On December 25, 1776, the icy waters of the Delaware River provided the setting for one of the pivotal events of the American Revolution. The Continental Army had little to celebrate that Christmas and seemed beat by hunger and cold. After crossing the rough winter river at night, General George Washington and the Continental Army landed at Johnson’s Ferry, at the site now known as Washington Crossing State Park. At 4 am, they began their march to Trenton where they defeated the Hessian troops in an unexpected attack. This battle was quickly followed by the Second Battle of Trenton on January 2, 1777, and the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777.

Originally preserved for its historical significance, the park is also well known for its trails and wildlife habitat. A wide variety of migrating birds use the stream and ravine as a resting place and for nesting. Many bird species winter in the park, creating a perfect location for bird observation year round.

The park supports an interesting assortment of plants including mixed hardwoods, red cedar forests, plantings of Eastern white pine, Japanese larch, Norway spruce and red pine. A splendid variety of spring and summer wildflowers can be found throughout the park. Among the most notable species of wildlife are whitetail deer, fox, raccoon, great-horned owl, screech owl, red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk and Eastern bluebird. The park also is popular for picnicking and, in the winter, for cross-country skiing on existing hiking trails.

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.
Park Office: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors Center Museum: Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Downtown Performing Arts Center of Lambertville, NJ is proud to announce a newly formed partnership with Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, NJ. Beginning in May and continuing through September, the Downtown Performing Arts Center will produce a full season of live theatre for adults and children at the Park’s historic Washington Crossing Open Air Theatre.

Along with Mainstage and Children’s Theatre series of plays and musicals, the 2010 schedule will also feature several theatrical concerts. Additionally, there will be a special “Movie Under the Stars” night each Monday where movies will be shown on a huge screen outside, under the stars.

Deep discounts for groups and special discounted ticket packages are available and can be purchased in advance. For details on these discounts and a complete listing of the exciting 2010 Summer Season, please visit: www.DPACatOAT.com

The Center's exhibit galleries explore the many facets of America's revolutionary conflict with an emphasis on the military campaign known as "The Ten Crucial Days." The events of these ten days, December 25, 1776 through January 3, 1777, include the Continental Army's crossing of the Delaware River and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. The Center is open Monday through Sunday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, year round. For more information, call (609) 737-9303. Check the Calendar of Events in Nature's grapevine for current programs offered by the Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum.

The Swan collection represents a living military history laboratory of the American Revolution. Over 700 original objects interpret the era, circa 1745 through 1789. Open Monday through Sunday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, year round. For more information, call (609) 737-9303.

This early 18th-century gambrel roof farmhouse and tavern near the Delaware River was owned by Garret Johnson, who operated a 490-acre colonial plantation and a ferry service across the river in the 1700s. The house was likely used briefly by General Washington and other officers at the time of the Christmas night crossing of the Delaware. The keeping room, bedchamber and textile room are furnished with local period pieces, probably similar to the furniture used by the Johnson family from 1740 to 1770. The site also includes an 18th-century kitchen garden. Living history demonstrations are frequently held on weekends. Check the Calendar of Events in Nature's grapevine for current programs offered by the Johnson Ferry House. Please call the Ferry House for further information on their Fall schedule at (609) 737-2515.

Open Wed-Sat 10 a.m - 12 noon, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
         Sun 1 p.m. 4 p.m.

Outdoor nature education programs are offered for schools, youth groups, community organizations and visitors to the park. Open Wednesday through Sunday, year round. For information, call (609) 737-0609.

Check the Calendar of Events for current programs offered by the Interpretive Center at Washington Crossing State Park. Keep up to date of what is going on at Washington Crossing State Park by downloading the latest edition of Nature's Grapevine.

Find out more about our programs offered specifically for groups, such as schools, scouts, clubs and local organizations.

Located within the park, on the same road as the Interpretive Center, the John W. H. Simpson observatory is operated by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Princeton, Inc. The observatory is open Friday nights April through October from 7 pm to 11 pm. To find about attending a Friday night session or for more information about the association call (609) 737-2575.

Trails leading from the Interpretive Center take visitors through a mature mixed oak-hardwood forest, young woodlands and successional fields. A nature blind offers quiet observation of birds, deer and other mammals. The natural area supports the spring avens, a rare woodland herb of the rose family.

There are 15 miles of moderate trails to enjoy throughout Washington Crossing State Park. These trails are not ADA accessible.

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

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 call the park office.

Group campsites: Four group sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and portable toilets; total capacity: 115. Open April 1 through October 31. 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.

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The park offers a Group Picnic Area at the Green Grove for larger groups. It can accommodate 125 people, provides shelter, playfields and playground equipment. It may be reserved for a fee:

Trenton Battle Monument
(Administered by Washington Crossing State Park)
348 North Warren Street, Trenton NJ 08638
(609) 737-0623

The Trenton Battle Monument marks the site of the American artillery emplacement that commanded the streets of Trenton during the battle that led to the defeat of the three Hessian Regiments by the American Army at the Battle of Trenton, December 26, 1776. The monument was designed by John H. Duncan, architect of Grant's tomb.