Lake Zoar

Lake Zoar is a 14-mile lake on the Housatonic River in Fairfield and New Haven Counties, formed by the Stevenson Dam and dating back to 1919. This picturesque lake maintains the feel of a quiet river and is nestled below lush, rolling hills.

Lake Zoar is a popular recreation spot for swimming, boating, fishing, tubing, jet skiing and water skiing – and is stocked with fish by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. The lake borders Kettletown State Park on the north, a well-known attraction for swimming, camping, fishing and hiking. To the south is the quieter Paugussett State Forest in Newtown with its many miles of inviting hiking trails, including the 6.5 mile Zoar Trail.

Lake Zoar is accessible from the towns of Monroe, Newtown, Southbury and Oxford, each of which has its own boat launch. They are: the Lake Zoar Boat Ramp in Monroe, Eichler’s Cover in Newtown, Jackson Cove Park in Oxford, and Scout Road in Southbury. (The Southbury boat launch is controlled by the state and is open to non-town residents.)

The Lake Zoar Authority, made up of members of the lake’s four bordering towns, meets monthly and oversees the lake with a focus on water quality, safety and the control of aquatic algae and weeds.

Learn more about Lake Zoar:

• Map
• Monroe Boat Ramp
• Eichler’s Cove
• Jackson Cove
• Southbury Boat Launch