| 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.
Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean
and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided
throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.
Open daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Holidays.
Cheesequake State Park: Day use open. Green, Blue and White trails partially opened with detours, Red Trail open.
Park Map
High resolution for printing purposes;
File Size: 669KB
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| Cheesequake Natural Area
(386 acres) |
A striking example of vegetation change along
a gradient from coastal salt marsh habitat to upland forests
can be observed from the various trails running through the
natural area. The natural area displays a diversity of plant
species and community types characteristic of both northern
and southern New Jersey.
The Interpretive Center is located a
short distance from the trailhead parking area on the
Red/ Green/ Blue trail. Visitors are welcome to view the
wildlife historical exhibits throughout the Center. Visitors
can learn about the three habitats located within
Cheesequake State Park. The Center also provides information
on the Native American and early colonization of the area.
The center is open from
Wednesday through Sunday,
8:00 am to 4:00 pm and seven days a week from Memorial
Day through Labor Day.
The Interpretive Center provides free
weekly interpretive programming focusing on a variety of
seasonal topics. Consult the Calendar
of Events online or call the Center for details at (732)
566-3208.
There are five designated trails at the park. The Red,
Yellow, Green and Blue
pathways are for hiking and walking use. The White
Trail (multi-use) is designated for hiking and mountain
biking. Trail lengths range from 1.5 to 3.5 miles. Trail
difficulty ranges from easy to moderate with inclines.
We are not accepting reservations for the family campsites at this time due to the storm damage that remains. The Group Campsites are open and reservations can be made.
The Department of Environmental Protection, State Park Service is pleased to announce through ReserveAmerica our new reservation system for all overnight facilities within the New Jersey State Parks and Forests. Reservations are now available online or through the ReserveAmerica call center.
Online reservations can be made 7 days per week/24 hours a day at ReserveAmerica. To make a reservation through the call center, please contact ReserveAmerica at 1-855-607-3075 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday from April 1st through October 31st. Beginning November 1st through March 31st, hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
We anticipate our visitors will be pleased with our new streamlined reservation system as it provides greater flexibility in searching and reserving available overnight facilities.
For forms and information
on booking a campsite visit our: reservations
page
Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.
Campsites: 53 tent and trailer
sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and
shower facilities are within walking distance. Trailer sanitary
station available. There is an 11-foot height restriction
for vehicles entering the camping area. Open April 1st through
October 31. New Jersey Residents: $20 per night;
Non-Residents: $25 per night.
Group campsites: The Gordon
Field group area has fire rings, upright grills and picnic
tables. There are six individual sites accommodating up to
25 campers each. The area facilities include flush toilets
and potable water. Trash must be carried out. Open May 1st
through October 31st. New Jersey Residents: $3 per person, per night;
Non-Residents: $5 per person, per night. We highly recommend that group leaders carefully estimate their group size so not to over estimate as refunds cannot be made later.
Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
Size:77 KB
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The six-acre Hooks Creek Lake offers an
opportunity for freshwater fishing. Trout, Largemouth Bass,
Catfish, and Sunfish provide the angler with a variety of
freshwater species. Fishing is subject to all NJ
Fish and Wildlife regulations.
Crabbing is also available from the Crabbing Bridge which
is reachable from the lake parking area. The bridge and walkway
are ADA accessible.
| Homeowners Firewood Program |
The Homeowners Firewood Program has been expanded to include park areas that sustained tree damage due to Hurricane Sandy. Fallen trees will be marked and made available to individuals as part of this program. Anyone interested in obtaining firewood must complete the below application form and pay the applicable $25 per cord fee.This program will be available until the supply is exhausted. Please contact the park office to reserve a cutting period and for additional information.
Homeowners Firewood Program Application form*
*To view this form, please download the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat
Several picnic areas with table and
grills are located throughout the Park. For larger groups,
we also offer two reservable picnic areas. The group picnic
area at Farny Point holds a capacity of 150 people, provides
shelter and playfields. The group picnic
area at Spring Hill holds a capacity of 100 people and provides
playfields and playground equipment. Group picnicking reservations
are required for events. A party of 20 or more people
constitutes a group. They may be reserved for a fee:
New Jersey Resident $100
per day, plus applicable parking fees.
Non-Resident $150
per day, plus applicable parking fees.
|
Memorial
Day through Labor Day |
New Jersey Resident $125
per day.
Non-Resident $175
per day.
|
Day
After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day |
50
percent of Fee |
Group
Picnic Cancellation Fee |
NOTE: No alcohol is permitted. Trash must be
carried out.
• Groups of 20 or more people shall
reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance.
Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized
by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are
handled by the individual park area offices.
Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation form* downloadable here. Payment in full of the appropriate group picnicking fee must accompany this application.
*To view this form, please download the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat
Cheesequake Group Bus Reservation Rules and Regulations (pdf)
Cheesequake Group Bus Reservation Application Form (pdf)
Cheesequake Group Bus Reservation Application Form (Word document)
Cheesequake Group Bus Manifest (pdf)
Cheesequake Group Bus Manifest (Word document)
Permitted the day after Labor Day
through the day before Memorial Day weekend. Canoeing, kayaking
and boating with facilities for car top boat launching
only. Boaters must comply with all NJ State Boating regulations.
Electronic motors only. No boat/canoe rental facilities
back
Swimming is permitted in Hooks Creek Lake
from Memorial day weekend through Labor Day weekend while lifeguards are on duty. Visitors will find a beach complex containing changing area,
restrooms, a first-aid station and a concession offering refreshments, novelties and beach supplies. Inner
tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted
in the swimming area. Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach.
Sledding is permitted on the hill adjacent
to the Hooks Creek Lake parking area. Cross-country skiing is
permitted on the roadways and field areas. Snow shoeing is permitted
throughout the Park.
• Twin
Lights of Navesink, a New Jersey State Historic Site
| FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions) |
| How do we go about making
a reservation? |
You can make a reservation over the phone
at (732) 566-2161 with your credit card, by mail with
an application found on our reservations
page with a check or money order, or by person. There
is a two-day minimum stay. |
From the GSP: Take exit 120 and make a right at the end of the exit ramp and follow to the first light. Make a right. At the next light make a right and follow road
into the Park.
From Route 34 South: Make
a left turn onto Disbrow Road which is the light immediately
south of the Marketplace Shopping Plaza. Make a right at the
end of Disbrow Road. Make a left at the first light and follow
into the Park.
From Route 34 North: Make
a right turn onto Disbrow Road which is the light immediately
north of the Berg Animal Hospital. Make a right at the end
of Disbrow Road. Make a left at the first light and follow
into the Park.
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