Beaches - Fresh Water
Fresh Water Beaches in Connecticut
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.
9 places to visit
Shelton, CT
Indian Well State Park
This park on the Housatonic River has places to swim and enjoy other water sports. Also has shaded picnic areas. - Park Map (PDF)1 Indian Well Road 203-735-4311
Fairfield, CT
Lake Mohegan
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-$12.960 Morehouse Hwy 203-256-3191
Chester, CT
Cockaponset State Forest and Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area
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, $15Cedar Lake Road 860-424-3200
Simsbury, CT
Stratton Brook State Park
Swimming at the upper pond along scenic Stratton Brook. - Park Map (PDF)149 Farms Village Road - CT Route 309 860-242-1158
Torrington, CT
Burr Pond State Park
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)384 Burr Mountain Road 860-482-1817
Middlebury, CT
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area
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.4 Straits Turnpike 203-729-8840
Griswold, CT
Hopeville Pond State Park
This nice day-use and overnight park has a swimming beach and boat ramp. - Hiking Map (PDF)929 Hopeville Road 860-376-2920
Guilford, CT
Lake Quonnipaug
Beach and swimming area in a fresh water lake.Admission: out of state, $80 for a season pass; local residents, $35Route 77 203-453-8068
New Preston, CT
Lake Waramaug State Park
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.30 Lake Waramaug Road 860-868-2592