New Jersey is a small park, but it's full of stunning natural havens. These are the best state parks in New Jersey to visit through the year.
New Jersey is a small state, yet it is the most densely populated state in the United States. That makes it all the more important to have some quiet spots to get away from it all, and there's no better place to do that than a state park. New Jersey surprisingly has over 50 state parks, state forests, and recreation areas designated as protected by the state government, and they couldn't be more different. Some are popular tourist attractions, with people coming from all around to experience stunning views and historic sites. Others are little-known natural havens, mostly untouched by man and perfect for wilderness exploration. We even have one of the largest natural preserves in the entire United States, located in the southern part of the state. It can be a challenge to figure out where to start when exploring these parks, which is why here at Only In Your State, we've collected some of the best state parks in New Jersey to help you plan the perfect trip across the state.
Most Popular State Parks In New Jersey
1. Liberty State Park
Location: Jersey City
Wow Factor: The most central of all New Jersey state parks, this massive urban haven is home to some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline anywhere, and that’s just the start. There are so many things to do in Liberty State Park that you’ll likely want to carve out a whole day to explore it, ending with dining on-site.
Need To Know: In addition to the green spaces and historic buildings like a once-abandoned railroad terminal, Liberty State Park is also home to the state’s main 9/11 memorial, Empty Sky. It’s also walking distance from the acclaimed Liberty Science Center. This is also the most visited New Jersey state park, so expect it to be crowded when you visit.
2. Cape May Point State Park
Location: Cape May Point
Wow Factor: Part of New Jersey’s most popular shore city, Cape May Point State Park is the perfect spot to explore the diversity of the region’s ecosystem. There are stunning Atlantic coast beaches here, as well as peaceful wooded trails ideal for birdwatching. This is also the site of Cape May’s most famous lighthouse, which can be climbed — one of the many things to do in Cape May Point State Park.
Need To Know: World War II history is rich in this area, and if you explore the beach, you’ll come across a massive WWII-era gun battery that’s still standing.
3. High Point State Park
Wow Factor: As the title indicates, this is the highest point in New Jersey, so it’s no surprise that the biggest selling point here is the stunning views. Keep an eye out for the towering structure that looks like a miniature Washington Monument — this is High Point Monument, and it leads to the overlook you won’t want to miss.
Need To Know: This is a smaller park, but the things to do in High Point State Park include peering into three different states, thanks to the binoculars offering unparalleled views.
4. Washington Crossing State Park
Location: Titusville
Wow Factor: It’s exactly what it sounds like — this is where George Washington crossed the Delaware, with a stately stone marker at the exact location. Several different historic buildings have been restored in the park, so it’s easy to take a walk along history’s path here on the well-maintained trails and discover more about the men who helped found America.
Need To Know: There are a surprising number of things to do in Washington Crossing State Park on a day trip, including attending a concert or play at the open-air theater when the weather is good, or visiting the small museum.
5. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Location: Barnegat Light
Wow Factor: This is the smallest state park in New Jersey, but one of the most iconic thanks to its towering lighthouse. Located in a less-traveled area of the Jersey Shore, this tiny Long Beach Island haven features a structure that was built in 1857, and visitors can still climb to the top for an amazing view.
Need To Know: Looking for things to do in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park? This 32-acre state park is amazing for birdwatching and stargazing. If you’re planning to visit, the lighthouse is only open for climbing from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
6. Island Beach State Park
Location: Lanoka Harbor
Wow Factor: This park is situated on a stunning 10-mile barrier island, so narrow that it can be easily walked from one side of the water to the other — or head to the tip for a much longer hike! There are so many great things to do in Island Beach State Park, and most involve the water — kayaking, canoeing, boating, surfing, and saltwater fishing are all popular activities here.
Need To Know: This is also an amazing spot for night fishing, and the remote location means you’ll likely be able to see the stars like few other places in New Jersey.
Best State Parks In New Jersey To Camp
7. Kittatinny Valley State Park
Location: Newton
Wow Factor: This sprawling park spans over 5,000 acres, encompassing four former railroads that have been converted into trails. It also features glacial lakes that are almost stunningly beautiful, as well as historic ruins that can be encountered along the trails.
Need To Know: To do all the things to do in Kittatinny Valley State Park, you might want to spend the night — and this is an amazing spot for camping. The park has group campsites that include picnic tables, fire rings, and composting toilets. (Editor's Note: All campsites at Kittatinny Valley State Park are currently closed. However, there are four group campsites available. You can find out more on the New Jersey State Park Service website.)
8. Wharton State Forest
Location: Hammonton
Wow Factor: This is one of the more isolated state parks in New Jersey, as state forests usually are. That makes it an amazing spot to be truly alone with nature, as you hike the many winding trails. This park is also home to some stunning old ruins, which have been overtaken by the forest over the decades.
Need To Know: Many people take more than one day to do all the things to do in Wharton State Forest, so it’s fortunate that this is one of the best parks for camping. There are fifty tent and trailer sites available at the Atsion location and 34 more available at the Godfrey Bridge location. The latter is open year-round for winter camping. You can book your campsite on the New Jersey State Park Service website.
Best State Parks In New Jersey To RV
9. Cheesequake State Park
Location: Matawan
Wow Factor: A large park near the Jersey Shore, Cheesequake State Park is highly popular with hikers and those who fish — it even has a crabbing bridge where you can usually see locals hard at work reeling in the catch. While it’s usually a laid-back place, there are plenty of great things to do in Cheesequake State Park, especially if you love swimming at the in-park beach or birdwatching.
Need To Know: There are fifty tent and trailer sites available, and this is a popular camping site, so book your spot in advance. The park also has a major group camping site named the Gordon Field Group Area, which can accommodate up to four groups of 25 people each, complete with picnic areas and other amenities. Both campsites are available from April through October, and you can book yourcampsite on the New Jersey State Park Service website.
