There are so many wonderful state parks to visit in New Jersey, many of them overflowing with visitors. Wharton State Forest brings crowds in for kayaking, camping, and Historic Batsto Village. Hopatcong State Park has our largest lake, and High Point has some of the best views in New Jersey. We’re all familiar with Liberty State Park of course, and Ringwood State Park has magical manors and gardens, but there are other parks that are a bit more peaceful. Here are ten of the best state parks in New Jersey that occasionally get overlooked.

1. Kittatinny Valley State Park, Andover
Kittatinny Valley State Park, 199 Goodale Rd, Newton, NJ 07860, USA
Kittatinny Valley State Park/Facebook
This park is home to several gorgeous glacial lakes and ponds. Lake Aeroflex and Gardner's Pond are popular picks for fishing. You'll also find an abandoned rail line, a small airport, and historic village here.
2. Farny State Park, Rockaway Township
Farny State Park, Rockaway, NJ 07866, USA
Yelp/Tony J.
Forested wilderness, this park has some interesting surprises, including a giant dam, reservoir, and old furnace. Trails range from .5 miles to 19.4 miles.
3. Voorhees State Park, Glen Gardner
Voorhees State Park, 251 County Rd 513, Glen Gardner, NJ 08826, USA
Wikipedia/JackTheVicar
During the Great Depression, this park served as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp. Now, it's open to the public, offering scenic views of Round Valley Reservoir and Spruce Run Reservoir. There is also an observatory that offers Sky Watch programs.
4. Washington Rock State Park, Green Brook Township
Washington Rock State Park, 16 Rock Rd E, Watchung, NJ 07096, USA
Wikipedia/Ekem
Most of us are familiar with the historical significance of Washington Crossing State Park (the site where Washington crossed the Delaware, immortalized in an iconic painting), but you may not know the history of Washington Rock State Park. According to the NJ State Parks website, "The strategic location of Washington Rock made it a valuable lookout point during the American Revolution for General George Washington in June of 1777 when the British army under General William Howe was moving toward Westfield. From the vantage point of this natural rock outcropping, General Washington had a thirty-mile panoramic view of the valley and was able to instruct his troops to circle behind Howe’s troops and cut off their retreat."
5. Penn State Forest, Jenkin's Neck
Penn State Forest, Sooy Rd, Chatsworth, NJ 08019, USA
Image/NJHiking.com
Situated between Bass River North and Wharton State Forest, this picturesque park sometimes gets overshadowed. Here you can enjoy the unique landscape of the Pine Barrens and kayaking on Oswego Lake.

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6. Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, West Milford
Abram S Hewitt State Forest, West Milford, NJ 07421, USA
Yelp/Ed O.
You've got to love these views. Expect a rugged, rustic experience, colorful bedrock, and a portion of the Appalachian Trail.
7. Stephens State Park, Hackettstown
Stephens State Park, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, USA
Wikipedia/Four Penguins
There are six miles of marked trails at Stephens State Park for walking, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, including a 2-mile section of the Highlands Trail. This is one of few state parks where rock climbing is permitted (you'll need to sign a waiver) and there is some great fishing to be found on the Musconetcong River.
8. Rancocas State Park, Hainesport Township
Rancocas State Park, 794 Rancocas Mt Holly Rd, Westampton, NJ 08060, USA
Flickr/Mike
The nature center here provides a variety of unique programs, including educational workshops and guided hikes. You'll also get to enjoy all the wildlife along Rancocas Creek.
9. Long Pond Ironworks State Park, Hewitt
Long Pond Ironworks State Park, 1334 County Rd 511, Hewitt, NJ 07421, USA
Wikipedia/KForce
From ruins to restored buildings, this park is a history lover's paradise. The Ironworks were founded back in 1766 and remnants still remain. The operation played a major role in both the War of 1812 and the Civil War. You'll also find the lovely Monksville Reservoir and Wanaque River here.
10. Swartswood State Park, Swartswood
Swartswood State Park, 1091 E Shore Dr, Swartswood, NJ 07877, USA
Wikipedia/JackTheVicar
Located on Swartswood Lake, this park offers fishing, boating, and swimming. You'll also enjoy the hiking trails and unique natural and historic sites here. Duck Pond is a woodland vernal pool, a depression in the forest, unconnected to a stream, with a dense soil layer that impedes the water from flowing out easily. Keen's Gristmill (pictured) is a former gristmill that can be enjoyed via an easy 1.2-mile hike with water views.

Which New Jersey state park is your favorite? Ringwood, Wharton, and Liberty are three of my favorites – choosing one is impossible.

 

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State Parks To Visit In New Jersey

Meghan Byers | January 26, 2022

What are the best parks in New Jersey?

Whether you’re looking for the perfect picnic spot or you want to get lost in nature, New Jersey’s parks don’t disappoint. Cheesequake State Park in Matawan offers over 1,000 acres of trails to explore. You can get an up-close look at New Jersey’s cranberry bogs at Double Trouble State Park in Bayville. Van Saun Park in Paramus is over 100 acres and features a zoo, miniature train, carousel, and pony rides. In Hillsborough, visit Duke Farms for beautiful bucolic views, including a multi-tiered waterfall.

What are some of the best hiking trails in New Jersey?

The Garden State has some truly gorgeous hiking trails, with landscapes that vary from mountains to marshes to fields and sandy beaches. You can see lakes, caves, waterfalls, and more on a trek through New Jersey’s wilderness. Breathe in the fresh sea air in Sandy Hook and see the oldest lighthouse in the state on the Sandy Hook Multi-Use Pathway, or hike up to High Point Monument for some especially stunning views. The popular Stairway to Heaven Trail at Wawayanda State Park is a steep climb that also leads to absolutely beautiful views. For more of the best hiking trails in New Jersey, visit this article.

What are some other things to do outside in New Jersey?

From river tubing and kayaking to zoos and treetop adventure parks, our little state is packed full of exciting outdoor activities. Go zip-lining at the Cape May County Zoo, or head up north and hit the slopes at Mountain Creek Resort, the largest ski area in New Jersey. And of course, no summer is complete without a visit to the Jersey shore, where you can sunbathe on the beach or even go parasailing. Get more ideas for outdoor adventures in New Jersey here.

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