Darlington Lake lies in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains, south of Mahwah, New Jersey, in northeastern New Jersey and just 24 miles a little northwest of New York City. Darlington County Park actually comprises three lakes, two you can swim in and one for fishing. Darlington Lake, the swimming lake, also boasts a water park, the Wibit Splash Zone obstacle course and a fountain visitors can swim though.
The Wibit Splash Zone features floating, inflatable, and connected walkways and play structures that are laid out in an obstacle course. Plus, the park offers basketball, handball, and tennis courts, picnicking, limited grills (you can bring your own grill), biking and walking paths, lookout points, and catch and release fishing. It is day use only and open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. No pets allowed.
Early in the year right after it opens, Darlington County Park is open only on weekends. As the summer progresses, the park opens daily. It is located 1/2-mile off of I-287 at the Campground Road exit about four miles south of the New York State line, about 30 miles north of New York City.
Darlington Lake is rather small, but carries a big punch for locals and visitors coming from other places. It covers only 18-square acres. It was created by damming up Darlington Brook. The other two lakes are tiny. Darlington Lake sports sandy white beaches, a bird and wildlife observation point, a children’s playground, and a snack bar, which make it such a popular day trip.
How Much Is it to Get into Darlington Lake?
Since the Bergen County Parks System manages Darlington Lake, like many locally operated lakes, it has specific county regulations but also follows the policies of the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife (NJDEP). There are different prices for the various attractions and Bergen County residents pay less fees than out-of-county visitors.
Darlington County Park Admission Pricing:
- $10 – Bergen County residents (ages 18-61)
- $6 – Children (ages 5-17)
- $15 – Out of county Adults (ages 18-61)
- $6 – Out of county Senior citizens (ages 62 and up) Weekend Rate
- $3 – Out of County Senior citizens (Weekdays)
- $2 – Bergen County Senior citizens (ages 62 and up)
- Wibit Splash Zone pricing is listed as follows:
- $10 – Bergen County residents (single session)
- $15 – Out of county (single session)
- $5 – Kids (39” – 59” tall)
Does Darlington Lake Have Fish?
You need a New Jersey fishing license to fish on Darlington County Park lakes. Fishing regulations in New Jersey can change throughout the year. Anglers need to check with the NJDEP or they can always ask Park officials. It is only catch and release, so anglers do not have the luxury of a fish fry on the shores of Darlington Lake.
You betcha, Darlington Lake has fish! Anglers go after largemouth bass, bluegill, carp, catfish. pumpkinseed, and sunfish on Darlington Lake. Reports of the most caught game species in Darlington Lake are largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and pumpkinseed. Productive catches are not guaranteed.
Are There Places to Stay in the Darlington Lake Area?
Because Darlington County Park is a day-use facility and is quite an enjoyable reprieve from the New Jersey summer heat, with great amenities, there is no camping. Alas, there are accommodation options if visitors want to stay a weekend or for a vacation home kind of vacation.
Yes, there are. Even though Darlington County Park is rural, NJ 17 runs up the eastern side of the park. From Ramsey, New Jersey, you can easily take a few back roads to Darlington County Park. There are several hotels on NJ 17 north and south of Ramsey, but none on I-287. Vacation home rentals are available throughout the Darlington Lake region.
