Swim Clear Blue Water and Visit the Red Mill Museum Village
Why Rent On Round Valley Reservoir
Round Valley Reservoir in Readington Township is one of New Jersey’s most exceptional bodies of water: 180 feet deep, filled with 55 billion gallons of clean water, and surrounded by 5,291 acres of eastern woodland that shelter raptors, waterfowl, and lake trout populations that draw serious anglers from across the Northeast. The reservoir sits west of Cushetunk Mountain in a Hunterdon County landscape whose natural beauty is matched by very few New Jersey destinations, and staying in a lakefront vacation rental here gives your family access to all of it from a private and comfortable base.
Fishing, Diving, and Backcountry Boating
Lake trout, brown trout, and bass populate Round Valley’s cold, deep water, and the reservoir’s depth and clarity make it one of the few New Jersey lakes where scuba and skin diving are established activities. Boating and canoeing spread across the open surface, and the horseback riding and hiking trails that ring the reservoir allow families to extend their recreational day naturally from water to land and back again.
The Beach and the Swimming Season
Round Valley’s beach area provides a well-maintained swimming destination during the warmer months, with the kind of clean, cold water that deep reservoirs reliably provide. The surrounding 5,291 acres of protected woodland give the beach a natural setting that feels removed from the suburban landscape just miles away, and the combination of swimming, hiking, and fishing in a single afternoon is easily achievable here.
The Red Mill Museum Village and Columbia Trail
The Red Mill Museum Village in nearby Clinton is one of New Jersey’s most beloved heritage destinations, a 19th-century grist mill on the Raritan River with exhibits and demonstrations that make Hunterdon County’s industrial and agricultural past feel genuinely alive. The Columbia Trail, a rail-to-trail conversion that runs through the reservoir area and into the surrounding Hunterdon landscape, adds a cycling and walking dimension for families who want to cover ground on something other than water.
The Deepest Lake in New Jersey Deserves a Lakefront Rental
A vacation home near Round Valley Reservoir gives your family access to the finest freshwater fishing lake in New Jersey alongside one of the state’s most beautiful protected natural landscapes. Properties with lake views, full kitchens, and outdoor space for morning trail walks and evening fish cleaning are available for families who want a Hunterdon County stay that is genuinely exceptional from the first morning to the last.
- Max depth (ft)
- 180.45
- Elevation (ft)
- 380.58
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 12
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Round Valley Reservoir has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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You can swim in the Day-use Area of Round Valley Reservoir, but only from Memorial Day through Labor Day when lifeguards are on duty. Swimming is not allowed in the main reservoir. The swimming area includes a sandy beach with amenities like changing rooms and restrooms. Inner tubes and rafts are not permitted.
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Round Valley Reservoir is a popular destination because it offers fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. The reservoir is known for its warm water fishery, especially for bass and bluegill, making it a favorite spot for locals to introduce children to fishing. It is also easily accessible, located just three miles above Greenville.
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The size and catch limits for lake trout in Round Valley Reservoir are as follows: From January 1 to September 15 and December 1 to December 31, the minimum size is 15 inches with a daily limit of 2. From September 16 to November 30, it is catch and release only. Additionally, anglers can keep one additional fish 24 inches or greater.
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Yes, there are lifeguards on the beaches at Round Valley Reservoir. Lifeguards are on duty from mid-June to Labor Day when swimming is permitted. The swimming area is only open during these times when lifeguards are present.
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The towns near Round Valley Reservoir include Susanville, California. This reservoir is located in the Plumas National Forest, just south of the town of Greenville. Susanville is the closest significant city to the reservoir.
