Splitrock Reservoir is a large 650-acre reservoir located in Rockaway Township. The massive property is an excellent spot to boat and features rocky shorelines and a few small islands, especially near the far end. Splitrock Reservoir is perfect for those looking for a quick paddle or an all-day excursion. Continue reading to learn more about this great kayaking destination.

Background

Splitrock Reservoir, along with the Boonton Reservoir, is a drinking water source for Jersey City. The Boonton Reservoir is the main water source with Splitrock Reservoir only used during times of high demand.

To protect the water, swimming and paddleboarding are prohibited. The reservoir has not always been open to the public, with access first starting in 2003. In 2010, Rockaway Township barricaded the parking lot due to swimming and overcrowding. Since then, however, access has remained stable. Efforts are currently underway to open Boonton Reservoir to the public for hiking as well. Due to Boonton Reservoir being the primary water source for Jersey City, it is unlikely that boating will be allowed in the future.

The current reservoir was formed in 1948 with the construction of the present dam, which is located next to the reservoir parking area. Before the construction of the current dam, a smaller earthen dam formed a smaller reservoir in the same location.

The Boat Launch

Splitrock Reservoir features two boat launch docks. Both of these docks are accessed from the parking area, but do require a short walk. The walk is not far, but it can be a bit annoying, especially on the return, as it involves a slight hill.

The boat launch itself is designed so you do not need to make contact with the water. Both docks feature two boat launch platforms where you place your boat. From the platform, you then pull yourself into the water with your paddle. It is a very easy system.

Oddly enough, the larger of the two docks is the farther one, even though fewer people use it due to the extra distance.

The Reservoir

The reservoir is very long (about 3 miles) and comparatively thin. The shoreline is generally rocky, especially on the western bank (the other side of the dam from the boat launch). The shoreline also features a few small coves to explore.

One the more unusual locations on the lake is right near the boat launch. You may notice a rock jutting out of the reservoir that looks unusually white, almost like marble. Upon closer inspection, the rock is covered in bird poop, giving the white appearance.

There is a large island at about the halfway point of the reservoir. The farther end of the end features a small clearing to dock your boat. There are a few user-made trails. Unfortunately, these are pretty overgrown and have a lot of poison ivy. The island is still interesting to paddle around and is a good turnaround point for those not wanting to go to the very end of the reservoir.

Due to the limited parking, the reservoir never feels overcrowded, but for those wanting more solitude, the back end of the reservoir is generally much quieter. The far end of the reservoir features many rocky islands, and the shoreline features more hidden coves. This part of the reservoir is also much shallower, so you will see a lot more lily pads.

If visiting on the weekend, I highly recommend arriving early or late in the day, as the parking area does fill up quickly. As previously mentioned, there is no roadside parking. For those wanting to hike, there is an over 10-mile loop trail around the reservoir.