Water Sports & Sailing
Water sport enthusiasts on Bantam Lake enjoy a diversity of activities, including paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, sailing, jet skiing, and all manner of towing sports permissible by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) regulations. Please note regulations specific to Bantam Lake that include no motors between 11 P.M. and 5 A.M., a 6 mph speed limit in Nick’s Cove, and no towing sports within 150 feet of shore. Also, please be aware of the new CT waterskiing, (towing sport), license requirements.
Trailer boaters may launch at the State Launch on Rt 209 or at White Memorial Campground on North Shore Road. (See Boat Launches) Car toppers may be put in at the State launch, or put in on the river at the bridge on North Shore Road, or at the bridge on Alain White Road.
Bantam Lake is home to the Litchfield Hills rowing club, The Bantam Lake Yacht Club and The Bantam Lake Ski Club.
Swimming Areas
Sandy Beach is a popular beach that is the only beach open to the general public on Bantam Lake. It is located on East Shore Road in Morris CT. There is a shaded picnic area, concession stand and lifeguards on duty during summer hours.
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Please note there is an entrance fee for visitors. Visit the Sandy Beach website for more information. Or click below for directions.
Fishing
Fishing is an active pastime on Bantam Lake. Both large and small mouth bass, calico bass, pickerel, white and yellow perch and plenty of sun fish and bullhead are regularly caught in Bantam Lake. Additionally, The DEEP supports a northern pike population and teases that a record pike, locally known as “Bantam Bertha”, exists.
For more information please visit the link below.
Camping
The campgrounds located on Bantam Lake are run by the White Memorial Foundation. There are two main sites located on the lake.
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For reservations call the Campground Store at 860.567.0089
Site 1: Point Folly
Point Folly has 47 camp sites located on a peninsula in Bantam Lake. Please call White Memorial Foundation for reservations, season dates and more information.
Site 2: Windmill Hill Family Campground
Windmill Hill has 18 sites in the shelter and quiet of pine woods. Windmill Hill is open from memorial Day through Labor Day. Please call White Memorial Foundation for reservations and more information.
Winter Activities
Ice on the lake brings another set of activities to the lake.
Ice skating and ice fishing may be at the top of the list, but ice boating and cross country skiing are enjoyed as much. Watch ice boating from the White Memorial Campground boat launch. Public access to the lake can be attained along Route 209, at the marinas, and from the Point Folly parking lot on East Shore Road. Use designated parking areas. Do not park roadside
Please do not litter. All fires on the lake must be contained and fire debris, ash, embers, etc. must be safely and properly discarded off the ice.