What would you guess is New Jersey’s most popular state park? My first thought was Wharton State Forest. At 115,000 acres, it’s New Jersey’s largest state park, and it’s home to a variety of attractions including historic Batsto Village and the beach at Atsion Lake. However, it makes sense that the top spot would go to Liberty State Park.

Tourists come from all over the country and the world to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The park is also home to Liberty Science Center, with one of the world’s largest planetariums, and the once abandoned Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. It brings in millions of visitors each year.

According to 2018 data, New Jersey’s 5 most popular state parks (based on the approximate number of annual visitors) are: Liberty State Park (4.8 million visitors), Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park (1.2 million visitors), Stokes State Forest (1.1 million visitors), Wharton State Forest (925,000 visitors), and Ringwood State Park (775,000 visitors). New Jersey’s first state park doesn’t even make the top 10 (or top 20) when it comes to popularity, but it has plenty of natural beauty.

Address: 1091 E Shore Rd, Swartswood, NJ 07877

Swartswood State Park in Sussex County was established in 1915 as New Jersey's first state park.
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It was created to ensure public access to the state’s third-largest freshwater lake. Swartswood Lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming.
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The park itself also offers hiking and nature trails, a handicapped-accessible trail, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, sledding, and camping.
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It also has a smaller pond with a bird blind to allow visitors to view birds and other wildlife in the area with little disturbance to their habitat.
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Visitors also come to picnic on the water. Another bonus? Boat rentals are available.
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For those curious, the park is 3,460 acres and it brings in approximately 138,000 visitors each year. Here's a little history...
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In 1888, Swartswood Lake and the surrounding property were purchased by Andrew Albright, a wealthy manufacturer from Newark. A decade later, he began charging fishermen to access the lake. In 1915, the state purchased the lake, several surrounding parcels, access roads, and boat landings.

In 1916, local farmer George M. Emmons donated 12.5 acres of land in the area to be used as a picnic grove. By 1940, the state acquired the remaining 184 acres of Emmons' farm. An old barn became the first park office - now, only the foundation remains.

Have you been to Swartswood State Park yet? What’s your favorite state park in New Jersey? In the fall, I’d have to say that High Point State Park is one of the most beautiful. Enjoy views of 3 states, and mountains full of colorful foliage.

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Swartswood State Park, 1091 E Shore Dr, Swartswood, NJ 07877, USA