New Jersey State Parks

Whether you have a boat for boating and fishing in any of the many New Jersey State Parks, or are looking for a relaxing get-away, you'll discover our New Jersey State Park listings as the place to find just the right park for you and your family.  We have compiled all the state parks into one place for your convenience.

New Jersey State Parks has something for everyone: Boating, Fishing, Bicycling, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming or just good relaxation.  Click on any of the links below to find the specific information on boat launching fees, camp reservations and information about the park.

All state parks are controlled and maintained by the State of New Jersey. They are clean, safe and well maintained by the state.


Listings

  • Abram S. Hewitt State Forest

    A section of bearfort ridge reaches into hewitt state forest, offering hikers a challenging climb with a rewarding view. the forest is isolated and untouched, accessible only on foot. marshes and wetlands are scattered throughout the forest with several brooks and streams crisscrossing the lower areas. hemlock and oak are the dominant species of this relatively undisturbed forest.

  • Allaire State Park

    Allaire state park is probably best known for its historic 19th-century iron making town, allaire village, and its antique steam trains on the pine creek railroad. the manasquan river, which winds through the park, attracts canoeists and fishermen. the river’s floodplain provides habitat for over 200 species of wildflowers, trees and plants as well as habitat for birds and other wildlife. hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders enjoy the many trails in the park.

  • Allamuchy Mountain State Park

    The musconetcong river, with some of the best trout fishing in the state, winds through allamuchy mountain state park. several miles of trails crisscross through the forests and marshlands of the park. waterloo village, which is located on the banks of the morris canal, is well known for its historic buildings and diverse cultural programs of classical and popular music as well as dance and opera.

  • Atsion Recreation Area

    Wharton state forest is the largest single tract of land within the new jersey state park system. it is also the site of batsto village, a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from 1766 to 1867 that currently reflects the agricultural and commercial enterprises that existed here during the late 19th century.

  • Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

    The site of barnegat lighthouse on the northern tip of long beach island in ocean county was regarded as one of the most crucial "change of course" points for coastal vessels. vessels bound to and from new york along the new jersey coastline depended on barnegat lighthouse to avoid the shoals extending from the shoreline. the swift currents, shifting sandbars, and the offshore shoals challenged the skills of even the most experienced sailor. the park is included as a maritime site on the new jersey coastal heritage trail.

  • Bass River State Forest

    Bass river state forest was the first forest acquired by the state of new jersey in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management. lake absegami, a 67-acre lake created in the 1930's, is the center of the forest's recreational activities and provides an area for swimming and a serene setting for boating and canoeing. a trail through the absegami natural area wanders through a pine/oak woods and a small atlantic white cedar bog

  • Belleplain State Forest

    The forested acres of belleplain include stands of young pine, oak and atlantic white cedar, reflecting better soil conditions and less damage by fire than found in the pine barrens just north of the forest. belleplain state forest was established in 1928 by the state of new jersey for recreation, wildlife management, timber production, and water conservation. in 1933, three camps were set up by the civilian conservation corps (ccc) reforestation relief act, supplying labor to the forest for over an eight-year period.

  • Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

    Formerly known as lebanon state forest, visitors are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. today's forested acres are a strong contrast to the barren, cleared land that existed in the 1800s. the lebanon glass works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate.

  • Bull's Island Recreation Area

    This natural area comprises a portion of a small forested island surrounded by the delaware river and the delaware & raritan canal. a trail along the towpath of the canal reveals a lowland floodplain forest dominated by sycamore, silver maple and tulip poplar. several rare plant species are found in this natural area.

  • Cape May Point State Park

    Although cape may lighthouse is a major attraction for many visitors to the area, the park’s constantly changing shoreline, dunes, freshwater coastal marsh and ponds, forested islands and varied uplands make it a well-known location for viewing the fall bird migration. located on the southern tip of new jersey, cape may point state park is a key site on the nj coastal heritage trail, with an environmental center that houses a classroom for interpretive programs and a museum on the area's natural and historic features.

  • Cheesequake State Park

    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, it lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, pine barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park.

