Candlewood Lake: Connecticut's biggest lake, up close.
Everything you want to know before you get on the water, the five towns that ring the lake, where to launch, what there is to do, and where our crew runs charters and lessons all season long.
The largest lake in Connecticut.
Candlewood Lake stretches across western Connecticut's Litchfield and Fairfield counties, the biggest body of water in the state. It was created in the 1920s as a hydroelectric reservoir, and today it's the heart of summer for the towns around it, miles of shoreline, deep coves, and open water made for boating, watersports, fishing, and long golden-hour cruises.
Because the lake is so large, it has a bit of everything: wide-open stretches when you want speed and space, sheltered coves that stay glassy in the morning for lessons, and quiet corners for a slow sunset lap. Knowing where to go, and when, is half the fun, and it's exactly what a local crew brings to your day.
The five towns of Candlewood Lake.
The lake touches five Connecticut towns, each with its own stretch of shoreline and its own character.
New Milford
The lake's northern reach, with a classic New England town center just up the road. Long shoreline and some of the lake's quieter northern coves.
Brookfield
Home base for us, 227 Candlewood Lake Rd. Central to the lake and an easy jumping-off point for charters, lessons, and cruises.
Sherman
The smallest of the five towns, tucked along the lake's northwest side. Peaceful, scenic, and a favorite for laid-back days on the water.
New Fairfield
A large share of Candlewood's western shoreline, with plenty of coves and beaches that come alive all summer.
Danbury
The lake's southern end near the city of Danbury, the most developed corner, with marinas, public access, and easy connections.
All five, one lake
Wherever you launch, it's the same great water. We meet guests on the water and tailor the day to the conditions and the crowd.
Boating & watersports on Candlewood.
Wakeboarding & wakesurfing
Candlewood's size means room to carve. Behind a proper MasterCraft wake boat, the wave is dialed for riders at every level. See wakesurf lessons →
Waterskiing & tubing
Morning glass in the coves is perfect for skiing and first-timers, and tubing is the all-ages crowd favorite. Browse experiences →
Charters & captain service
Your captain, your crew, your day. Great for groups, celebrations, or simply cruising a lake you don't have to trailer a boat to. Private charters →
Cruises & the gorge
Golden-hour and fall foliage cruises through the scenery around Lovers Leap are a Candlewood classic. Book a cruise →
Where Lakeside runs on Candlewood Lake.
Local, owner-run, and on the water all season.
Falling for the lake?
Plenty of our guests come for a charter and end up dreaming about a place of their own on the water. If that's you, take a look at the local real estate scene around the five lake towns.
Candlewood Lake, in three frames.
Ready to get out on Candlewood?
Book in minutes. We'll handle the rest.
Explore the lake, town by town.
Five towns, one very big lake. Find your shore, and your way onto the water.
Boat Rental Guide →
Where to launch, the CT rules, the best water, and the season on Candlewood.
New Fairfield →
The west shore: sunset views, Candlewood Isle, and the Knolls.
Brookfield →
The south coves, Candlewood Shores, and commuter-close lake life.
Sherman →
The quiet north end: larger lots and the most private coves.
New Milford →
The deep east shore and the lake's most communities.
Danbury →
The south lake in the City of Danbury: condos to waterfront.
Candlewood Lake, ice to sunshine.
More on the Lakeside Watersports channel.