Best lakes around Lindenhurst, New York, offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities within the broader Long Island area. The region features a variety of lakes, ponds, and natural parks, providing settings for outdoor activities. These areas are characterized by their water features, wooded surroundings, and trails. Visitors can explore a range of natural environments, from serene lake shores to parklands with established facilities.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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From this spot you get a nice view of a small waterfall flowing out of Belmont Lake into Carl's River. This is a pleasant spot to pause as you ride around Belmont Lake State Park and the surrounding area.
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Argyle Lake, situated in Belmont Lake State Park, boasts a serene 0.8-mile loop. Meandering through wooded landscapes with occasional open vistas and glimpses of the lake, this trail offers a tranquil escape.
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Southards Pond is the main attraction with Southards Pond Park. The main trail basically walks up to the shore of the water on the west side of the reservoir and offers an immersion into nature without having to leave the city. This spot, on the south side of the pond, crosses the Carlls River on a bridge and looks out over the water.
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Southards Pond offers beautiful views of the pond, streams, and wildlife. You can enjoy the tranquility of nature while getting some exercise. The trail is mostly flat and well-marked, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost or climbing steep hills. The best times to visit this trail are April through September, when the weather is pleasant and the foliage is lush. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned runner, you will find this trail to be a rewarding and relaxing way to explore the park.
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The area where Belmont Lake funnels back into the Carlls River at the southern end of the reservoir is a popular viewing spot of the water. There is a bridge crossing the creek with a head-on view of the small cascade formed by the lake flowing into the tight waterway.
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This place is a highly popular fishing spot, regularly stocked with trout, drawing a considerable crowd on weekends. The area is rich in wildlife, with various species such as birds, squirrels, chipmunks, snakes, raccoons, and rabbits. It also serves as a peaceful retreat for those looking to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
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Several lakes in the area offer excellent fishing opportunities. Massapequa Reservoir is a highly popular spot, regularly stocked with trout. Lake Linden is known for trout, catfish, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. Crooked Lake is home to yellow perch, bluegills, striped bass, and carp, while Sand Lake is a year-round fishery, even offering ice fishing in winter. Miltmore Lake provides largemouth bass, northern pike, and bluegill, and Waterford Lake underwent a fish rehabilitation in 1999, suggesting a healthy fish population.
Yes, many lakes around Lindenhurst are suitable for families. Massapequa Reservoir, View of the waterfall at the Belmont Lake outlet, Southards Pond, Bethpage State Park, and Argyle Lake are all categorized as family-friendly. Lake Linden features two beaches and three parks, while Miltmore Lake has a swimming beach and picnic areas, making them great for family outings.
Boating is a popular activity on several lakes. Lake Linden and Waterford Lake permit boating, though gas motors are not allowed. Crooked Lake is known for kayaking, offering a tranquil experience due to limited boat traffic. Sand Lake and Miltmore Lake also support boating, with Miltmore Lake having boat launches available.
You can find trails near several lakes. Southards Pond offers beautiful views and a mostly flat, well-marked trail. Argyle Lake, located in Belmont Lake State Park, boasts a serene 0.8-mile loop through wooded landscapes. For more options, explore the Running Trails around Lindenhurst guide, which includes routes like the Southards Pond loop.
Yes, some lakes offer public access. Lake Linden has a boat launch, though a resident sticker is required for use, and it also features two public beaches. Sand Lake provides Lake Villa Township residents with access to its beach, park, and boat launch. Miltmore Lake also has boat launches. Waterford Lake has two access points for Lindenhurst residents, one with a boat ramp. Crooked Lake, however, is primarily private with no public boat launches.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For enjoying trails and lush foliage, April through September is ideal, especially around Southards Pond. The lakes offer diverse experiences year-round, with Sand Lake even providing ice fishing opportunities in winter.
The lakes are rich in wildlife. Massapequa Reservoir is home to various bird species, squirrels, chipmunks, snakes, raccoons, and rabbits. Southards Pond also offers opportunities to observe wildlife in a tranquil natural setting.
Yes, there are several cycling routes that incorporate or pass near the lakes. You can find options in the Road Cycling Routes around Lindenhurst guide and the Cycling around Lindenhurst guide. These include routes like the Bethpage Bikeway – Massapequa Reservoir loop and the Waterfall at Hawleys Lake loop.
Crooked Lake stands out as a 137-acre glacial lake known for its natural beauty and extensive wooded shorelines, with less residential development compared to others. It offers a tranquil environment due to limited boat traffic and has undergone restoration efforts to improve its ecosystem. Access is primarily private, contributing to its serene atmosphere.
Yes, swimming is permitted in several lakes. Lake Linden offers swimming with two designated beaches. Sand Lake also supports swimming, and Miltmore Lake features a swimming beach, providing various options for enjoying the water.
Absolutely. The View of the waterfall at the Belmont Lake outlet is a popular spot to pause and enjoy a small cascade flowing into Carl's River. Southards Pond offers beautiful views of the pond, streams, and surrounding nature. Argyle Lake also provides occasional open vistas and glimpses of the lake along its trail.
Bethpage State Park is well-known for its facilities, particularly its five world-class golf courses, which have hosted major championships. Beyond golf, the park offers a range of outdoor experiences within a managed natural setting, including trails and green spaces.


Still not found your perfect lake around Lindenhurst? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.