John L.
7/3/2017
Good as it gets, in Barkhamsted! Just kidding Barkhamsted is a great town. But being able to enjoy the waters and scenery of lower portion of the Barkhamsted Reservoir is a huge enhancement....
Lake McDonough Recreational Area
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[1 - 290] CT-219
Barkhamsted, CT 06063
Lake McDonough, located in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, is a picturesque and untouched public recreation area that showcases the natural beauty of New England. Situated less than 30 miles from Hartford, it offers a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The lake provides various recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and shoreline exploration. With its recent adoption of a new fee schedule, the Lake McDonough boat launch passes have become more affordable, making it accessible to both residents and non-residents. Additionally, the lake is stocked with brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout, providing ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. However, it's important to note that the beach and swimming area remain closed for the 2023 season due to a lack of lifeguards.
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Reviews
3.016 reviewsAlex R.
8/5/2025
Who in their right mind pays a fee to use public land. Parking is one thing, but to seriously charge people to use a boat launch is beyond disappointing and I will not spend any money to do so....
Tom D.
5/6/2018
This review is for the fishing aspect of Lake McDonough. The water in this lake is extremely clear and there are steep drop-offs, so naturally, the fishing can be very difficult. Also, the place...
Curt M.
9/10/2018
I do love kayaking on the lake. It's calm and well kept, with lot's of inlets to explore. My problem is with the boat launch. We have our own kayaks and have to pay to park our car, then pay to...
Dan L.
7/3/2011
I kind of just stumbled upon this place while visiting Saville Dam. Just below the dam lies this recreational area, with two entrances - an east side and west side. The west entrance is the...
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