Lakes Near New York City
Last Updated on August 2, 2022 by Boatsetter Team
Many lakes near New York City have unique features and activities to enjoy. Beautiful communities around the lakes also offer incredible hospitality, dining, and entertainment. Here are some of the most popular lakes in New York City:
- Lake George
- Lake Champlain
- Seneca Lake
- Cayuga Lake
- Canandaigua Lake
- Keuka Lake
- Owasco Lake
- Oneida Lake
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1. Lake George
Lake George, also known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” is a large lake located in upstate New York, about four hours from NYC.
It is 32 miles long, with more than 109 miles of shoreline. The water comes from an underground spring.
The lake has more than 300 islands which are popular camping sites.
Rock cliff climbing is an everyday activity here, surrounded by the Adirondack mountains!
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2. Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is another large lake located in New York, about six hours from NYC. It is also popular for swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. The lake is known for its clear water and scenic views.
History buffs love exploring the nearby town and visiting attractions such as the lighthouses or the museums.
There are many islands in the lake which are popular camping spots.
Mountains surround the lake, and many parks and forests are close enough to explore.
3. Seneca Lake
Seneca Lake is 5.5 hours from New York City. It’s also known as the deepest of all the Finger Lakes.
Wine connoisseurs will love Seneca Lake for its proximity to unique wineries. While adventurers might take up scuba diving, this destination’s most popular destination.
Mountains, forests, and parks surround the lake. Nearby Watkins Glen State Park is a beautiful spot to explore, with stunning waterfalls and impressive gorges.
4. Cayuga Lake
Cayuga Lake is another Finger Lake located in New York. It sits about four hours from NYC and is the longest of all the Finger Lakes, measuring 40 miles.
Cayuga Lake is home to the Cayuga Lake Blueway Trail, a public water recreation trail for nonmotorized watercraft.
It also holds Cayuga Lakes State Park, located on the lake, with a boat ramp. There are tent campsites and cabins available at this park.
You can fish for landlocked salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and other exotic fish.
5. Canandaigua Lake
Canandaigua Lake is also Finger Lakes, about four hours from NYC. The lake has two islands. One of the islands is Squaw Island, the only place in the world with limestone oncolites. It is a nature preserve, and it has a hiking trail.
Canandaigua Lake stretches 16 miles long with Kershaw Park on the north end of the lake. This park features a beach, a playground, a pavilion, and a bandstand.
High Tor Wildlife Management Area is also located on the lake.
6. Keuka Lake
Keuka Lake is a Finger Lake, about four hours from NYC. The lake is known for its “Y” shape and has the nickname “Crooked Lake.”
You can find the Keuka Lake State Park located on the lake. It has a beach, picnic tables, and grills. This park also has a boat launch.
7. Owasco Lake
Owasco Lake is a Finger Lake, about four hours from NYC. It is also the sixth largest lake in New York! This spot is where people come to boat, fish, hike, and explore.
There are many unique parks and forests located around the lake. Owasco Outlet State Fish Hatchery is also located nearby, and it is a great spot to learn about the fish ecosystem in this area.
8. Oneida Lake
Oneida Lake is the largest lake in New York. In it is the Oneida Shores County Park. This park features a beach, picnic tables, grills, and playgrounds. It has a walleye and yellow perch fishery.
Verona Beach State Park is also on the lake and has a boat launch.
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