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.
Park Open daily 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm.
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 Nature 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 Nature Center provides weekly interpretive programming focusing on a variety of
seasonal topics. Please contact the Interpretive Center for details at (732)
566-3208.
Program fees may apply.
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.
Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.
A non-refundable service fee of $5.00 will be charged to the customer for each reservation.
Changes to the reservation that occur prior to the Start/Check in date will incur a non refundable fee of $5.00.
Changes made after the start/check-in date will be chargerd a service fee according to the following:
- If the total fee is greater then or equal to $50.00 then a fee of $5.00 will be charged.
- If the total fee is less then $50.00 then the fee of $2.00 will be charged.
Pet Friendly Campsites please click here for details on sites that are designated Pet Friendly, license and innoculation paperwork requirements and additional cost. Pet friendly sites are family campsites #23-27 and #37-40.
Campsites: There is an 11-foot height restriction
for vehicles entering the camping area. 53 tent and trailer
sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and
shower facilities are within walking distance. Trailer sanitary
station available. Open April 1 through
October 31. Fee: NJ Resident $20 per night;
Non Resident $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 1 to October 31. Fee: NJ Resident $50 per night; Non Resident $100 per night.
Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
Size:77 KB
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Special Use Permit Application |
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.
Please contact the Park Office for application information.
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.
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 Farry 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. 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.
There is an 11-foot height restriction
for vehicles entering the group picnic area.
• 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 carry their boats from the parking lot to place them in the lake. No access is permitted to the tidal creeks. Boaters must comply with all NJ State Boating regulations. Electronic motors only. No boat/canoe rental facilities
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Swimming is permitted in Hooks Creek Lake
while lifeguards are on duty. Please check our swimming schedule prior to your visit. 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 camping reservation? |
Reservations can be made online by going to www.camping.nj.gov
|
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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