Beaches - Fresh Water

Fresh Water Beaches - Hartford County & Central CT

Hartford has limited places to swim, and if you're a visitor, chances are you won't have access to a member's only pool. Luckily, there are a couple of places where you can go and relax at the beach without leaving the inland of Connecticut – fresh water beaches. From ponds to lakes, there is something for every type of fresh water beach vibe.

2 places to visit

Cockaponset State Forest and Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area

Cedar Lake Road Chester, CT 06412 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

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Stratton Brook State Park

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

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

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