Lake Hopatcong
Lake Hopatcong (2685 acres) is the largest lake in New Jersey. To the west is Sussex County, while to the east is Morris County. There are three public launch sites, each of which is documented separately below. On a nice day, the lake is busy, with many motorboats, and consequent wakes. We did not see any other kayakers. Most of the shoreline is private property.
For a kayaker who prefers paddling on quiet water, Lake Hopatcong presents something of a dilemma: It is a large lake with many motorboats, so there are good reasons to stay away. But it is also the quintessential Northern New Jersey lake, with cute coves, lovely trees, a nice rocky shoreline, and wonderfully ostentatious architecture. So it is a must-visit. It is perhaps best enjoyed on a quiet weekday during school season, when most of the motorboats are in dock. Launch at the Roland-May Eves Mountain Inlet Sanctuary (see below) and explore the many nearby coves and islands.
Hopatcong State Park
Hopatcong State Park is in Roxbury Township, Sussex County. There is a fee to enter the park during the summer. There is a fee to launch a boat (including a kayak) during the off season. From the park, we paddled around the south end of the lake.
Lee's County Park Marina
Lee's County Park Marina is in Mount Arlington, Morris County. It was donated to the county by the owner. For car-top kayaks, there is a fee to park the car - regardless of the number of kayaks. The cove that contains the marina is quite nice, but once one paddles out into the main body of the lake, expect many motorboats and consequent wakes.
Roland-May Eves Mountain Inlet Sanctuary
The Roland-May Eves Mountain Inlet Sanctuary is in Byram Township, Sussex County. It is a very small trailhead parking lot next to the lake. There is no fee. The launch site is primitive, and weedy, but very pretty. One paddles out of the inlet into Henderson Cove. We paddled over to Raccoon Island, then north along the shoreline.
