Gardner Lake State Park offers a paved boat launch at 126 Old Colchester Rd in Salem with ample parking and seasonal amenities including restrooms and picnic facilities. The park is open daily from 8 a. m.

to sunset and provides access to the 528-acre Gardner Lake for boating, fishing, and swimming, with boat speeds limited to 6 mph from sunset to 8 a. m.

Day passes are required for out-of-state visitors ($15 weekends/holidays, $10 weekdays), though Connecticut residents with registered vehicles are exempt.