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.

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.

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Park Hours:
November - February: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
March: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April 1 through the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Monday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Sat, Sun and Holidays park opens at 7 a.m.)
The Tuesday after Labor Day through September 30: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Due to extremely low reservoir levels, the swimming area at Spruce Run Recreation Area will be closed effective on Wednesday, July 13, 2016. This closure will remain in effect until authorities determine that there is a sufficient water level for this activity. Registered campers with a valid permit are welcome to utilize the swimming area at nearby Round Valley Recreation Area.  Please visit our website for a complete listing of other State park swimming areas and their hours of operation.

Attention Boaters:  Due to the ongoing release of water from Spruce Run Reservoir to meet the demands of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority customer needs, the water level has fallen below the boat launch docks.  Boaters may experience some difficulty in launching their boats.

Spruce Run Recreation Area Map

The Highlands Trail extends over 150 miles from Storm King Mountain on the Hudson River in New York south to Riegelsville, New Jersey, on the Delaware River. A 2.6 mile section takes hikers through a maple forest, a pine forest and along the water’s edge through the park before exiting onto NJ Fish and Wildlife property.

The outfitters listed below will be offering their services this summer at Spruce Run Recreation Area at the boat launch.  Park patrons can sign up for lessons, fitness classes, yoga and excursions.  Classes are on Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP), Kayaks and canoes. For more information contact the outfitter directly at the number or email address provided.

Kayak East LLC
Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard lessons and guided tours
Phone: 1-866-529-2532
www.kayakeast.com

Miss Melanie Yoga LLC
Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga
Phone: 484-819-0380
email: info@missmelanieyoga.com
www.Missmelanieyoga.com

Surf's Up Paddle Boarding
Lessons
Yoga classes
We also accommodate groups and birthday parties
Phone: 908-399-0793
www.surfsuppaddleboarding.com

Yellow Dog Paddle
Paddle Board & Kayak (Instruction & Excursions)
SUP Yoga & Fishing Excursions
Phone: 908-310-3742
email: Yellowdogpaddle@comcast.net
www.yellowdogpaddle.com

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. Transaction fees apply. Same day walk-in reservations are accepted, a transaction fee of $5 will be charged.

For forms and information on booking a campsite visit our: reservations page
Reservations may be made by contacting the Spruce Run Recreation Area office at 908-638-8572

Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Campsites: 67 tent and trailer sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Flush toilets and showers are within walking distance. Open April 1 through October 31. New Jersey Residents: $20 per night; Non-Residents: $25 per night.

Click to view some of our campsites

Our campground is open from April 1st through October 31st for family camping—no group sites are available. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with attached grill. Modern restrooms with showers are located on either side of the campground. Reservations or walk-ins are accepted. Pets and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
Size:881 KB

Shelters: Three shelters. Cabin-like structures with wood stove for heat and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. Sites include a fire ring and picnic table. Open April 1 through October 31. New Jersey Residents: $48 per night; Non-Residents: $60 per night.

Special Use Permit Application Package

A Special Use Permit is utilized to accommodate a specific activity or event being conducted over a short duration. There are two types of special use permits: Non-Commercial and Commercial and fees are based on NJ residency and Non-residents.  A completed application must be submitted to the park/forest area where the activity or event is being held at least 90 days prior to the event. If the special use or event is extremely large or complex, at least one-year’s prior notice is recommended.

Twenty-nine species of fish are contained within the waters of Spruce Run including largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch and carp. Trout, northern pike and hybrid bass are stocked by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife. For fishing regulations please refer to the NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest.

State Park Service areas open to hunting for 2015-2016

Bow Hunting is permitted in Spruce Run Recreation Area Monday through Saturdays in designated areas only. Please contact the park office for maps and information.

Spruce Run offers a variety of waterfowl and deer hunting (Bow only) seasonally. The Clinton Wildlife Management Area is adjacent to the recreation area and is open for public hunting. Maps and information may be obtained by visiting the Division of Fish and Wildlife Hunting website.

The Park staff offer a variety of historical and natural interpretive programs seasonally. Contact the park office for a schedule of programs and to register. Program fees may apply.

FAMILY NATURE PROGRAMS at Spruce Run Recreation Area Voorhees & Hacklebarney State Park

Common Mammals of Spruce Run Recreation Area, Voorhees & Hacklebarney State Parks

Common Songbirds of Spruce Run Recreation Area, Voorhees & Hacklebarney State Parks

Six picnic areas spaciously located in wooded and open areas overlooking the reservoir. Includes tables, charcoal grills and restroom facilities. Visitors may bring their own grills in accordance with fire regulations in effect at that time. For larger groups, we also offer the Group Picnic Area. Open April 1 through October 31. It holds a capacity of 225 people, provides shelter, playground equipment and it may be reserved for a fee:

• 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

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Spruce Run Group Bus Reservation Rules and Regulations (pdf)
Spruce Run Group Bus Reservation Application Form (pdf)
Spruce Run Group Bus Manifest (pdf)

Motor boating (electric and gas—10hp limit), sailing (25 feet in length and 30 feet above the water line height limit), canoe/kayaking, windsurfing. Trailer launch ramp and cartop launch area. Rentals (908-638-8234) available seasonally and boat storage (dry) available year round. Call for information.

Spruce Run Summer Boat Storage Selection Procedures and Regulations *
Spruce Run Winter Boat Storage Selection Procedures and Regulations *
Spruce Run Boat Storage Application and Agreement (word doc)
Spruce Run Boat Rental Prices

*To view this form, please download the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat

Also visit Round Valley Recreation Area’s website for information on similar (except rentals) boating activities as well as scuba/skin diving.

From Memorial Weekend to Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty, visitors will find a beach complex containing changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies may be purchased. 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. Grilling is prohibited along the beachfront including the posted grassy area. There is a playground and open fields to accommodate various ball and net games.

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Many special events take place at Spruce Run. These include walk-a-thons, sailing regattas, watershed clean-up days, triathlons, and weddings.

During the winter months, many visitors cross-country ski, ice fish, and ice boat at the recreation area. You may contact the recreation office for snow conditions or visit the local weather channel site at: http://www.weather.com/weather/local/08809.

• Local Weather Conditions
• Highlands Trail Information
• New Jersey Fish & Wildlife

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