Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey State Park Service

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Independence Day Weekend in New Jersey's State Parks

Come join us in celebration of Independence Day Weekend at a New Jersey state park, forest, historic site or recreation area! Whether you listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, have a picnic with friends and family, or visit one of our popular lifeguarded swim areas, a New Jersey state park has everything you need for an enjoyable long weekend.

Events & Programs

2

JULY

Guided Nature Hike
  • Saturday
  • 10 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
  • Bass River State Forest

Description Take a hike along Lake Absegami and learn about the oldest State Forest in NJ!
Age All ages!
Registration Call 609-294-1114
Additional Information Meet at our Interpretive Center for a 2 mile round trip hike. After there will be Revolutionary War themed crafts with tri-corner hats, story hour with a reading of "This Land Is Our Land", and more!

2

JULY

What's Living in Batsto Lake?
  • Saturday
  • 2 p.m.
  • Batsto Village

Description Come learn hands-on about the macroinvertebrate living in our lake. Participants will look through water samples and identify species that are found!
Age 12+
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet at the Annie M. Carter Nature Center located in Batsto Village. Event is weather permitting.

2

JULY

Continental Army Drill
  • Saturday
  • 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
  • Batsto Village

Description Children will learn the basics of Baron von Steuben's training and discipline program developed for the Continental Army with marching commands and formation.
Age 5+
Registration None
Additional Information Meet us at Glass Factory Field at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.. This event is weather permitting.

2

JULY

"Revolutionary Batsto Village" Walking Tour
  • Saturday
  • 12 p.m. & 1 p.m.
  • Batsto Village

Description Learn the early history of Batsto Village and its importance to the American Revolution. Our guided tours will take visitors through the village stopping at key sites related to our Iron Furnace.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Meet us at our visitor center! This event is weather permitting.

2

JULY

Carnivorous Plants
  • Saturday
  • 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

Description Explore the world of insect eating plants! Come walk and explore pitcher plants, bladderworts and sundews found in the Pine Barrens!
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Meet at Pakim Pond and be sure to bring bug spray, food and water.

2

JULY

Nature Walk
  • Saturday
  • 9 a.m. & 2 p.m.
  • Cape May Point State Park

Description Join us on a peaceful yet informational 1/2 mile walk on our Red Trail.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet us at the visitor center and bring water!

2

JULY

Live Animal Show
  • Saturday
  • 11 a.m.
  • Cape May Point State Park

Description Join us on a unique live animal show!
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information This program fee is $1.00. Please bring exact change and get ready to meet some friends!

2

JULY

Birding for beginners
  • Saturday
  • 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  • Double Trouble State Park

Description Are you interested in getting to know the local birds? Join us to learn about some tricks and tips to getting started with birding- this includes a 2-mile walk along our Green Nature Trail.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet at the Double Trouble public restrooms before the event. Also bring water, bug spray and sunscreen!

2

JULY

A Child's Life Tour of Ringwood Manor
  • Saturday
  • 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Ringwood State Park

Description A tour for children of our famous Ringwood Manor. Learn about the games, pranks, and fun the Hewitt children had!
Age All ages!
Registration None (unless 10+ group)
Additional Information Fees are $10 per adult, $8 per senior, $5 children (ages 6-12) and children 5 and under are free.

2

JULY

Grounds and Garden Tour
  • Saturday
  • 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Ringwood State Park

Description These 2 hour walking tours allow visitors to explore the grounds at Ringwood Manor, learn about outbuildings, historic objects, and garden designs.
Age 10+
Registration None
Additional Information Meet on the front lawn of Ringwood Manor and be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and bug spray.

2

JULY

Punch and Judy Puppet Show
  • Saturday
  • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Indian King Tavern Museum

Description Come join our infamous puppeteers for a Revolutionary puppet show. Audience participation is encouraged. Give pen and ink a try as well!
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet at Indian King Tavern.

2

JULY

Musket Firing Demonstration
  • Saturday
  • 2 p.m.
  • Washington Crossing State Park

Description Summary of the Christmas night crossing and the Battle of Trenton with an explanation of the 18th century warfare, then concluding with a musket firing.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information There is a $1.00 fee. Please meet at our Visitor Center Museum.

3

JULY

Guided History Hike
  • Sunday
  • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Bass River State Forest

Description Hike with history: Learn about the Jersey Shore's important role during the American Revolution and other veterans connected to Bass River's history.
Age All ages!
Registration Call 609-294-1114
Additional Information Meet at our Interpretive Center for a 2-mile round trip hike. After there will be Revolutionary War themed crafts with tri-corner hats, story hour with a reading of "This Land Is Our Land", and more!

