Oxford Furnace Lake Vacation Rentals

Why Rent On Oxford Furnace Lake

Oxford Furnace Lake is a 53-acre lake in Oxford Township, Warren County, New Jersey — a small but remarkably productive managed fishery set against one of the most historically significant industrial landscapes in the state. The lake was created in 1971 and takes its name from the Oxford Iron Furnace built in 1741, America’s first hot blast iron furnace, portions of which remain visible alongside the adjacent Engine House at the lake site. The combination of trophy muskie fishing, a well-equipped family beach, and direct proximity to New Jersey’s industrial heritage makes Oxford Furnace Lake an unusual destination that rewards a slower, more curious visitor.

On the water

Trophy muskellunge is the headline fishery. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks both pure-strain muskellunge and tiger muskies through the Hackettstown Hatchery; fish over 20 pounds are caught with regularity, and confirmed fish approaching 30 pounds have been documented. Largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, yellow perch, and chain pickerel round out the warm-water fishery. NJDFW restocks rainbow trout in spring and fall — daily limits run six fish from April 9 through May 31 and four fish from June 1 through December 31, with a nine-inch minimum; confirm current rules before fishing. A paved boat ramp with dock and generous parking provides organized access. The township operates a seasonal beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day with lifeguards, an inflatable water slide, concession stand, outdoor shower stations, and picnic tables. A New Jersey fishing licence is required for anglers 16 and older; confirm current Oxford Township boat and HP regulations at the ramp before launching.

What to do near Oxford Furnace Lake

The Oxford Iron Furnace stack and Engine House, preserved and visible at the lake site, are worth a close look — the furnace operated continuously from 1741 and the hot blast process pioneered here dramatically changed iron production efficiency across colonial North America. The Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford, a five-minute drive, raises more than 600,000 rainbow trout annually and offers free self-guided tours year-round — one of the more underrated family stops in New Jersey. The Delaware River along the county’s western edge supports world-class trout fishing and the Delaware Water Gap’s extensive trail network. The Appalachian Trail is accessible at several northern Warren County trailheads.

When to go and where to stay

Spring trout stocking season and the Memorial Day beach opening make late April through June the most active period. The muskie fishery draws dedicated anglers across the full open-water season and into fall. The township beach runs Memorial Day through Labor Day with free parking. The lake itself has no on-site lodging; vacation rentals in the Washington, Hackettstown, and Delaware Water Gap corridor give lake visitors a home base within easy reach of Oxford Furnace and the broader western New Jersey outdoor network. Browse Lake.com for pet-friendly rentals and multi-bedroom properties in Warren County suited to a fishing group or family weekend.