  • Corson's Inlet State Park

    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 the diversity of its wildlife with primary and secondary sand dune systems, shoreline overwash, marine estuaries and upland areas in which hundreds of wildlife species live and breed. the park offers outstanding scenic beauty and endless opportunities for observing a multitude of migratory and residential wildlife species. corson’s inlet is extremely popular for hiking, fishing, crabbing, boating and sunbathing.

  • Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park

    The delaware and raritan canal state park is one of central new jersey’s most popular recreational corridors for canoeing, jogging, hiking, bicycling, fishing and horseback riding. the canal and towpath are part of the national recreational trail system. the 70-mile linear park is a valuable wildlife corridor connecting fields and forests.

  • Double Trouble State Park

    Double trouble state park offers an outstanding example of the pine barrens ecosystem and a window into the 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.

  • Farny State Park

    This forested wilderness 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

  • Forked River State Marina

    By water, the marina is a leisurely 15-minute ride to the "bb" buoy, barnegat bay and the intracoastal waterway. barnegat inlet and the atlantic ocean are easily accessible.

  • Fort Mott State Park

    Fort mott was part of a coastal defense system designed for the delaware river in the late 1800s. the fortifications seen today at fort mott were erected in 1896 in anticipation of the spanish-american war. today, visitors can wander through the old batteries following interpretive signs with detailed descriptions of the fort. just beyond the fortifications is the delaware river. the shoreline offers good spots for walking and picnicking. the nj coastal heritage trail welcome center accommodates displays defining fort mott’s place in history and the environment.

  • Fortescue State Marina

    Located on the delaware bay approximately 23 miles northwest of cape may, fortescue is easily accessible from the bay. access by land is by way of millville, route 555. follow the signs to fortescue.

  • Hacklebarney State Park

    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. even in the heat of midsummer, the temperature of black river gorge is cool and refreshing.

  • High Point State Park

    The view from high point monument, at 1,803 feet above sea level, is a spectacular panorama of rich farmland and forest, soft hills and lush valleys in three states. the blue line of the delaware river divides the verdant ridges of new jersey from those of pennsylvania. high point offers superb trails for hikers and skiers and quiet spots for campers and anglers.

  • Hopatcong State Park

    Nine miles in length and covered by 2,500 acres of freshwater, lake hopatcong is the focal point of the park. hopatcong state park is at the southwest end of the lake and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.

  • Island Beach State Park

    Shaped by storm and tides, island beach state park is a narrow barrier island stretching for 10 miles between the restless atlantic ocean and the historic barnegat bay. island beach is one of new jersey's last significant remnants of a barrier island ecosystem that once existed along much of the coast and is also one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches on the north atlantic coast. over 3,000 acres and 10 miles of coastal dunes remain almost untouched since henry hudson first described new jersey's coast from the ship, the half moon, in 1609.

  • Jenny Jump State Forest

    Jenny jump state forest is located in warren county along the stunning rolling terrain of jenny jump mountain range. panoramic vistas of the highlands and the kittatinny mountains and valley to the west, and scenic views of the great meadows in the east dramatically greet the visitor who climbs the narrow path leading to the top of jenny jump mountain. rocky outcroppings and boulders line the trail - evidence that great glaciers once covered what is now known as jenny jump state forest.

  • Kittatinny Valley State Park

    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.

  • Leonardo State Marina

    Leonardo state marina is four blocks off route 36 in leonardo. by water, it is due southwest of sandy hook and is the closest marina to the sandy hook bay entrance. its proximity to the east of the earle naval pier, makes it easily identifiable as you enter the bay from either new york bay or the atlantic ocean.

  • Liberty Landing Marina

    Future plans for the liberty landing marina include additional berths and dockside facilities, restaurants, marine-related shops and a 250-boat storage building.

  • Liberty State Park

    Liberty state park is a green oasis in the middle of metropolitan northern new jersey. with the manhattan skyline, the statue of liberty and ellis island as a spectacular backdrop, liberty state park is one of the state's most dramatic parks.

