Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey State Park Service

NJ State Park Service LogoNJ State Park Service Logo

PARK ADVISORY: In consultation with the National Park Service, the New Jersey State Park Service is pausing the effort to designate the "wishbone" section of the Rancocas Creek as a National Water Trail.

Learn more on our Rancocas Creek National Water Trail Proposal page.

Rancocas State Park Overview

The Rancocas Creek provides an idyllic setting to observe nature up close in this rustic park. Hikers, bicyclists, kayakers and joggers are welcome, however, there are no staffed facilities on site. The Rancocas Nature Center (entrance off Rancocas Road) hosts a variety of wildlife and outdoor programs.

There are 14 official trails within the park totaling more than 13 miles. The trails are clustered in two areas: within the forest and meadows near Rancocas Nature Center, and in the forested uplands between the north and south branches of Rancocas Creek.

General Guide to the trails at Rancocas State Park

The Rancocas Nature Center has nature trails, guided walks and summer camps. For more information, please call 609-261-2495 or visit them on the web at rancocasnaturecenter.org. The Nature Center is a unique partnership involving the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks & Forestry, the to Burlington County Board of Commissioners, Westampton Township, the Rancocas Conservancy and the Friends of the Nature Center at Rancocas State Park.

Fishing
Fishing is permitted along the banks of the Rancocas Creek throughout Rancocas State Park

Hunting
Rancocas State Park is located within Deer Management Zone #48. Portions of the property are open to properly licensed bowhunters during Fall, Special Permit, and Winter seasons in pursuit of whitetail deer. No other game species may be taken.

The property has several leased tenants, including farmers and model airplane enthusiasts. Hunters are reminded to respect official "Safety Zones" and posted areas that are identified as "No Hunting" or "No Trespassing". Violators will be prosecuted.

View the Rancocas State Park hunting map.

A NJ State Park Service Special Use Permit is required for various types of short-duration, organized activities and/or events within a state park, forest and/or historic site. Examples of organized activities and/or special events include, but are not limited to press events, commercial photography and/or filming, corporate events, fundraisers, festivals, demonstrations, walkathons and races, concerts, Televised events and/or commercial use of or on State Park Service lands and/or waters. 

To learn more about Special use Permits click here.

A network of trails wanders through upland and lowland hardwood forest, leading hikers along the North Branch of the Rancocas Creek and an extensive freshwater tidal marsh. The diversity of the landscape provides habitat for numerous species of birds and animals. The natural area features a self-guided interpretive trail with highlighted points of interest.

Rancocas State Park facilities are partially accessible for persons with disabilities. Please contact the park office at 609-726-1191 for further information regarding disability access needs. Text telephone (TTY) users, call the NJ Relay & CapTel Service at 711 or 1-800-852-7897 for English or 1-866-658-7714 for Spanish.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
Recreational use of ATVs is not permitted on NJ State Park Service property. This includes state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. Thank you for your help in protecting New Jersey’s natural and historic resources. [N.J.A.C. 7:2-3.4(d)]

Smoking
State law prohibits the smoking of tobacco and use of electronic smoking (vaping) devices in all state parks, forests, historic sites, recreation areas, golf courses and marinas. [N.J.P.L.2005, c.383 (C.26:3D-56)]

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. [ N.J.A.C. 7:2-2.6 ]

Keep Your Park Clean and Green
Protect plants and animals and care for your parks 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 in this park. Thank you!

Swimming
No swimming.

Pets
Pets must always be on a leash no longer than six feet in length and under the control of the owner. Please clean up after your pets.

Tick Protection
Use insect repellent, wear light-colored clothing, tuck pants into socks, stay on trails, check yourself when you get home, shower and wash clothes immediately.

Be Bear Aware
Black bears are found throughout New Jersey. Do not approach or attract bears by making food available. Feeding bears is dangerous and illegal. Never run from a bear! To report an aggressive bear, call 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337) immediately. Please report any damage or nuisance behavior to the park office. Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at www.njfishandwildlife.com for additional information on bear safety.

Related Links

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
Rancocas Nature Center
Rancocas Creek - National Water Trail Proposal

Park Map

Area Map

General

Phone Number
609-726-1191

Physical Address
794 Rancocas Mt Holly Rd,
Westampton, NJ 08060

Mailing Address
c/o Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
PO Box 215
New Lisbon, NJ 08064

Email Address
parks@dep.nj.gov

Park Hours

Gate Sunrise to Sunset

Park Fees

Entrance Fee None

Other Related Fees
Map / Directions

GPS Coordinates
40.003969, -74.820844