Get Outside! NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey State Parks
This is exciting!! New Jersey’s State Parks, Forests, and Recreation Areas Will Be Admission-free This Summer. All visitors will have entrance fees waived to each of the states’ more than 50 sites — covering more than 453,000 acres — whether arriving by foot, bike, motorcycle, or car.
If you are looking to enjoy an NJ State Park, I decided to create a checklist for all the state parks in NJ. You can download the list for personal use here: NJ-State-Park-Check-List-2.pdf (504 downloads )
If your looking for updates including park availability, weather advisories, and lifeguard status, be sure to check out the official New Jersey State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites Facebook Page.
NJIB’s Guide to New Jersey State Parks:
Allaire State Park (Monmouth County)
Allaire State Park is probably best known for its historic 19th-century iron-making town, Allaire Village, and the Pine Creek Railroad, a narrow-gauge train ride. The Manasquan River, which winds through the park, provides excellent opportunities for freshwater fishing. The river’s floodplain provides habitat for over 200 species of wildflowers, trees, and plants as well as habitat for birds and other wildlife. Hiking and multi-use trails are throughout the park.
Camping: Yes
Boating: Yes, canoeing
4265 Atlantic Ave, Farmingdale, NJ
Allamuchy Mountain State Park (Sussex County)
There are more than 14 miles of marked trails available for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the Allamuchy Natural Area.
Camping: No
Boating: Yes, Musconetcong River is available for canoes, kayaks, and rowboats
Waterloo Road, Stanhope, NJ
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park (Ocean County)
A panoramic view of Barnegat Bay, Island Beach, and Long Beach Island is waiting for you at the top of the lighthouse. Experience the “Story of Barnegat Lighthouse” in the park’s Interpretive Center. Step back in time and walk the Maritime Forest Trail through one of New Jersey’s last remaining maritime forests. Enjoy birdwatching and fishing in the shadow of Old Barney. The park is included as a maritime site on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail.
Camping: No
Boating: No
208 Broadway, Barnegat, NJ
Bulls Island State Park (Hunterdon County)
Bulls Island includes a park office, large picnic area, playground, a Roebling-designed pedestrian bridge crossing to Pennsylvania, access to the Delaware and Raritan (D&R) Canal Towpath Trail, and boat access to the Delaware River and D&R Canal. Visitors can choose from a scenic short walk over the pedestrian bridge or a bike ride along the more than 60 miles of multi-use trail.
Camping: No
Boating: Yes
2185 Daniel Bray Highway, Stockton, NJ
Cape May Point State Park (Cape May County)
One of the most popular sites for bird watching in North America and a natural route for migratory birds. Cape May Point State Park is 244 acres of freshwater meadows, ponds, forests, dunes, and beaches. Just a short bike ride from historic Cape May, the park is best known for the famous Cape May Lighthouse, a World War II gun battery and fire control tower, world-renowned fall bird migration, monarch butterflies, and Cape May diamonds. Thousands of visitors annually enjoy beach walking, hiking, birding, and fishing. Nature programs are available. The lighthouse and fire control tower are open seasonally and are administered by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities.
Camping: No
Boating: No
Light House Avenue, Cape May Point, NJ
Cheesequake State Park (Monmouth County)
Cheesequake State Park’s uniqueness lies in its geographical location. Not only is it situated in the middle of the urban north and the suburban south, but it also lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, an Atlantic white cedar swamp, pine barrens habitats, and a northeastern hardwood forest await you.
Camping: Yes
Boating: Yes. From the Tuesday after Labor Day through the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, small cartop boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards may be launched in Hooks Creek Lake. Electric motors only are permitted. A US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device is required for each person onboard the vessel. Kayaks and canoes are permitted from the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend through the Monday of Labor Day Monday
300 Gordon Rd, Matawan, NJ
Corson’s Inlet State Park (Cape May County)
Corson’s Inlet State Park was established in 1969 to help protect and preserve one of the last undeveloped tracts of land along the state’s oceanfront. The area’s natural habitats are rich in diversity with primary and secondary sand dune systems, shoreline overwash, marine estuaries, and upland areas in which a great variety of wildlife species live and breed. This park is a popular area for hiking, fishing, crabbing, boating, and sunbathing. Swimming is not allowed. Dogs are not allowed from April 1 through September 15.