  • Long Pond Ironworks State Park

    The old stone walls, furnaces and other remnants of the once industrious ironworking community now sit tranquilly next to the swiftly flowing wanaque river. the village is undergoing research and restoration and one waterwheel has been reconstructed. future plans call for additional restoration work.

  • Monmouth Battlefield State Park

    One of the largest battles of the american revolution took place in the fields and forests that now make up monmouth battlefield state park. the park preserves a splendid rural 18th-century landscape of hilly farmland and hedgerows that encompasses miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, picnic areas, a restored revolutionary war farmhouse and a visitors center.

  • Norvin Green State Forest

    The undisturbed forest and rugged terrain of norvin green offers sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. part of the wyanokie wilderness area, the forest is near wanaque reservoir and is home to an extensive trail system built from old logging roads. several trails link up with public and private facilities, including the weis ecology center and reservoir property. the existing trails, either old forest roads or new trails constructed by volunteers, are perfect for nature walks and other outdoor classroom activities. with hills ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet in elevation, norvin green provides the avid hiker with scenic vistas, including the new york skyline, burnt meadow brook and lake sonoma. the property is accessible by foot only.

  • Parvin State Park

    Hidden in the southwestern part of the state is parvin state park, a park whose history is as varied as its wildlife. situated on the edge of the pine barrens, 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. swimming is allowed in parvin lake only.

  • Penn State Forest

    Penn state forest's undeveloped wilderness attracts picnickers and hikers. lake oswego, a result of an upstream dam that was constructed to create a reservoir for a downstream cranberry operation, is suitable for canoeing and fishing.

  • Princeton Battlefield State Park

    On january 3, 1777, the peaceful winter fields and woods of princeton battlefield were transformed into the site of what is considered to be the fiercest fight of its size during the american revolution. during this desperate battle, american troops under general george washington surprised and defeated a force of british regulars. coming at the end of "the ten crucial days" which saw the well-known night crossing of the delaware river and two battles in trenton, the battle of princeton gave washington his first victory against the british regulars on the field. the battle extended over a mile away to the college of new jersey (now princeton university).

  • Ramapo Mountain State Forest

    This hilly forest is a sanctuary for wildlife. hikers and mountain bikers enjoy miles of challenging trails. many trails offer a view of the new york city skyline. birdwatchers are attracted to the forest for its ponds, streams and marshes that provide the perfect habitat for bird and other wildlife species. the forest borders the ramapo mountain reservation, which is part of the bergen county park system.

  • Rancocas State Park

    The rancocas creek provides an idyllic setting to observe nature up close in this rustic park. hikers, bicyclists and joggers are welcome, however, there are no staffed facilities on site. the new jersey audubon society operates a nature center on the park (entrance off rancocas road) and sponsors varied wildlife programs.

  • Ringwood State Park

    Dedicated in 1984, the garden is the culmination of two eras of landscape architecture under the direction of francis lynde stetson, owner of skylands from 1891-1922. the garden contains an extensive variety of plants, evergreens and deciduous trees and shrubs in specialty areas. of particular interest are the crabapple vista, terraced gardens, perennial and annual gardens and woodland paths. the extensive vistas of the garden and veiw of ramapo mountains frame this 96-acre botanical showplace. visitors can tour the gardens and surrounding woods year round, from 8 am to 8 pm. for more info check out the new jersey state botanical gardens (njbg) skylands association web site. for information on wedding ceremonies and receptions in the gardens please call (973) 962-9370 or visit frungillo catering.

  • Round Valley Recreation Area

    The brisk blue waters of round valley reservoir attract swimmers, boaters, fishermen, picnickers and campers to its scenic shore. the round valley reservoir swimming area was created by the construction of an earth dam across a narrow waterway on the west side of the reservoir, separating it from the main part of the reservoir. the reservoir covers over 2,000 acres and is approximately 180 feet deep, the deepest lake in new jersey. it has a water capacity of 55 billion gallons. the reservoir is stocked with lake trout.

  • Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina

    Future plans for the liberty landing marina include additional berths and dockside facilities, restaurants, marine-related shops and a 250-boat storage building.

