These 12 State Parks In New Jersey Will Knock Your Socks Off

New Jersey has over three dozen state parks and forests, each incredible in its own way. You'll find opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and even a few historic sites in our state park system! There is so much to explore, and tremendous beauty to be found. While we highly recommend that you visit all the parks at some point, the following dozen are great places to get started! Here are our picks for some of the best state parks in New Jersey:

1. Ringwood State Park, Ringwood

This 5,000-acre park is home to such historic treasures as Ringwood Manor, Skylands Manor, The New Jersey Botanical Garden, and the lovely Shepard Lake Recreation Area. Enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, hunting, fishing, skiing and more!

Address: 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, New Jersey, 07456

2. Cheesequake State Park, Matawan

This 1,270-acre park offers miles of trails and boardwalks for easy hiking. Visit the nature center, head out on a canoe, and even stay the night in a tent or trailer!

Address: 300 Gordon Road, Matawan, New Jersey, 07747

3. Allaire State Park, Farmingdale

There is so much to enjoy here! Visit historic Allaire Village and travel back in time, stop by the museum or nature center to get your learning on, and take a ride on the Pine Creek Railroad! Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, camping and bird watching.

Address: 4265 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township, New Jersey, 07727

4. Double Trouble State Park, Bayville

Visit this unique park to get up close and personal with some of New Jersey's cranberry bogs, and a partially restored historic village. It's well worth spending a whole afternoon here!

Address: 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, New Jersey, 08721

5. Wharton State Forest, Hammonton

This beautiful state forest is home to several historic villages, including the ever-popular Batsto Mill. You'll find an incredible mix of nature and history here.

Address: 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, New Jersey, 08037

6. Belleplain State Forest, Woodbine

Located in Cape May and Cumberland Counties, this massive forest spans over 20,000 acres. Enjoy swimming in Lake Nummy and camp in one of the many available yurts, or even enjoy a stay at East Creek Cabin.

Address: 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, New Jersey, 08270

7. Washington Crossing State Park, Titusville

Relive Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware and immerse yourself in history at this charming state park. Enjoy a museum, historic homes and stunning trails along the waterfront.

Address: 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville, New Jersey, 08560

8. Bass River State Forest, Tuckerton

This beautiful forest is home to Lake Absegami, which is available for swimming, fishing and boating. Enjoy easy walking trails with stunning views and make memories you won't soon forget!

Address: Tuckerton, New Jersey, 08087

9. High Point State Park, Sussex

Visit the High Point monument, where you can score incredible views of three states at once! You can also access the Appalachian Trail from this park, which is one of our very favorite trails.

Address: Sussex, New Jersey, 07461

10. Jenny Jump State Forest, Hope

Enjoy scenic views, camping, canoeing, and an incredible observatory to boot. Attend special astronomy presentations on Saturday evenings from April to October!

Address: 330 State Park Road, Hope, New Jersey, 07844

11. Norvin Green State Forest, Bloomingdale

This one is nothing short of a hiker's paradise! Enjoy a wide variety of trails ranging from beginner to difficult. This park includes part of the Highlands Trail, which runs from the Delaware to the Hudson River.

Address: 150 Snake Den Road, Ringwood, New Jersey, 07456

12. Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove

Enjoy bird watching, camping, hunting, picnicking, swimming, boating, and more!

Address: 701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove, New Jersey, 08318

Remember, our state parks are always free in the fall - the perfect time for a breathtaking foliage hike! Of course, they're perfect year-round, too, all for their very own reasons. State parks in New Jersey are definitely worth the trip, no matter which one you choose!

On or off this list, which is your favorite park to visit during which season?