Camping: No
Boating: Yes
5898 Bay Ave, Ocean City, NJ
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park (Mercer County)
Delaware and Raritan (D&R) Canal State Park is a linear park that’s more than 70 miles long and is central New Jersey’s most popular recreational corridor. When it opened in 1834, the Delaware and Raritan Canal provided a direct transportation link between the cities of Philadelphia and New York City. This new transportation corridor was a waterway connection that flowed through the heart of central New Jersey. What was once a thoroughfare for mule-powered canal boats, steam-powered vessels, and pleasure boats of all kinds, is today a linear state park that offers a serene and surprising respite from the commotion of nearby highways and surrounding suburban communities. With more than 70 miles of flat, continuous path available for use, the D&R Canal State Park is a haven for cyclists, runners, hikers, nature and history lovers of all kinds.
Camping: No
Boating: Yes, Canoes, kayaks, standup paddleboards (SUP), and nonmotorized boats are allowed along the entire length of the D&R Canal.
145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ
Double Trouble State Park (Ocean County)
Double Trouble State Park offers an outstanding example of the Pinelands’ pine barrens ecosystem and a window into New Jersey Pine Barrens history. The park provides the protection and interpretation of over 8000 acres of significant natural, cultural and recreational resources representative of the Pinelands National Reserve. The fresh, pure waters of Cedar Creek provided power and raw materials to a sawmill and large cranberry operation at Double Trouble Village. Today, this Pine Barrens “ghost town” is the heart of Double Trouble State Park. Cedar Creek is a favorite with canoeists and kayakers, while hikers, photographers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders enjoy the miles of marked trails through pine forests and cedar swamps.
Camping: No
Boating: Yes, Visitors to Double Trouble State Park can canoe or kayak Cedar Creek as it winds its way through the park.
581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ
Farny State Park (Morris County)
The forested wilderness of Farny State Park connects watershed lands and is crossed by an old logging road. Streams, mixed oak hardwood forest, and swamps comprise the park. Trail entry is through the Farny Natural Area. Split Rock Reservoir is adjacent to the park. Tall red, white, and black oaks provide the ideal habitat for endangered species.
Camping: No. There is a car-top launch with access to Split Rock Reservoir located within Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area, adjacent to the park. Boat motors are limited to electric only.
Boating: Yes
1304 Sloatsburg Road, Rockaway, NJ
Fort Mott State Park (Salem County)
Fort Mott was designed after the American Civil War as part of a three-fort coastal defense system for the Delaware River. The fortifications seen today were constructed in the late 1890s. By the end of World War due to advances in military technology, the fort was considered obsolete. Visitors can wander through the old gun batteries, following interpretive signs with detailed descriptions of the fort. The park museum houses display on Fort Mott’s place in history and technology used in defending the river. The Delaware River is just beyond the fortifications, with a shoreline that offers good spots for walking and picnicking.
Camping: No
Boating: No
454 Fort Mott Road, Pennsville, NJ
Hacklebarney State Park (Morris County)
The Black River Gorge, woodlands, and trails provide a great escape for walkers and anglers. The freshwater Black River briskly cuts its way through rocky Hacklebarney State Park cascading around boulders in the hemlock-lined ravine. Two tributaries, Rinehart and Trout Brooks, also course their way through this glacial valley feeding the Black River. The Black River gorge provides anglers and hikers a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In the 19th century, this area was an iron ore mine site, but today Hacklebarney is a favorite place for avid anglers and hikers. The gushing river against the grey boulders and dark green hemlocks creates a majestic beauty in any season.
Camping: No
Boating: No
119 Hacklebarney Road, Long Valley, NJ
High Point State Park (Sussex County)
High Point, the summit of the Kittatinny Ridge, rises 1,803 feet above sea level — the highest elevation in the state of New Jersey. Kittatinny Ridge is the product of continental collisions that crumpled the earth’s crust, the grinding force of mile-high ice sheets, and centuries of erosion that washed soil and rock into the valleys. The result is a mountain with unrivaled views of three states and a scenic landscape where uncommon plants take root, animals find refuge, and people come to sightsee, play, and relax.