10. Allaire State Park
Location: Wall Township
Wow Factor: Allaire State Park is best known for the massive historic Allaire Village, which might be the best time capsule in the entire Garden State. Some of these buildings date back to the 18th century. The park is also home to some of the largest cranberry bogs in the state, so if you visit during cranberry season, you’re in for a stunning sight (and probably some delicious goodies at local vendors).
Need To Know: With so many great things to do in Allaire State Park, it makes sense to make it an overnight stay - and the park is prepared with 45 tent and trailer sites open from April to mid-December. The park is RV-friendly and also has four cabin-like shelters for groups of four. It’s a great spot for picnicking, whether you’re staying overnight or not. But if you would like to camp, you can reserve your campsite through the New Jersey State Park Service website.
Best State Parks In New Jersey For Hiking
11. Ringwood State Park
Location: Ringwood
Wow Factor: Ringwood State Park is our personal favorite park in the winter, with the peaceful and historic park looking especially beautiful under a blanket of snow. This park is located in the north of the state, near the Monksville Reservoir, and crowds are typically light in the winter. There are plenty of great things to do in Ringwood State Park, regardless of the season.
Need To Know: Most of the trails here are over easy terrain and remain accessible in the winter. This is a very popular spot for snowshoeing. The bodies of water in the park are also great for fishing.
12. Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Location: Manalapan Township
Wow Factor: One of the most historic state parks in New Jersey, this park is on the site of a key Revolutionary War battle that ended without a clear victor. Most significantly, this site is where the legend of Molly Pitcher was born, about a woman who brought ammunition and water to the outgunned American troops.
Need To Know: While this park is known as the most haunted battlefield in New Jersey, it’s a safe spot to visit and see the various historic markings. There are plenty of great things to do in Monmouth Battlefield State Park for history buffs, but make sure to drop by Molly Pitcher’s Spring.
13. Hacklebarney State Park
Location: Long Valley
Wow Factor: One of the best parks in northern New Jersey, Hacklebarney State Park encompasses over 1,000 acres of natural splendor surrounding the Black River Gorge. This results in a wild, jagged terrain that is perfect for true nature lovers. Miles of hiking trails and plenty of small waterfalls make this an incredible spot for photo opportunities during the fall foliage season.
Need To Know: While there are plenty of safe trails for rookie hikers, this is one park where you could encounter some uneven terrain. Wear a good pair of hiking boots when exploring all the trails and discovering all of the wonderful things to do in Hacklebarney State Park.
14. Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Location: Hewitt
Wow Factor: Maybe the most beautiful spot for ruins in New Jersey, this park was the site of a large ironworks complex that has fallen into disrepair over the decades. There are several other historic buildings in the area, and the entire park looks especially beautiful and rustic when covered in snow during the winter.
Need To Know: One of the best things to do in Long Pond Ironworks State Park often slips under the radar — it’s the beautiful Green Turtle Pond. This small lake that makes one of New Jersey’s best spots for ice-fishing for trout.
Best Little-Known State Parks In New Jersey
15. Rancocas State Park
Location: Westampton
Wow Factor: Located on the banks of Rancocas Creek, this isolated state park is the best place around for waterfront hiking in South Jersey. It features fourteen official trails, but that’s just the start. Avid hikers have created plenty of side trails around the park to discover hidden gems hiding in the woods.
Need To Know: There are actually two distinct sides to Rancocas State Park. For those looking for family-friendly things to do in Rancocas State Park, the area with the nature center is a great destination. The other side of the park is where you can discover more rugged trails. It’s a popular destination for adventure hiking and mountain biking in New Jersey.
16. Jenny Jump State Forest
Location: Hope
Wow Factor: A massive state forest of over 4,500 acres, Jenny Jump State Forest is one of the best dark-sky parks in all of New Jersey, making it a very popular spot for stargazing. But you don’t have to look to the skies to find amazing views — the forest is home to some incredible rock formations dating back to the Wisconsin glaciation, which deposited massive boulders in unusual spots.
Need To Know: With small caves, creeks, and isolated hiking trails, there are plenty of things to do in Jenny Jump State Forest for adventurous types. However, you should exercise caution as many of the trails are highly rugged.
17. Double Trouble State Park
Location: Bayville
Wow Factor: One of the best state parks in the Pine Barrens, Double Trouble State Park was once a company town. Today, it’s both a park and a historic village with some of the best waterfront views in the state. The park is also home to a large network of cranberry bogs, which look stunning in season.
Need To Know: For those looking for things to do in Double Trouble State Park beyond hiking, the historic village is home to 14 restored buildings where visitors can step into the 1800s. It's one of the most fascinating state parks in New Jersey.
18. Corson’s Inlet State Park
Location: Ocean City
Wow Factor: While not the smallest state park in New Jersey, Corson’s Inlet just might be the most bucolic. A tiny strip of land on the outskirts of Ocean City, this is almost like a private beach. The sandy shore is ringed by plants, and there are several small trails around the state park for those who want a break from the water.
Need To Know: Nature lovers will find plenty of things to do in Corson's Inlet State Park. The park is home to two endangered species: the Piping Plover and Sea Amaranth. Leashed dogs are welcome, but not during the crowded season of April 1st through September 15th.
There are so many great state parks in New Jersey, the odds are we all have a different favorite. So, what's your favorite New Jersey state park?
If you're looking for more bucket-list destinations in New Jersey, check out the state's greatest natural wonders. And if you're planning to explore the trails within many of these state parks, a subscription to AllTrails + will make it easy to stay connected with hundreds of downloadable trail maps at all times.