3

JULY

Guided Nature Hike
  • Sunday
  • 10 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
  • Bass River State Forest

Description Take a hike along Lake Absegami and learn about the oldest State Forest in NJ!
Age All ages!
Registration Call 609-294-1114
Additional Information Meet at our Interpretive Center for a 2 mile round trip hike. After there will be Revolutionary War themed crafts with tri-corner hats, story hour with a reading of "This Land Is Our Land", and more!

3

JULY

Continental Army Drill
  • Sunday
  • 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
  • Batsto Village

Description Children will learn the basics od Baron von Steuben's training and discipline program developed for the Continental Army with marching commands and formation!
Age 5+
Registration None
Additional Information Meet us at Glass Factory Field at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.. This event is weather permitting.

3

JULY

"Revolutionary Batsto Village" Walking Tour
  • Sunday
  • 12 p.m. & 1 p.m.
  • Batsto Village

Description Learn the early history of Batsto Village and its importance to the American Revolution. Our guided tours will take visitors through the village stopping at key sites related to our Iron Furnace.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Meet us at our visitor center! This event is weather permitting.

3

JULY

Batsto Lake Guided Canoe Tour
  • Sunday
  • 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.
  • Batsto Village

Description Join park staff on a guided canoe tour of Batsto Lake. Nestled in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, it offers you the beauty and opportunity to experience wetlands of the Pine Barrens.
Age All ages!
Registration Space is limited: call 609-561-0024 to register.
Additional Information Meet us at Annie M. Carter Nature Center. Must be 8 years old to participate. Fees: $20 per adult, $10 children under 12. Weather permitting.

3

JULY

Recyclable Treasures
  • Sunday
  • 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  • Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

Description Turn trash into treasure with our creative and family friendly event! We will use recyclables to make bird feeders, piggy banks, wind-chimes and more!
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet at our nature center and bring bug spray and sunblock!

3

JULY

Nature Walk
  • Sunday
  • 9 a.m. & 2 p.m.
  • Cape May Point State Park

Description Join us on a peaceful yet informational 1/2 mile walk on our Red Trail.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet us at the visitor center and bring water!

3

JULY

Live Animal Show
  • Sunday
  • 11 a.m.
  • Cape May Point State Park

Description Join us on a unique live animal show!
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information This program fee is $1.00. Please bring exact change and get ready to meet some friends!

3

JULY

Guided Hike
  • Sunday
  • 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Cheesequake State Park

Description Join our park naturalist as he takes you on an informational and fun hike through Cheesequake!
Age 8+
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet at our trail head and remember to bring water!

3

JULY

Guided Village Tour
  • Sunday
  • 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  • Double Trouble State Park

Description Join us for a guided walking tour of Double Trouble Village
Age 8+
Registration Click here to register!
Additional Information Please meet at the Double Trouble public restrooms before the event. Also bring water, bug spray and sunscreen!

3

JULY

A Child's Life Tour of Ringwood Manor
  • Sunday
  • 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Ringwood State Park

Description A tour for children of our famous Ringwood Manor. Learn about the games, pranks, and fun the Hewitt children had!
Age All ages!
Registration None (unless 10+ group)
Additional Information Fees are $10 per adult, $8 per senior, $5 children (ages 6-12) and children 5 and under are free.

3

JULY

Grounds and Garden Tour
  • Sunday
  • 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Ringwood State Park

Description These 2 hour walking tours allow visitors to explore the grounds at Ringwood Manor, learn about outbuildings, historic objects, and garden designs.
Age 10+
Registration None
Additional Information Meet on the front lawn of Ringwood Manor and be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and bug spray.

3

JULY

Hands-on History: Independence Day Craft
  • Sunday
  • 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Ringwood State Park

Description Join volunteers and staff for a hands-on history activity. June 3rd sign your own Declaration of Independence with a quill pen and ink and also make your own American Flag.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet on the front lawn of Ringwood Manor. Weather permitting.

3

JULY

Crossing Walking Tour
  • Sunday
  • 1 p.m.
  • Ringwood State Park

Description Learn the story of the Crossing as you walk to the river with our park historian.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Join us on a 1-mile hike, approximately 45 min- 1 hour. Please meet at our Visitor Center Museum.

4

JULY

Guided Nature Hike
  • Monday
  • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Bass River State Forest

Description Join us for a guided hike and then Revolutionary themed crafts, followed by storyhour!
Age All ages!
Registration Call 609-294-1114
Additional Information Meet at our Interpretive Center for a 2-mile round trip hike. After there will be Revolutionary War themed crafts with tri-corner hats, storyhour with a reading of "This Land Is Our Land", and more!

4

JULY

"Revolutionary Batsto Village" Walking Tour
  • Monday
  • 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
  • Batsto Village

Description Learn the early history of Batsto Village and its importance to the American Revolution. Our guided tours will take visitors through the village stopping at key sites related to our Iron Furnace.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Meet us at our visitor center! This event is weather permitting.