Atop the mountain’s summit is the High Point Monument, dedicated to New Jersey’s veterans. This monument and the more than 16,000 acres that comprised High Point State Park were the generous gifts of Anthony and Susie Dryden Kuser in 1923.
Camping: Yes
Boating: Yes, Boats and personal watercraft, including kayaks and paddleboards, may be launched at boat ramps located at Sawmill Lake and Steenykill Lake.
1480 New Jersey 23, Sussex, NJ
Hopatcong State Park (Morris County)
Nine miles in length and 2,500 acres of freshwater, Lake Hopatcong offers outdoor enthusiasts many recreational opportunities.Lake Hopatcong is the largest lake in New Jersey and the most striking feature of Hopatcong State Park. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, a large picnic area with grills, boat launch access onto Lake Hopatcong, volleyball and basketball courts, a soccer field, and playground equipment.
Camping: No
Boating: Yes. Lake Hopatcong provides an excellent opportunity for any type of boating, ranging from canoes to large motorboats, sailboats, sailboards, and jet skis. Boats are available for rent at many private marinas around the lake.
260 Lakeside Boulevard, Roxbury Twp, NJ
Island Beach State Park (Ocean County)
Shaped by storms and tides, this narrow barrier island stretches for 10 miles between the restless Atlantic Ocean and the historic Barnegat Bay. Miles of sand dunes and white sandy beaches offer habitat to maritime plants and diverse wildlife that is almost the same as it was thousands of years ago. Island Beach State Park contains outstanding examples of plant communities such as primary dunes, thicket, freshwater wetlands, maritime forests, and tidal marshes. The state’s largest osprey colony, as well as peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and migrating songbirds, are found here. Island Beach is nationally known as a unique resource with over 400 plants identified, including the largest expanses of beach heather in New Jersey.
Camping: No
Boating: Yes. During the summer months, guided kayak tours take participants through the Sedge Islands where they can observe a wide variety of wildlife, including nesting ospreys, falcons, and wading birds. Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) can be launched at bayside Area 15 and Area 21 only.
2401 Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ
Kittatinny Valley State Park (Sussex County)
Embracing the headwaters of the Pequest River, the park features four lakes, including the deepest natural lake in New Jersey – Lake Aeroflex. Glacial lakes, limestone outcroppings, former railroads, and a small airport are features of Kittatinny Valley State Park. Lake Aeroflex and Gardner’s Pond form part of the headwaters of the Pequest River and are excellent for fishing and boating. This scenic property is home to a variety of wildlife such as whitetail deer, wild turkey, a variety of songbirds, beaver, muskrats, and squirrels. Hiking, mountain biking, birding, and horseback riding are popular activities. The four lakes offer fishing, boating, and kayaking opportunities.
Camping: Yes
Boating: Yes
199 Goodale Road, Newton, NJ
Liberty State Park (Hudson County)
With the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island as a spectacular backdrop, Liberty State Park is one of the state’s most dramatic parks. A green oasis in the heart of Metropolitan northern New Jersey, Liberty State Park serves as the gateway to the region’s rich natural, cultural and historical resources.
The historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ), a grand setting for much of New Jersey’s transportation history in the northeast, sits prominently at the north end of the park. A two-mile promenade, Liberty Walk links two picnic and playground areas, the Nature Center, and the CRRNJ Terminal while presenting visitors with a sweeping view of the Hudson River. Wide-open fields, miles of pathways, and an outdoor performance area provide an inviting atmosphere for all types of recreation. The Liberty Landing Marina, restaurants, and the NJ Empty Sky 9/11 Memorial complete the northern end of the park, while the western portion is dominated by the recently expanded, state-of-the-art Liberty Science Center.
