Swim Clear Water and Visit Shippen Manor Museum Together
Why Rent On Oxford Furnace Lake
Oxford Furnace Lake in Warren County carries a historical weight that is genuinely uncommon for a New Jersey recreational lake. The site was home to America’s first hot blast furnace, and the Oxford Iron Furnace built in 1741 remains partially visible alongside an adjacent Engine House that together form one of the most significant industrial heritage landscapes in the state. The lake itself offers seasonal swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in a setting where the natural beauty and the historical character reinforce each other in ways that make the experience feel distinctively layered.
Swimming, Kayaking, and Canoeing
The seasonal beach opens for swimming in the warmer months, and the lake’s calm surface is well-suited for kayaking and canoeing throughout the season. Picnic areas and hiking trails ring the shoreline, making it easy to build a full family day around the water without ever needing to drive elsewhere. The fishing is productive for bass and panfish, and the lake’s modest size keeps the experience intimate and relaxed.
The Shippen Manor Museum and Oxford Furnace
The Shippen Manor Museum in Oxford preserves the home of the ironmaster who ran the furnace, with exhibits and tours that bring the full story of colonial-era iron production in New Jersey to life in a way that fascinates visitors who arrive knowing very little about the subject. The Oxford Furnace itself, with its partially exposed stone arches, is one of those places that makes the region’s industrial past feel physically real rather than merely historical.
Warren County’s Natural Landscape
The Delaware River is accessible within a short drive from Oxford Furnace Lake, bringing world-class trout fishing and canoe access to the full western border of Warren County. The Appalachian Trail crosses the county to the north, and the rolling farmland and wooded ridges of western New Jersey create a scenic driving and cycling environment that rewards exploration at any pace.
History, Nature, and a Warren County Lake Rental
A vacation home near Oxford Furnace Lake gives your family a remarkable combination of natural beauty and historical depth in one of New Jersey’s most genuinely distinctive lake settings. Properties with lake views, full kitchens, and outdoor space for picnicking near the historic furnace site are available for families who want their lake stay to include a story worth telling.
- Surface area (mi)
- 0.13
- Max depth (ft)
- 29
- Elevation (ft)
- 551.18
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 1.37
Popular activities
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Oxford Furnace Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, there is a fee to swim at Oxford Furnace Lake. Adults pay $12, children pay $8, and seniors pay a reduced fee. These fees are part of the lake’s entry fees for beach access.
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Oxford Furnace Lake is a popular destination because of its diverse fish population. The lake is home to trophy-size muskies, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and stocked rainbow trout, among other species. It also offers ample shoreline access, a paved boat ramp, and generous parking.
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For Oxford Furnace Lake, the daily possession limits are specifically for trout. The daily limit is 4 trout per person from June 1 to December 31, and 6 trout per person from April 9 to May 31, with a minimum size of 9 inches. These limits apply to Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout.
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Yes, there is a public beach at Oxford Furnace Lake. The beach is run by the town and is open seasonally. It is located a short distance from the boat ramp and is guarded during the season.
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Oxford Furnace Lake is near Liberty Township, Mansfield Township, Washington Township, and White Township. These towns surround Oxford Township, where the lake is located. Oxford Township was formed from portions of Greenwich Township and has undergone several boundary changes over the centuries.
