Fish, Play, and Breathe Warm Air Near Asbury Park
Why Rent On Deal Lake
Deal Lake is a 158-acre man-made freshwater lake in Monmouth County that was created when its estuary connection to the Atlantic Ocean was closed in the 1890s, and the result is a lake with an unusually layered identity: part nature reserve, part community gathering space, part gateway to one of New Jersey’s most culturally vibrant shore towns. The combination of lake fishing and kayaking on one side and Asbury Park’s singular music and arts scene on the other makes this a destination that offers more per square mile than almost anywhere else on the Jersey Shore.
Kayaking, Fishing, and Shoreline Walking
The lake supports kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing for bass and panfish from multiple access points along its well-maintained shoreline walking trail. Ice skating transforms the surface in winter, and the surrounding green space gives families a comfortable outdoor environment for picnicking and casual exploration in every season.
Asbury Park: Music, Art, and the Boardwalk
The Asbury Park Boardwalk is one of the most culturally alive stretches of shoreline in New Jersey, with music venues, art galleries, and the Silverball Retro Arcade, a genuine museum of classic games featuring over 300 machines that fascinates both kids and the adults accompanying them. Madam Marie’s fortune-telling booth, immortalized in Bruce Springsteen’s “4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy),” is among the most specific and beloved pieces of American music geography in the region.
Wellness and Ocean Grove’s Victorian Character
Kur Wellness in Asbury Park offers massage, facials, and Ayurvedic therapies in a setting that is genuinely restorative after a long day on or near the water. The adjacent community of Ocean Grove, a Victorian planned community established in 1869, provides one of the most architecturally intact neighborhoods in New Jersey and a fascinatingly specific cultural experience just steps from the lake.
A Shore Lake With an Extraordinary Neighborhood
A vacation rental near Deal Lake gives your family a lakeside home base in one of the most interesting corners of the Jersey Shore. Properties with lake views, full kitchens, and proximity to the Asbury Park Boardwalk are available for families who want the freshwater calm of the lake in the morning and the cultural energy of Asbury Park in the evening.
- Surface area (mi)
- 0.4
- Max depth (ft)
- 9.81
- Elevation (ft)
- 10.5
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 27
Popular activities
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Deal Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, swimming is not allowed in Deal Lake. The lake sometimes has elevated coliform levels that exceed the state’s standard for swimming, making it unsafe for this activity.
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Deal Lake is a popular destination because it offers various year-round activities. It is the largest man-made lake in Monmouth County, allowing for fishing, kayaking, boating, and ice skating. The lake’s diverse wildlife and scenic views also attract visitors.
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To fish in Deal Lake, New Jersey, you must have a valid New Jersey fishing license if you are 16 or older. You must also comply with NJDEP regulations, including separate stringers or buckets for each angler’s catch and no fishing within 100 feet of fish ladders from March 1 through June 30. Boats are limited to 5 MPH west of the railroad tracks.
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There are no dog-friendly beaches on Deal Lake. Instead, dogs can enjoy the Asbury Park Dog Beach, which is located near Deal Lake and is dog-friendly from September 15 to May 15. This beach is off-leash for well-behaved, non-aggressive dogs and is tucked behind Fisherman’s parking lot.
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The towns near Deal Lake are Asbury Park, Deal, Interlaken, Allenhurst, Loch Arbour, Ocean, and Neptune Townships. These seven municipalities border the lake in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Each town contributes to the lake’s maintenance through the Deal Lake Commission.