4

JULY

Seining at Pakim
  • Monday
  • 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  • Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

Description Discover what's lurking beneath the surface of Pakim Pond. We will use a seining net to scoop up and identify our critters in the water and they they say about water quality.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Meet at Pakim Pond and be sure to bring bug spray, food and water.

4

JULY

Nature Walk
  • Monday
  • 9 a.m.
  • Cape May Point State Park

Description Join us on a peaceful yet informational 1/2 mile walk on our Red Trail.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet us at the visitor center and bring water!

4

JULY

Live Animal Show
  • Monday
  • 11 a.m.
  • Cape May Point State Park

Description Join us on a unique live animal show!
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information This program fee is $1.00. Please bring exact change and get ready to meet some friends!

4

JULY

Reading of the Declaration of Independence
  • Monday
  • 9:30 a.m.
  • Indian King Tavern Museum

Description Join us for a reading of the Declaration of Independence along with a meet and greet with militia reenactors.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Meet at Indian King Tavern.

4

JULY

Commemoration of Independence
  • Monday
  • 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Monmouth Batlefield State Park

Description Join us on our program discussions "From Monmouth to New Brunswick" and "New Brunswick in the Revolution" along with cannon demonstrations!
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet at our visitor center. Weather permitting.

4

JULY

Independence Day Celebration
  • Monday
  • 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Princeton Battlefield State Park

Description Our program includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence, Tours of the Clarke House, Battlefield Tour, and various demonstrations of colonial life.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet at the Clarke House.

4

JULY

18th Century Demonstrations
  • Monday
  • 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Ringwood State Park

Description Join members of the Lost Arc Lacers and the Oakland Historical Society for a day of demonstrations. Lace making, rope making, and sign your own Declaration of Independence with a quill pen.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet on the front lawn of Ringwood Manor.

4

JULY

The Original Pledge of Allegiance
  • Monday
  • 2 p.m.
  • Twin Lights Historic Site

Description Join us for a recitation of the original Pledge of Allegiance here at Twin Lights, as it was said in 1983! Learn about some of the changes of the pledge, along with enjoying the lighthouse.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Ceremony will last 20 minutes, then followed by lighthouse and grounds tours. Please meet at the lighthouse grounds.

4

JULY

Reading of the Declaration of Independence
  • Monday
  • 2 p.m.
  • Washington Crossing State Park

Description Join us for a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a musket firing.
Age All ages!
Registration None
Additional Information Please meet at our Visitor Center Museum.

Swimming
Northern New Jersey
High Point State Park              Directions
Hopatcong State Park Directions
Wawayanda State Park Directions
Central New Jersey
Cheesequake State Park Directions
Round Valley Recreation Area Directions
Southern New Jersey
Atsion Recreation Area              Directions
Belleplain State Forest Directions
Island Beach State Park Directions
Parvin State Park Directions

Please note that swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at our lakes, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Island Beach State Park.

Picnicking

From High Point to Cape May Point, 33 parks across the state have designated first come first served picnic areas awaiting your arrival. Click here for a full list of picnic areas.

Help Keep Your Park Clean and Green! Protect plants and animals and care for your park by taking your trash with you. Whatever you carry into the park, plan on carrying it out too. It’s like crowdsourcing trash management! Bring a bag or two for trash, recycling and cleaning up after your pet. There are no trash receptacles provided in state parks. Thank you!

Find a State Park Near You!

Planning a hike? Click here to see detailed trail guides for many of New Jersey's state parks and forests.

Camping

To view availability and to book your campsite, please visit camping.nj.gov.

Discover on Your Own

New Jersey's state parks and forests offer a variety of public programs throughout the state, but we do understand some prefer to discover on their own.

Click here for self-guided activities, videos, crafts and recipes which will allow you to explore and learn about the historic and natural treasures found within your state parks at your own pace.

Plan Ahead for "Filled To Capacity" Park Closures

To ensure the safety of our visitors and protection of the park’s natural resources and facilities, our park areas have a limited capacity.

During periods of high visitation, when a park's capacity is reached, the park will be closed and traffic will be turned away from the park entrance. When that occurs, no additional vehicles / visitors will be allowed to enter the park, including those with members of their party who may already be in the park. If you are not traveling in the same vehicle with others in your party, we suggest that you all arrive at the same time.

Based on recent experience and visitation trends, and depending on good weather, most of our state park swimming and day use areas will likely fill to capacity on Fourth of July weekend. Please take this into consideration when planning your trip.

Sign up for text alerts for filled to capacity closures of Atsion Recreation Area and Island Beach State Park.

Filled to capacity updates are also posted on our Facebook page.