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Culver Lake is a 555 acre glacial lake in Frankford Township, Sussex County, tucked at the foot of the Kittatinny Ridge along Route 206 just below Culver Gap. It is a private lake community, so the water and beaches are for members and their guests, but visitors can still enjoy the area through the public trails, overlooks and picnic spots of Stokes State Forest right next door.
Our team pulled together what you need to know about Culver Lake NJ: where it is, what the public can and cannot do, and the best nearby places to hike, paddle and eat.
Culver Lake quick facts
- Location: Frankford Township, Sussex County, along Route 206 just south of Culver Gap and the Stokes State Forest office
- Size: About 555 acres with roughly 6.5 miles of shoreline and depths up to about 50 feet
- Elevation: About 830 feet above sea level
- Access: Private. The lake is run by the Normanoch Association, a homeowners association, and swimming and beach access are limited to members and guests
- Public alternatives next door: Stokes State Forest, 1 Coursen Road, Branchville, gate open daily sunrise to sunset
- Fees at Stokes: Free after Labor Day through Memorial Day weekend; summer weekends and holidays are $10 for NJ residents and $20 for non residents
- Dogs: Allowed in Stokes State Forest on a leash no longer than six feet
- Best for: Scenic drives, ridge hikes, fall foliage and lake views from the Kittatinny Ridge
Where is Culver Lake?
Culver Lake sits in the northwest corner of Frankford Township, a short drive north of Branchville on Route 206. Upper and Lower North Shore Roads wrap around the lake, and the Kittatinny Ridge rises right behind it. Just to the southwest is Culver Gap, a wind gap in the ridge that travelers have used for thousands of years and that Route 206 still follows today.
The lake was once known as Round Pond. Its current name honors Rev. Jabez Collver, a clergyman who bought land near the lake in 1774. Water from Culver Lake flows out to form the West Branch of the Paulins Kill, and in the late 1800s and early 1900s the lake became a popular summer escape, a tradition the lakeside community still carries on.
Can the public use Culver Lake?
This is the question we hear most, so here is the honest answer. Culver Lake is a private lake managed by the Normanoch Association for its members. There is no public beach, and swimming and beach access are restricted to members and their guests. If you are not a member or a guest of one, plan to enjoy the lake from the road and from the ridge above it rather than on the water.
If you are renting a home inside the lake community, ask your host what lake privileges come with the stay before you arrive, since access is set by the association, not by the rental listing.
The good news is that some of the best views of Culver Lake are public. The Appalachian Trail climbs the ridge right above it, and the lakes inside Stokes State Forest are open to everyone for picnics, paddling and fishing.
Hiking near Culver Lake: Culver Gap, the fire tower and the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail crosses Route 206 at Culver Gap, and Stokes State Forest says 12.5 miles of the white blazed trail follow the Kittatinny Ridge through the forest. The state’s designated Appalachian Trail parking lot is on Upper North Shore Road, off Route 206 just south of the park office.
From the gap, a popular out and back follows the Appalachian Trail north up Culver Ridge to the Culver Fire Tower, a working fire lookout. The round trip is about 3.3 miles, with a steep climb at the start and an easier grade along the ridge. The ridge looks down over Culver Lake to the south, so this is the classic way to see the lake from above. The trail is rocky in spots, so wear real hiking shoes.
Keep going north on the ridge and you reach Sunrise Mountain, which at 1,653 feet is the second highest mountain in New Jersey. Its stone pavilion was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and the views stretch across the Delaware River Valley, Pennsylvania and the farmland of Sussex County. You can also drive up Sunrise Mountain Road from April 15 to December 15. For the full rundown of trails, cabins and campsites, see our Stokes State Forest guide.
Public lakes nearby for paddling and picnics
If you want to get on the water, head into Stokes State Forest. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and small boats with electric motors are allowed on Lake Ocquittunk and Lake Ashroe, though there is no boat ramp. Stony Lake has a picnic area with 45 tables and grills next to the water, plus a playground. Note that swimming is not permitted at Stony Lake or any of the lakes in the forest.
Anglers will find Lake Ashroe, Lake Ocquittunk and Stony Lake stocked with trout, and the Big Flatbrook, which runs through the forest, is one of the best trout streams in the state. A New Jersey fishing license is required, available through NJ Fish and Wildlife. Looking for more water to explore? Our roundup of lakes in Sussex County NJ covers the lakes you can visit across the county.
Where to eat near Culver Lake
Route 206 through Branchville is the food corridor closest to Culver Lake, with classic diners, lakeside taverns on Kittatinny Lake, bagels, a bakery and deli, pizza and Mexican food all within a few minutes of the lake. Our guide to the best restaurants in Branchville NJ lists our picks with addresses, so you can pair a morning hike with breakfast or end a ridge walk with dinner.
Culver Lake through the seasons
- Summer: The lake community is at its busiest. Stokes charges a parking fee on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
- Fall: Peak season for visitors. The Kittatinny Ridge lights up with color, the forest is free to enter after Labor Day, and Sunrise Mountain is a strong spot for watching the fall hawk migration.
- Winter: Sunrise Mountain Road and other forest roads close from December 15 to April 15. When conditions allow, Stokes permits cross country skiing and snowshoeing on its trails, plus ice fishing on its three stocked lakes.
- Spring: Trout season, waterfalls in Tillman Ravine and the return of the hawk migration over the ridge.
Culver Lake FAQ
Is Culver Lake NJ public or private?
Culver Lake is private. It is managed by the Normanoch Association, and swimming and beach access are limited to members and their guests.
Can you swim in Culver Lake?
Only if you are a member of the lake community or a guest of one. There is no public beach, and swimming is not allowed in the lakes of nearby Stokes State Forest either.
What town is Culver Lake in?
Culver Lake is in Frankford Township, Sussex County, along Route 206 a short drive north of Branchville.
How do you see Culver Lake from above?
Hike the Appalachian Trail north from Culver Gap up Culver Ridge toward the Culver Fire Tower. The ridge overlooks the lake, and the round trip is about 3.3 miles.
Where can you kayak near Culver Lake?
Lake Ocquittunk and Lake Ashroe in Stokes State Forest allow canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and small electric motor boats. There is no boat ramp, so plan to carry your boat in.
Planning more Skylands outings? Check out our High Point State Park guide and explore all 24 Sussex County towns.
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