Camping: No
Boating: Yes. Liberty State Park’s boat launch provides access to the Hudson River and opens at 6 a.m. throughout the year. Permits are mandatory year-round. Seasonal launch permits must be purchased at the park office, and are accepted at both Liberty State Park and Leonardo State Marina. Daily launch permits may be purchased at the park office or at the ticket machine in the boat launch parking lot. The kayak launch site is free.
1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ
Long Pond Ironworks State Park (Passaic County)
Long Pond Ironworks State Park is located in northern Passaic County and features something for all visitors: hiking, mountain biking, boating, hunting, fishing, historic interpretation, and nature and wildlife watching. The historic district, located in the heart of the park next to the Wanaque River, contains the remnants of a formerly industrious ironworking community and includes old stone walls, furnaces, and waterwheels. Mountain bikers will find miles of challenging trails winding through the Jungle Habitat section of the park. Anglers will want to test their skills on Monksville Reservoir, known for its trophy size muskellunge, walleye, bass, and trout. Additionally, Green Turtle Pond is stocked in the spring with trout, and both Monksville Reservoir and Green Turtle Pond have ample parking and boat ramps.
Camping: No
Boating: Yes
1334 Greenwood Lake Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ
Monmouth Battlefield State Park (Monmouth County)
The Battle of Monmouth marked a crucial turning point in the American Revolutionary War. On a blistering hot day on June 28, 1778 the land that is now Monmouth Battlefield State Park was the site of one of the longest battles of the American Revolutionary War. Here at Monmouth, Washington restored a reputation battered by defeats in 1777. In the day-long battle in the hills, wood lots, farm fields and meadows, the main Continental Army, retrained at Valley Forge, repulsed attacks by the main British Army. By the end, over 600 men were dead, dying, or wounded and the Continental Army held the field.
Camping: No
Boating: No
16 NJ-33 Business, Manalapan Township, NJ
Palisades State Park (Bergen County)
The Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey is about twelve miles long and half a mile wide, containing 2,500 acres of wild Hudson River shorefront, uplands, and cliffs. It is the original component of a unique interstate park system that now contains over 100,000 acres managed jointly by the states of New Jersey and New York.
Camping: No
Boating: Yes
1 Alpine Approach Road, Alpine, NJ
Parvin State Park (Salem County)
Built-in the 1930s, by the Civilian Conservation Corp, Parvin contains campsites, cabins, and a summer swimming beach on Parvin Lake. There are 15 miles of trails for walking, jogging, or biking and two lakes for canoeing and kayaking. Come visit for the day or longer. The park not only has pine forests typical to the area but also a swamp hardwood forest. Spring bursts out in bright colors and rich fragrances with blossoming dogwood, laurel, holly, magnolia, wild azalea, and over 200 kinds of flowering plants. Thundergust Lake, Parvin Lake, and Muddy Run are popular for fishing and boating.
Camping: Yes
Boating: Yes
701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove, NJ
Princeton Battlefield State Park (Mercer County)
The famous Mercer Oak once stood in the middle of the battlefield not far from the spot where General Hugh Mercer fell during the Battle of Princeton. In one of the fiercest battles of the American Revolution, American troops under General George Washington surprised and defeated a force of British Regulars on the morning of January 3, 1777. American soldiers, pushed back by a strong British assault, were rallied by Washington who rode his horse between the British and American lines, leading his men to his first field victory over British troops. The Battle of Princeton capped 10 days of maneuvering and fighting, including three battles, which began with Washington’s famous December 25, 1776 crossing of Delaware.
Camping: No
Boating: No
500 Mercer Rd, Princeton, NJ
Rancocas State Park (Burlington County)
The Rancocas Creek provides an idyllic setting to observe nature up close in this rustic park. Hikers, bicyclists, kayakers, and joggers are welcome, however, there are no staffed facilities on site. The Rancocas Nature Center (entrance off Rancocas Road) hosts a variety of wildlife and outdoor programs.
Camping: No
Boating: No
794 Rancocas Mt Holly Rd, Westampton, NJ
Ringwood State Park (Passaic County)
Shimmering ponds and streams, specialty gardens, an intricate trail system, and historic manors provide visitors with a variety of activities and a window into the past. Ringwood State Park offers visitors a myriad of recreational activities throughout the year. The park is also home to a number of beautiful country manors and botanical gardens that are open to the public year-round.
