Best lakes around Parsippany, New Jersey, offer diverse recreational opportunities within a community-focused setting. The region features both natural and man-made lakes, providing various activities for visitors. These lakes are often integrated into local parks or private communities, contributing to the area's natural landscape and recreational infrastructure. The surrounding areas include historical sites and natural monuments, enhancing the visitor experience.
Last updated: May 7, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Parsippany.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Lots of pedestrians, often with dogs. A gentle bell ding will move them over.
0
0
Parking lot overflow during nice weather. There are other parking areas along Patriots Path about a mile west.
0
0
Speedwell Lake played a significant role in the American Revolution. Today, remnants of the ironworks of the 18th century can still be seen along the lake's shores, serving as a tangible reminder of the area's industrial past.
0
0
This is a 99-acre residential lake that was originally used as an ice factory, where the frozen water was harvested and sold. This is a popular area for swimming, fishing, and boating, and it offers a few beach areas to get in the water.
0
0
Speedwell Lake played a significant role in the American Revolution. Today, remnants of the ironworks of the 18th century can still be seen along the lake's shores, serving as a tangible reminder of the area's industrial past.
0
0
Part of Lewis Morris County Park, Sunrise Lake is a pleasant spot to take a break and enjoy the peaceful lake views.
0
0
Taylortown Reservoir is a public water supply system, owned by the town of Boonton. Its beautiful surrounding nature and the Orange Trail leading along the western side of the reservoir, make it a nice spot to visit in Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area.
0
0
Speedwell Lake played a significant role in the American Revolution. You can still see remnants of 18th-century ironworks along its shores, serving as a tangible reminder of the area's industrial past. Learn more about Speedwell Lake.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Cedar Lake Swimming Dock is a popular residential lake with facilities and beach areas for swimming, fishing, and boating. Sunrise Lake, located within Lewis Morris County Park, offers peaceful views and is a pleasant spot for a break. Lake Parsippany and Rainbow Lake also offer a variety of family-focused activities and community events for their members.
Lake Parsippany, a private 168-acre lake, offers a wide range of activities for its members, including fishing (stocked with trout), sailing, swimming, and sunbathing. The community also organizes competitive sports, concerts, dances, and family fun nights, alongside various clubs like a Kayak Club and Fishing Club. Nearby Lake Parsippany Park provides playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic areas.
Rainbow Lake, a natural, spring-fed body of water, is a private community offering numerous recreational activities. These include swimming, fishing, ice skating, and non-motorized boating. It features a sand beach and a floating dock, and the Rainbow Lake Community Club organizes many activities, including participation in the 'Hub Lakes' athletic organization for various sports.
Yes, the Parsippany area offers various routes for outdoor enthusiasts. For cycling, you can find routes like the 'Rockaway River – Cedar Lake Swimming Dock loop' or the 'Rockaway River – Taylortown Reservoir loop'. Mountain biking options include trails in Lewis Morris County Park. You can explore more options in the MTB Trails around Parsippany, Cycling around Parsippany, and Road Cycling Routes around Parsippany guides.
Absolutely. Sunrise Lake, located within Lewis Morris County Park, is known for its peaceful lake views and is an excellent spot to take a break and enjoy the tranquility. The natural surroundings of Taylortown Reservoir also offer a serene environment.
Lake Parsippany is stocked with trout and is popular for fishing, particularly for Largemouth bass, Bluegill, and Yellow perch. Rainbow Lake also offers fishing opportunities. Additionally, Cedar Lake Swimming Dock is a popular area for fishing.
The lakes around Parsippany offer diverse natural features. You can find forested areas around Sunrise Lake, and the Taylortown Reservoir is surrounded by beautiful nature, including the Orange Trail in Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area. Rainbow Lake is a natural, spring-fed body of water with a sand beach.
Yes, the Taylortown Reservoir is a public water supply system owned by the town of Boonton, known for its beautiful surrounding nature and the Orange Trail. The Boonton Reservoir Dam also offers nice views of the water cascading over it, serving as a vital water source for Jersey City.
The lakes offer activities year-round. Summer is popular for swimming and boating at places like Lake Parsippany and Rainbow Lake. Hiking and cycling are enjoyable in spring and fall when the weather is milder. Winter offers ice skating on Rainbow Lake when conditions allow.
While specific cafes or restaurants directly on the lake shores are limited, the towns of Parsippany, Mountain Lakes, and Boonton, which are close to many of these lakes, offer various dining and accommodation options. You'll find a selection of cafes, pubs, and restaurants to suit different tastes.
Yes, the natural settings of many lakes, especially those within county parks or surrounded by forests like Sunrise Lake and Taylortown Reservoir, provide opportunities for wildlife spotting. Birdwatching is common, and you might encounter various small animals native to the New Jersey woodlands.


Still not found your perfect lake around Parsippany? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.