Lake Hopatcong was home to the Lenape Indians about 12,000 years ago. They settled near Great Pond and Little Pond, which were eventually combined to form the lake. The ponds were full of fish and became very important in the everyday life and traditions of the Native Americans. In the 1600s, colonial exploration of Great and Little Pond began, and in the 18th century, the two ponds were merged to form the lake when a dam was built. Since the 19th century and the industrialization of the area, the water levels have risen, and the lake has taken the shape it has today. At the turn of the 20th century, the lake became a popular vacation destination for wealthy New Yorkers. Rent an RV in Lake Hopatcong if you want to see the scenic lake and its gorgeous surrounding area.