Camping: No
Boating: Yes. The Shepherd Lake section of the park offers a boat launch for visitors wishing to bring their own boat (canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Only electric motors are permitted on the lake. Boat rentals are available during the summer.
1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, NJ
Round Valley State Park (Hunterdon County)
Round Valley is the only state park that offers wilderness camping. The campsites on the eastern side of the reservoir are accessible only by hiking or boating. The campers’ parking lot is three miles away from the nearest site, reachable by a steep and rugged trail. Cross-country skiers and sledding enthusiasts congregate at Round Valley in the winter months.
Camping: Yes
Boating: Yes
1220 Stanton Lebanon Rd, Lebanon, NJ
Spruce Run Recreation Area (Hunterdon County)
Camping: Yes
Boating: Yes. Spruce Run Reservoir is open to motorboating (electric and gas, 10hp limit), sailing (mast height limit: 30 feet above the waterline), canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
68 Van Syckles Rd, Clinton, NJ
Stephens State Park (Warren County)
Stephens State Park features fishing in the trout-stocked waters of the Musconetcong River. Daytime visitors can enjoy picnic tables and grills with scenic views right along the river, or take advantage of the numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. Tent camping is available to those who wish to extend their stay and enjoy this beautiful park.
Camping: Yes
Boating: Yes. Boating (electric and gas motors), canoeing, and kayaking are permitted on the Musconetcong River
800 Willow Grove St, Hackettstown, NJ
Swartswood State Park (Sussex County)
This remote and rural area is off the beaten path and away from all major highways, but worth finding. Don’t expect jet skis or gas-powered motorboats racing across the 519-acre natural glacial lake as only electric motors are permitted. Instead, expect views of colorful sailboats, canoes, and kayaks on the still waters of Swartswood Lake.
Camping: Yes
Boating: Yes. Rowboats, canoes, paddleboats, kayaks, and small sailboats may be rented at the boat concession on a seasonal basis from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
1091 E Shore Dr, Swartswood, NJ
Voorhees State Park (Hunterdon County)
Explore the wooded hills of northern Hunterdon County by utilizing the fantastic multi-use trails within the park and enjoy the night sky with the New Jersey Astronomical Association. Voorhees State Park served as a camp for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from 1933-1941. The CCC planted trees and constructed shelters, picnic areas, and trails throughout the park. Today, Voorhees State Park offers camping, scenic hiking trails and an observatory.
Camping: Yes
Boating: No
251 County Route 513, Glen Gardner, NJ
Washington Crossing State Park, NJ (Mercer County)
Washington Crossing State Park is the site of General George Washington’s historic 1776 Christmas night crossing of the icy Delaware River. For almost ten hours, boats and ferries moved continuously back and forth carrying men, horses, and cannon to the Jersey side. By midnight a strong storm had developed, hurling sleet, hail, and snow at the rebel army. Landing at Johnson’s Ferry, the Continental Army still faced an arduous nine-mile march to Trenton as the storm continued with a vengeance. Reaching Trenton in the early morning of December 26th, the American Army surrounded, defeated, and captured over 900 Hessian mercenaries and secured a morale-boosting victory of immeasurable proportions.
Camping: Yes
Boating: No
355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd, Titusville, NJ
Washington Rock State Park (Somerset County)
The strategic location of Washington Rock made it a valuable lookout point during the American Revolution for General George Washington in June of 1777, when the British army under General William Howe was moving toward Westfield. From the vantage point of this natural rock outcropping, General Washington had a thirty-mile panoramic view of the valley and was able to instruct his troops to circle behind Howe’s troops and cut off their retreat.
One of the oldest state parks in New Jersey, Washington Rock was originally purchased in 1913 to commemorate the historical events of 1777. Situated on top of Watchung Mountain in Green Brook Township, the park is best known for its scenic vista and historical significance. The park is a popular site for picnicking and relaxing.
Camping: No
Boating: No
355 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ
