Fresh Water Beaches in Connecticut

Connecticut > State > On the Water > Beaches - Fresh Water

Connecticut has many state and local parks that are well-maintained with lots of amenities for a family vacation. Some of these include sandy, fresh-water beaches on lakes and ponds. Many offer playgrounds, changing rooms, refreshments, and other treats to enjoy a full day on the lake. Swim, paddle, or relax by the shore.
If salt water combined with ocean waves is your favorite, check out the state’s salt water beaches on Long Island Sound.

Cockaponset State Forest - Haddam/Chester, CT - Photo Credit CT DEEP

Cockaponset State Forest and Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area

Cedar Lake Road Chester, CT, 06412 Phone: 860-424-3200

Freshwater swimming in various bodies of water of all sizes, from ponds to lakes to reservoirs, at Cockaponset State Park. Most people swim at Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area, which is a natural lake; it has no sandy beach.
Fees: Memorial Day to Labor Day: weekdays, $10; weekends, $15

Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area

4 Straits Turnpike Middlebury, CT, 06762 Phone: 203-729-8840

This nice day park is centered upon Hop Brook Lake. The lake has a sandy beach and is open for swimming, paddling, rowing, and fishing. Fishing may be done on the lake and its streams, which are stocked with brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Bass and panfish are also found in the lake. Hikers will find over seven miles of trails winding through the woods and meadows at Hop Brook Lake. An 11-hole disc golf course is also located within the park. Facilities include flush toilets, drinking water, ball fields, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pit.

Lake Mohegan

960 Morehouse Hwy Fairfield, CT Phone: 203-256-3191

Lake Mohegan and its surrounding open space comprise a total of 170.4 acres off Morehouse Highway. In summer, the fresh water lake is open to swimmers in a designated area supervised by lifeguards. The large beach is sandy and sunny. There’s little natural shade. There is a sprinkler park for children. The lake has a playground, a snack bar, picnic shelter and restroom facilities.
Fees: Parking is free, but a fee is charged at the gate to enter the swimming area from Memorial Day Saturday to Labor Day. Daily rates: Adult resident, $8-$10; adult non-resident, $15-$18; children (age 3-17) resident, $4-$6; child non-resident, $8-$12.

Burr Pond State Park

384 Burr Mountain Road Torrington, CT, 06790 Phone: 860-482-1817

Visitors can enjoy swimming from the beach, picnicking, hiking the perimeter of the pond, and boating at this pretty park. Visitors may rent canoes and kayaks. - Trail Map (PDF)

Lake Quonnipaug

Route 77 Guilford, CT, 06437 Phone: 203-453-8068

Beach and swimming area in a fresh water lake.

Admission: out of state, $80 for a season pass; local residents, $35

Stratton Brook State Park

149 Farms Village Road - CT Route 309 Simsbury, CT, 06070 Phone: 860-242-1158

Swimming at the upper pond along scenic Stratton Brook. - Park Map (PDF)

Hopeville Pond State Park

929 Hopeville Road Griswold, CT, 06351 Phone: 860-376-2920

This nice day-use and overnight park has a swimming beach and boat ramp. - Hiking Map (PDF)

Lake Waramaug State Park

30 Lake Waramaug Road New Preston, CT, 06777 Phone: 860-868-2592

This clear, crisp freshwater lake in a state park western Connecticut offers swimming, fishing, and boating for cvartop and hand-carried vessels. The surrounding hills are visit all year, and especially beautiful in fall. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent. Lifeguards are usually on duty weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lifeguards may also be scheduled on weekdays.

Indian Well State Park

1 Indian Well Road Shelton, CT, 06484 Phone: 203-735-4311

This park on the Housatonic River has places to swim and enjoy other water sports. Also has shaded picnic areas. - Park Map (PDF)

Fairfield Southwest

Hartford Central

Litchfield Northwest

Mystic Eastern

New Haven South Central