About Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake is located in the towns of Ellington (Pop. 2019 16,467) and Stafford (Pop. 2019 11,893) Connecticut. The lake has an area of approx. 200 acres, with a maximum depth of 50 feet (15.2 meters) and a mean depth of 20 feet (6 meters). The deepest water is located in the center of the lake. Principally it is fed by Aborn Brook, located at the south end, and the outlet dam is located at the north end of the lake. The ratio of water inflow rate is such that the water in the lake is replaced about once every year.

Artifacts found at the north end of the lake indicate that the Nipmuc Indians resided here and called the lake Wabbaquasset, meaning ‘place where cattails grow’. The lake was origionally called Square Pond or Ruby Lake after the garnets found in the surrounding hills. In 1889 the name was changed to Crystal Lake.

Today, the entire shore is lined by residential property with only one public beach located on Sandy Beach Road (Rt. 140) at the south end of the lake, operated by the Town of Ellington.

The State of Connecticut operates a boat launch located on the West Shore Drive located on the west side of the lake, off Route 30. There are a limited number of parking spaces available for cars with trailers near the ramp. Sail boats can enjoy ‘quiet time’ on Sundays throughout the summer when the maximum speed for boats is reduced to five (5) mph between the hours of 12 noon and 3 pm.

There are no public boat docking or restaurant located on the lake. Food can be purchased at two locations on Rt 30 a short distance from the boat ramp.
Fishing bait can be purchased at a nearby gas station or deli located on Rt 30.