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. 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.

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.  The beach is operated by the Sandy Beach Commission which is comprised of members from Litchfield and Morris.

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Sandy Beach is open from Memorial Day weekend all the way until Labor Day weekend. There is a shaded picnic area, concession stand and lifeguards on duty during summer hours.  ​

Please note there is an entrance fee for visitors. Visit the Sandy Beach website for more information. 

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.

 

A fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older. Visit the DEEP website to find out which license is the best fit for you and where you can purchase one.

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WARNING: Invasive Aquatic Plants transported from the hulls of fishing boats are a major threat to the health of our lake. Please practice the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY technique and learn how to identify CT's most prominent invasive species.

Established in 1933,  the Bantam Lake Yacht Club is a non-profit sailing club situated on Bantam Lake's South Bay. 

 

They host a variety of annual regattas and organize a weekly Sunfish racing series as well as the occasional social event. They also offer private sailing lessons with experienced instructors as well as group sailing programs.

 

Trailer boaters may launch at the State Launch on Rt 209 or at White Memorial Campground on North Shore Road. 

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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 well. 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.

White Memorial Foundation provides two distinct areas for family camping. Point Folly Family Campground has 47 sites located on a peninsula in Bantam Lake. Windmill Hill Family Campground has 18 sites in the shelter and quiet of pine woods. From these sites, the varied habitat and facilities of the Foundation and Conservation Center may be explored. The season at Point Folly begins early May and ends on Columbus Day. Windmill Hill is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

 

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 lake.