Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
New Jersey is a small state – in fact, we’re by far 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’ve even got one of the largest natural preserves in the entire United States in the south 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.
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.
2. Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point State Park, Light House Ave, Cape May Point, NJ 08212, USA
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, but also 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.
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3. High Point State Park
High Point State Park, 1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461, USA
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 that offer an unparalleled view.
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4. Washington Crossing State Park
Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
Wow Factor: It’s exactly what it sounds like on the tin - 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 taking in a concert or play at the open-air theater when the weather is good, or visiting the small museum.
5. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006, USA
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 Memorial Day through Labor Day.
6. Island Beach State Park
Island Beach State Park, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734, USA
Wow Factor: This park is located on a stunning 10-mile barrier island, so narrow it can easily be walked from each side of the water to the other - or head to the tip on 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 salt-water 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
Kittatinny Valley State Park, 199 Goodale Rd, Newton, NJ 07860, USA
Wow Factor: This is a sprawling park, taking up over 5,000 acres and encompassing four former railroads that have been converted into trails. It also features glacial lakes that are almost stunningly beautiful, and historic ruins that will be encountered as you hike 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.
8. Wharton State Forest
Wharton State Forest, 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037, USA
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.
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Best State Parks In New Jersey To RV
9. Cheesequake State Park
Cheesequake State Park, 300 Gordon Rd, Matawan, NJ 07747, USA
Wow Factor: A large park near the Jersey Shore, Cheesequake State Park is highly popular with hikers and fishers - 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 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 April through October.
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 site (and probably some delicious goodies at local vendors).
Need To Know: There are 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
Best State Parks In New Jersey For Hiking
11. Ringwood State Park
Ringwood State Park, 1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456, USA
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, close to 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 they 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
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, 20 NJ-33 Business, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726, USA
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
Hacklebarney State Park, 119 Hacklebarney Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853, USA
Wow Factor: One of the best parks in the north of New Jersey, Hacklebarney State Park is close to 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 things to do in Hacklebarney State Park.
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14. Long Pond Ironworks State Park
Long Pond Ironworks State Park, 1334 County Rd 511, Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA
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, a 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
Rancocas State Park, 794 Rancocas Mt Holly Rd, Westampton, NJ 08060, USA
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 very different sides to Rancocas State Park! For those looking for family-friendly things to do in Rancocas State Park, the side with the nature center is a great destination. The other side is where the more rugged trails can be found. It’s a popular destination for adventure hiking and mountain biking.
16. Jenny Jump State Forest
Jenny Jump State Forest, 330 State Park Rd, Hope, NJ 07844, USA
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, but exercise caution - many of the trails are highly rugged.
17. Double Trouble State Park
Double Trouble State Park, 581 Pinewald Keswick Rd, Bayville, NJ 08721, USA
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.
18. Corson’s Inlet State Park
Corson's Inlet State Park, County Hwy 619, Ocean City, NJ 08214, USA
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 go ahead and tell us yours in the comments section! 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 always stay connected with hundreds of downloadable trail maps.
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