adjacent to the beach, which is open daily July through Labor Day weekend from 10am to 6pm (weather permitting). This 100-acre lake in Fahnestock State Park boasts a large beach with picnic areas and hiking trails nearby, plus rowboat rentals and family camping. The rugged, yet beautiful beach at Long Island Sound is also quite swimmable. The best upstate New York resorts Head to these upstate New York resorts for a relaxing escape and some spectacular nature-based R&R By Marion Bernstein Posted: Tuesday October 20 2020 Swimmers, boaters, and fishermen enjoy the blue waters of Round Valley Reservoir. The park is known for its scenic forested hills, many trails (including part of the Appalachian Trail), and a tranquil atmosphere. 2020 update: Capacity will be limited, so arrive early to ensure entrance. 2 hours, 15 minutes from Midtown Manhattan Now, however, it is a popular summer destination because of its prominent fishing, boating, golfing, and beaches. Beware, this beach isn't staffed by lifeguards. The largest of New York's Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake is, like its neighboring lakes, a go-to spot for fishing and boating in the region, as well as home to a world-class wine trail. This 9-mile lake is divided in half by the New Jersey-New York border. There are more than 3,000 lakes located within the Adirondacks Region of New York making this the perfect place for your next group fishing trip. The area, likely due to its location relatively close to the city, has long attracted important visitors including Eleanor Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Dwight Eisenhower. Hopatcong State Park, at the southwest end of the lake, boasts a sandy beach perfect for sandcastles, with picnic areas, a playground, a concession stand, restrooms, and shower facilities. If you can't bear to stay only one day, book a cabin or campsite along the water's edge. 12 years ago. There are plenty of hiking trails to be found here, including trails that lead to Russia Lake, the Sisters Lake, and the Gull Lake, where visitors can camp in the lean-tos. Compare top rental sites at once to get the best deal on your next trip. You can search Sullivan County MLS and find plenty of vacation retreats. It’s a recreation ... 2. Day trip ideas within 3 hours of New York City: 17 fun places to visit upstate. Photo by Bob Nasser. It is one of the best campgrounds within two hours of New York City! 1 hour from Midtown Manhattan ∙ Buffalo is upstate New York’s most famous city, with its proximity to the USA side of the spectacular Niagara Falls and its almost equivalently important claim to fame – the invention of buffalo wings. The playground is also closed. There are plenty of beach-side amenities, including playgrounds, volleyball courts, changing areas with showers, and a concession building that sells food and beach supplies. RELATED: Easy New York State Park Hikes for Families. 5. The largest of New York's glacial Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake boasts a 75-mile shoreline peppered with quaint towns and villages. There are a few picnic tables, and sometimes a food truck or two shows up. 3 bedrooms, House If you’re looking for a beach vacation without leaving Long Island, take a trip out to Montauk. Highlands Natural Pool is carved out of a hillside in New Jersey. List of lakes of New York. Photo courtesy of New York State Parks. If you're itching to get the kids out of the city to enjoy a swim in the great outdoors, what better place than one of our area's beautiful, tranquil, freshwater swimming lakes? Lake Hopatcong State Park in New Jersey offers refreshing lake swimming, grills, a concession stand, and playgrounds. Tripping is the world's largest search engine for vacation rentals. This Olympic-sized freshwater natural swimming pool in New Jersey is fed by a mountain stream and was carved out of a hillside in the 1930s. Lemon Squeezer and Island Pond Loop (1 hour, 20 minutes from NYC) 3. This popular swimming lake in Harriman State Park boasts a lovely sandy beach that can get crowded on hot summer weekends. Ziplining and tubing in the Catskills. Photo courtesy of Highlands Natural Pool. Photo courtesy of Morris County, N.J. As of July 28, 2020, swimming remains open, but there is an algae bloom watch in effect. North-South Lake – Haines Falls, New York 2 hours, 15 minutes from Midtown Manhattan If you're hoping to take the family camping, consider booking at North-South Lake Campground. ∙ CLOSED TO SWIMMING STARTING JULY 25 DUE TO ALGAE BLOOM. Zillow has 10 homes for sale in 12516 matching 2 Hours From Nyc. … New York City does its best in trying to supply its extremely urban setting with enough green space, with many small squares and parks located within the city itself. If you do go to enjoy the lake in the spring or summer, though, spend time hiking and swimming. 2020 update: Capacity is limited to 50 percent. It’s an excellent base for travellers and a very pleasant destination in itself, with leafy parks and a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Erie. Please click through to each venue to verify operating hours, conditions, and amenities before visiting. There are plenty of beautiful lake communities within a 2-1/2 hour drive from NYC. 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