Nine miles in length and covered by 2,500 acres of freshwater, Lake Hopatcong is the focal point of the park. Hopatcong State Park is at the southwest end of the lake and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Lake Hopatcong was originally created as part of the Morris Canal, a 90-mile waterway that ran from Newark to Phillipsburg and was the chief means of transporting coal, iron and zinc across New Jersey in the 1860s. The lake was the canal’s major source of water. In 1866, over 880,000 tons of freight was transported on the canal.

However, as the more efficient Morris and Essex Railroad was established, the canal was abandoned. The historical museum is located in the old Morris Canal locktender’s house and offers exhibits on local American Indian history, the Morris Canal and the history of the lake.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

The facilities at Hopatcong State Park are partially accessible for persons with disabilities. Please contact the park office for further information regarding specific disability access needs. Text telephone (TT) users, call the New Jersey Relay Service at (800) 852-7899.

Open Sunrise to Sunset
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Lake Hopatcong Commission Meeting September 21, 2015 (pdf 3mb)

Lake Hopatcong Weed Harvesting Program SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT AVAILABLE

Hopatcong State Park will have limited parking capacity for the remainder of the swimming season. Please arrive early and with your entire group.  The park fills to capacity on weekends so we do not recommend holding any type of large parties or family reunions.

LAKE HOPATCONG WEED HARVESTING PROGRAM: Please be advised that the State Park Service (SPS) will commence phase two of the Lake Hopatcong aquatic weed harvesting program on/about July 5, 2016.  Phase two is expected to last approximately 4 to 6 weeks, and will consist of areas north of the Brady Road Bridge, just south of the Brady Road Bridge, as well as areas around Halsey and Raccoon Islands, areas between Halsey and Raccoon Islands, East Shore Estates, Castle Rock Park, Prospect Point, Henderson Bay and Henderson Cove.3

Harvest areas for a phase three will be assessed as phase two nears completion.  Determining factors will include severity of weed growth, weather, personnel and equipment availability.  It should be noted that designated harvest locations on the lake are subject to change due to weed growth, personnel and equipment availability, weather, and other unforeseen factors.  The public and all interested parties may contact Melissa Castellon of the State Park Service, at 973-398-1555, with questions and concerns regarding the Program.

As a reminder, please also note that phase one of the harvesting program completed the following areas: River Styx, Crescent Cove, all areas south of Bertrand Island, and Van Every Cove.

LAKE HOPATCONG DOCK SURVEY - In the Fall of 2014 Professor Lisa Jordan of Drew University and two of her students, Maxwell Dolphin and Daniel Ratyniak, completed a survey of all docks and associated parcels on Lake Hopatcong.  The survey includes such information as dock lengths, parcel lots and blocks, street address, property owner names, etc.  The survey was performed in conjunction with the State Park Service (SPS), and the Lake Hopatcong Foundation. 

The survey is important to the SPS in that it provides baseline data as SPS reviews dock construction permit applications, and for the current dock regulation committee, which is reviewing SPS regulation of dock lengths on the Lake.  Having this baseline data may also prove useful for future applications.

The full report, "A Summary of Docks on Lake Hopatcong", can be accessed at http://www.lakehopatcongfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/LHF-Boat-Dock-Inventory-December-2014.pdf  Full access to dock study results is available via website links found on page 11 of the study, though a review of the full report is very valuable.

The SPS thanks Dr. Jordan and her students for such a thorough study, as well as the Lake Hopatcong  Foundation for coordinating the effort.

Hopatcong State Park Area Map

Lake Hopatcong Water Level Management Plan

Fish and Wildlife Stream Classification

http://lakehopatcong.org/Pubs/WATER%20LEVEL%20MGT%20PLAN/CAC/Reports/Musconetcong%20River%20flow%20reconstruction%201-10.pdf

http://www.musconetcong.org/files/FS_12cfs.pdf

http://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2010/hopatcong_wlmp.pdf

Bergen, Essex, Morris, Sussex, Warren Counties

Completed in 1837, the Morris Canal was an engineering landmark that relied on canals, locks and inclined planes to lift and carry canal boats from Phillipsburg on the Delaware River to Jersey City, the Hudson River and New York Harbor. The boats transported coal, iron ore, manufactured goods and agricultural produce. Sections of the canal are administered by Hopatcong State Park.

During the mid-1800s, the Morris Canal and Banking Company created Lake Musconetcong as an additional water source for the Morris Canal. This lake, which is located four miles west of Lake Hopatcong, was deeded over to the State of New Jersey with the other parts of the Morris Canal System in 1924. Today boating, fishing and ice fishing are popular recreational activities on this lake.

Both Lake Hopatcong and Lake Musconetcong offer excellent year-round fishing. During the spring the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks both lakes with brown, rainbow and brook trout. Warm water species commonly caught are large mouth bass, sunfish, catfish, perch and pickerel. During the winter months, both lakes provide excellent ice fishing for perch and pickerel. Fishing is subject to New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

back

Special Use Permit Application Package

A Special Use Permit is utilized to accommodate a specific activity or event being conducted over a short duration. There are two types of special use permits: Non-Commercial and Commercial and fees are based on NJ residency and Non-residents.  A completed application must be submitted to the park/forest area where the activity or event is being held at least 90 days prior to the event. If the special use or event is extremely large or complex, at least one-year’s prior notice is recommended.

This park has been designated a NO HUNTING area.

The park has several picnic areas along the hill overlooking the parking lot. At each picnic area, visitors will find grills and tables. There is a small picnic shelter and playground located on the hill. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

The park has two playgrounds for children along with six half-basketball courts and sand volleyball. In addition, there is a large playing field ideal for soccer, frisbee or just about any field activity.

back

Lake Hopatcong provides an excellent opportunity for any type of boating, ranging from canoes to large motor boats, sailboats, sailboards and jet skis. Boats are available for rent at many private marinas around the lake. Boating is subject to New Jersey Boating Regulations and Marine Law.

There is a boat ramp available at Hopatcong State Park. Boating is open seven days a week depending on parking availability.

There is a boat ramp with parking available at Lake Musconetcong. This site is open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week.

• Fees charged at Hopatcong State Park beginning on April 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day weekend; and beginning the day after Labor Day through October 31.

Launch Ramp Permit Information Sheet

Swimming is permitted at Hopatcong State Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty. There is a bathhouse complex containing restrooms, showers, changing areas, a first aid room and concession where food and beach supplies are available for purchase. Grilling is limited to the picnic areas only. Grills are not permitted on the lawn areas. There are two sand volleyball courts and a playground near the beachfront. For safety reasons, inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the bathing area. Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach.

back

Group Bus Reservation Rules and Regulations (pdf)
Group Bus Reservation Application Form (pdf)
Group Bus Manifest (pdf)

• Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum

back to top