🏖️ Lake / Reservoir
🟢 Easy Free Entry
🌊 About Gardner Lake State Park
A lake straddling the borders of Bozrah, Montville, and Salem, with the state park's public access concentrated on the south shore in Salem, popular for boating, fishing, and swimming.
📋 Visit Details
Water Temperature
💧 Warm-ish lake water for Connecticut
Water Type
Lake with south-shore swim access, spanning three towns
Managed By
Connecticut DEEP (Gardner Lake SP)
County
New London County, Connecticut
🗺️ Getting There
Address / Access Point:
208 Old Colchester Rd, Salem, CT 06420
Access Notes:
Easy, developed south-shore access; popular for boating and fishing alongside swimming
✅ Before You Go — Checklist
-
✓
Check current water conditions — especially after recent rain
-
✓
Save GPS coordinates offline before leaving — cell service may be limited
-
✓
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, water shoes and plenty of drinking water
-
✓
Tell someone where you are going before heading to a remote location
-
✓
Pack out everything you bring in — leave no trace