  • Spring Meadow Golf Course

    Spring meadow golf course has tree-lined fairways with well-trapped greens. the manasquan river runs through the property, creating an attractive and challenging course. the course is 6,224 yards long with a course rating of back, 69.7, slope 122. the middle is 67.5, slope 114 and forward is 64.4, slope 107. five par 3 holes, five par 5s and eight par 4s.

  • Spruce Run Recreation Area

    Surrounded by the rolling hills of hunterdon county, spruce run recreation area is popular with picnickers, swimmers, fishermen, boaters and campers. the reservoir was one of the first water supply facilities to be constructed and operated by the state and covers 1,290 acres with 15 miles of shoreline for recreation. spruce run is the third largest reservoir in the state after round valley and wanaque reservoirs.

  • Stephens State Park

    The musconetcong river, an excellent freshwater fishing spot, flows over and around boulders through stephens state park. an easy walking, but rocky path follows the river with places for picnicking in shaded areas.

  • Stokes State Forest

    The breathtaking and panoramic view from sunrise mountain along the appalachian trail rewards the hiker who has trekked up the steep side of the mountain. the view encompasses the pastoral farmland of new jersey to the east and undeveloped forests and mountain ridges to the west. for those who don’t relish the idea of climbing up the side of a mountain and following a sometimes rocky and steep trail for a few hours, there is a short drive to the pavilion at the top of the mountain.

  • Swartswood State Park

    Established in 1914 as new jersey's first state park, swartswood is well known for its great fishing and tranquil surroundings. little swartswood and swartswood lake were formed by glaciers thousands of years ago and are now home to a variety of fish. both lakes have been the focus of water quality improvement efforts including invasive aquatic weed control and watershed protection.

  • Voorhees State Park

    Voorhees, like parvin state park, served as a camp for the civilian conservation corps (ccc) - franklin roosevelt’s program to get people back to work during the depression. the ccc planted trees and constructed shelters, picnic sites and trails throughout the park. two overlooks provide scenic views of round valley reservoir and spruce run reservoir.

  • Warren Grove Recreation Area

    Warren grove recreation area is an undeveloped wilderness perfect for hiking and birding. this 617-acre parcel is just west of the town of warren grove and straddles ocean and burlington counties. the land was acquired from the national park service in 1972 as part of their federal lands to parks program. bass river state forest administers this area.

  • Washington Crossing State Park

    On december 25, 1776, the icy waters of the delaware river provided the setting for one of the pivotal events of the american revolution. the continental army had little to celebrate that christmas and seemed beat by hunger and cold. after crossing the rough winter river at night, general george washington and the continental army landed at johnson’s ferry, at the site now known as washington crossing state park. at 4 am, they began their march to trenton where they defeated the hessian troops in an unexpected attack. this battle was quickly followed by the second battle of trenton on january 2, 1777, and the battle of princeton on january 3, 1777.

  • Washington Rock State Park

    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.

  • Wawayanda State Park

    The quiet charm of wawayanda appeals to hikers, campers, swimmers and boaters. forested hills surround lake wawayanda creating a restful backdrop for canoeists, boaters and fisherman, while steep mountains challenge casual as well as serious hikers. a twenty-mile stretch of the appalachian trail runs through the park, while the top of wawayanda mountain offers sensational views. more than forty miles of trails are marked in the park.

  • Wharton State Forest

    Wharton state forest is the largest single tract of land within the new jersey state park system. it is also the site of batsto village, a former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from 1766 to 1867 that currently reflects the agricultural and commercial enterprises that existed here during the late 19th century.

  • Worthington State Forest

    Some of the most rugged terrain and splendid views of northern new jersey are found in worthington state forest. a rocky and sometimes steep trail follows dunnfield creek from the delaware river to mount tammany or hikers may choose to follow the trail to sunfish pond, one of the most popular sites in the area. millions of years in the making, the pond was carved out by glacial forces during the last ice age and is one of fourteen rock-basin lakes between the delaware water gap and the end of kittatinny ridge. a trail circles the pond, with many boulders and openings for resting and observation.