Sponsored by BRS Backyard Bug Busters ›A breathtaking, secluded lake escape in West Milford where bass fishing and lakeside peace await.
Some lakes feel crowded the moment you arrive. Green Turtle Lake is the opposite. Spread across roughly forty acres inside Ringwood State Park, this body of water sits deep enough in the Highlands that the noise of northern New Jersey simply doesn't follow you in. First-timers consistently describe the same reaction: they didn't expect it to be this big, this quiet, or this beautiful.
The lake draws a loyal crowd, and that loyalty says everything. Families return summer after summer, week after week, because the water stays clean, the grounds stay maintained, and the atmosphere stays genuinely relaxed. Dogs are welcome on the trails. Kids can explore. Adults who just want to sit and watch the light move across the water can do exactly that.
For anglers, Green Turtle Lake punches above its weight. Largemouth bass and chain pickerel are both present in good numbers, and bank fishermen have pulled ten-fish days on their first visit. The lake is part of the broader Long Pond Ironworks State Park system, meaning the surrounding trails and historical landscape give non-fishing visitors plenty of reason to come along.
The lake is the centerpiece, but the experience extends in every direction. Swimming, shore fishing, kayaking, and hiking the surrounding Ringwood State Park trail network all connect here in one visit. The water quality is consistently praised, making it a reliable summer destination for families who want lake access without driving three hours north.
Fishing is a serious draw. Bass and pickerel populate the lake in strong numbers, and the shoreline offers multiple accessible bank fishing spots for those without a boat. Canoes and kayaks let paddlers explore the quieter coves where the tree line meets the water and the scenery earns every superlative reviewers throw at it.
The surrounding forest trails connect to the larger Long Pond Ironworks network, adding historical context to what is already a visually striking landscape. Picnic areas give families a base camp. The overall setup rewards both the visitor who wants a full active day and the one who shows up with a chair, a cooler, and no agenda whatsoever.
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“Love this area. Been coming here for years to fish and bring the dogs. Perfect little piece of heaven”
— thomas crespo
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Green Turtle Lake is located in West Milford (Hewitt), NJ 07421, within the Ringwood State Park system. It is part of the Long Pond Ironworks State Park area in Passaic County, New Jersey.
Bank fishing is available and productive. Visitors have reported catching 10 or more bass and chain pickerel in a single session from the shoreline. A valid New Jersey fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older.
Dogs are welcome on the trails surrounding the lake. Leash rules apply, as they do throughout New Jersey State Parks. The wooded trail system makes it a popular destination for dog owners looking for a longer walk.
New Jersey State Parks typically charge a seasonal vehicle entry fee during peak summer months. Fee amounts and schedules are managed by the NJ Division of Parks and Forestry. Check the official state park website at state.nj.us for current rates before visiting.
Fishing is the primary water activity, and non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks and canoes are commonly used to access the lake's quieter coves. Check current park regulations regarding swimming and boat launches before your visit.
Green Turtle Lake covers approximately 40 acres, making it significantly larger than many visitors expect. The size contributes to the sense of seclusion and gives anglers and paddlers plenty of water to explore.
The lake connects to the broader Long Pond Ironworks State Park trail network, which includes historical ironworks ruins dating to the colonial era, forested hiking paths, and multiple access points into the New Jersey Highlands landscape.
Local places a short distance away, each with its own Doozer site. Tap any card to visit.
0.5 mi10 Ponderosa Pl, Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA
0.5 mi38 Windbeam Ave, Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA
0.6 mi50 Wanaque Rd, Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA
0.6 mi1555 US-511, 1555 Greenwood Lake Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA
0.7 mi153 Long Pond Rd, Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA
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