Greenwood Lake Boat Rental: Family Reunion Fun and Swimming

15 years ago my parents bought a beautiful home on Greenwood Lake in New Jersey. The lake is actually split into two states bordering New Jersey and New York. Both sides, in my opinion, are equally scenic.

Greenwood Lake, a shimmering freshwater gem approximately seven miles (11 km) long, was once called “Quampium” by the Munsee Native Americans and is nothing short of an adventurer’s paradise.

kid wlaking between boats in greenwood lake ny
A boat rental is ideal for family reunions, offering ample space for groups to relax and enjoy the lake together.

Its glassine water body supports around every water sport you can perhaps think of. From diving and fishing to swimming and water skiing, you could do nearly anything to relieve your mind from daily base stress.  The lake, in addition, gets a lot of boating activities.

On our last family trip to the States, we found out my parents had sold their house and were prepared to move somewhere else. The house was simply too big for just 2 of them, so it was certainly the correct decision.

To celebrate the move, the family decided to enjoy it one last time with the kids and my parents rented a pontoon and enjoy the beautiful lake as the final memory of it. This was when we discovered Greenwood Lake Boat Rental.

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Greenwood Lake Boat Rental

There are a ton of Marinas all over Greenwood Lake. From small ones that only hold a few boats to enormous marinas with over 30 boats, Greenwood Lake Boat Rental exhibits a wide assortment of boat choices such as pontoons, speedboats, ski boats, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. The rates were pretty reasonable compared to other boat rentals in posh areas of the state at the time we visited Greenwood Lake.

On weekends during the summer, all boats are totally booked out. But if you rent on a weekday, you can get a pick of the litter and also don’t need to make a specific time, you can pretty much walk in.

The rentals are usually around $200 and up for 2 hours or more. Some include gas in the price, so shop around to get the best rate.

Greenwood Lake’s calm waters make it perfect for swimming and water activities with children of all ages.

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Family Fun on Greenwood Lake – Our Experience!

We rented a pontoon for two hours with the option to stay one hour more. We did not have to pay for that extra hour until we returned it.

Two hours for us was plenty. The lake isn’t that big to explore for too long. And we also didn’t go fishing, which is probably what the bulk of many people’s time is usually focused on.

However, my kids and my mom, their grandma, jumped in and had a blast in the warm waters of the lake.

This was by far the highlight of the boat trip.

renting a pontoon

It is highly recommended, before going on, to make sure you have a ladder. They all should come with one, but sometimes the ladder is in the shed, and by the time you’re out at the lake it’s a real hassle to climb into the boat without one.

We don’t do much boating so this was a real treat for the whole family.

brothers on a pontoon
mama and son selfie at the greenwood lake boat rental

And my dad, and his co-pilot, had fun navigating the calm waters.

 co-captain with grandpa on a greenwood lake ny boat rental

You don’t need to know how to drive a boat, it’s certainly helpful but totally unnecessary. The staff give you a few-minute tutorial and take a ride out with you before giving it over to us for the rental duration.

Even though the lake is split into two States, you can rent on either side without any problem. The only difference might be in the taxes you will pay. So, overall, at the end of the day, we were all satisfied with our experience at Greenwood Lake Boat Rental.

The staff was friendly and helpful, the prices were reasonable, and the lake itself was stunning, making it a perfect destination for a family reunion or just a day out with loved ones. Apart from water activities, the area also has many hiking trails, scenic spots for picnics, and a lakeside farmer market, where artisan foods, fresh local produce, and handcrafted goods are sold.

swimming with grandma

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History of Greenwood Lake

Greenwood Lake has a prosperous yore, dating back to the Revolutionary War, at that particular time it served as a strategic route for soldier transportation.  There’s even a dam in the lake that, when constructed in 1836 near the Wanaque River, heightened the lake’s water level by around 12 feet. Undoubtedly, it’s a pretty huge number. Even better, In the 19th century, the lake became a hot point for tourism all over the world and from New York City, with numerous grand hotels built around it. Today, you can still see remnants of these hotels as well as old mansions along the lake’s shoreline. The cool thing is, the New York part of the lake is way deeper than the New Jersey side, and the water depths up to about 60 feet and steeply sloped banks.

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Conclusion – The Bottom Line!

In a nutshell, my family’s experience at Greenwood Lake Boat Rental was truly memorable. The incredible beauty of the lake, the wide range of boat options, and the cordial and helpful staff made our day on the water a truly special one.

What stood out the most for me was the sense of family bonding that we experienced during our time on Greenwood Lake in New Jersey. On a sun-kissed day, my children and their grandmother had an exhilarating time swimming in the balmy lake waters, while my father and his co-pilot relished the tranquility of sailing through the calm waters. The day was filled with laughter, joyous moments, and unforgettable memories that will be forever etched in our hearts.

For an enjoyable and unforgettable family outing, I strongly suggest Greenwood Lake Boat Rental. Regardless of your preference for fishing, swimming, or simply unwinding on the water, Greenwood Lake offers an array of activities to cater to all interests. Thanks for reading!

Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission for any purchases made through the links. Your trust is important to us, and we ensure that all products or services we recommend meet or exceed our editorial standards.

Last Updated on October 1, 2026

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