We've found 2 lakes in New Jersey where gas engines can't be run and electric motors are allowed.
1 of them let you launch a boat with a gas outboard as long as the outboard isn't run.
Gas boats OK, motor up You can launch a boat with a gas outboard. Leave it up and use your electric motor.No gas motors on board Remove the outboard or bring a boat without one.Gas boats: check first The rules don't say. Call before you tow a gas boat there.
Manasquan Reservoir
Near Howell, Monmouth County
Electric motors onlyGas boats OK, motor up
Electric motors only (listed 'E - Electric only' by NJ Fish & Wildlife); boats with gas engines may launch only with fuel tanks removed / propeller removed.
Size
770 acres
Launch
East ramp at the Visitor Center (Mar 1 - Nov 30)
Gas outboards
Remove portable fuel tanks, or the propeller if the tank is built in
Fees & permits
Boat launch pass $7 daily / $50 seasonal; NJ boating safety certificate required to operate an electric motorboat; NJ fishing license 16+
Other rules
Boats must be at least 8 ft long, and everyone aboard must wear a life jacket.
No vessel shall be launched that is powered by an internal combustion engine unless: The portable fuel tanks are removed prior to launching. … No vessel shall be launched that is powered by an internal combustion engine unless: A. The portable fuel tanks are removed prior to launching. B. Vessels with built-in fuel tanks remove the engine propeller prior to launching.
Mercer Lake
Near West Windsor, Mercer County
Electric motors onlyGas boats: check first
12-volt electric trolling motors only; no gasoline motors.
Size
275 acres
Launch
Free boat ramp, sunrise to sunset
Fees & permits
Ramp free; fishing license required
Other rules
Motors limited to 12-volt electric trolling motors. No boating from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise without a permit.
Mercer County Park Commission (Mercer County Park Marina)
What the official rules say
No gasoline engines permitted. Electric motors only. … No gasoline motors of any kind except for official use.
No lakes match. Try another state or clear the search.
Before you go
Rules change, and some lakes close for the season or have their own permits. We link each lake to the agency page that states its motor rule, and show the month we checked it (most recently October 2026). Confirm the current rules with the lake's manager before you head out. Your state's boat registration and safety-equipment rules still apply on electric-only lakes.
Know a lake we're missing, or a rule that's changed? Tell us.
