Parks Near the Jersey Shore
From pristine barrier islands to pine barrens forests, explore state parks, county parks, and wildlife refuges across the shore region.
Must-Visit Parks
These destination parks offer the best trails, facilities, and natural features in the shore region.
Gateway National Recreation Area
Monmouth County
Total Distance
1.5 mi
Difficulty
Activities
Allaire State Park
Monmouth County
Total Distance
5.8 mi
Difficulty
Activities
Hartshorne Woods Park
Monmouth County
Total Distance
5.7 mi
Difficulty
Activities
Holmdel Park
Monmouth County
Total Distance
3.3 mi
Difficulty
Activities
Holmdel Park / Ramanessin
Monmouth County
Total Distance
2.8 mi
Difficulty
Activities
Belleplain State Forest
Cape May County
Total Distance
2.8 mi
Difficulty
Activities
Wells Mills County Park
Ocean County
Total Distance
7.5 mi
Difficulty
Activities
Island Beach State Park
Ocean County
Total Distance
0.2 mi
Difficulty
Activities
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Monmouth County
Total Distance
2.8 mi
Difficulty
Activities
More Great Parks
Excellent hiking and nature destinations with well-maintained trails and scenic views.
Lake Lenape Park
Atlantic County
Deep Run
Atlantic County
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
Cape May County
Assunpink Wildlife Management Area
Monmouth County
Huber Woods Park
Monmouth County
Thompson Park
Monmouth County
Henry Hudson Trail
Monmouth County
Manasquan Reservoir
Monmouth County
Clayton Park
Monmouth County
Shark River Park
Monmouth County
Turkey Swamp Park
Monmouth County
Union Transportation Trail
Monmouth County
Jakes Branch County Park
Ocean County
Tatum Park
Monmouth County
Best Parks by Activity
Different parks excel at different activities. Here's where to go for what you want to do.
Hiking
- • Hartshorne Woods
- • Belleplain State Forest
- • Cattus Island
Hartshorne has the most elevation change. Belleplain has the most miles. Cattus Island is flattest and easiest.
Birding
- • Forsythe Wildlife Refuge
- • Cape May Point State Park
- • Sandy Hook
Fall migration (September-November) is peak season. Cape May is one of the top 10 birding spots in North America.
Mountain Biking
- • Allaire State Park
- • Hartshorne Woods (select trails)
- • Huber Woods
Allaire has the most dedicated MTB trails. Check trail maps—not all trails allow bikes.
Beach Swimming
- • Island Beach State Park
- • Sandy Hook
- • Cape May Point
Island Beach has the most pristine, undeveloped beach. Arrive before 9 AM on summer weekends or you won't get in.
Kayaking/Canoeing
- • Wharton State Forest
- • Forsythe
- • Great Bay Boulevard
Wharton has river paddling through Pine Barrens. Forsythe offers salt marsh exploration.
Camping
- • Island Beach State Park
- • Belleplain State Forest
- • Allaire State Park
Book months ahead for summer. Island Beach campground is extremely limited—reserve immediately when spots open.
What to Pack
Be prepared for Jersey Shore parks. Conditions vary widely by season and park type.
Always Bring
Parks can be hot and humid. Bring 1 liter per hour of hiking minimum.
Even shaded trails have sunny sections. SPF 30+ and reapply.
Essential May-September. Pine Barrens and marshes have serious mosquitoes and greenhead flies.
Cell service is spotty. Download AllTrails maps offline before you go.
Many state parks charge fees and don't take cards at self-pay stations.
Pack Extra For...
Beach Parks
Beach chairs, Umbrella, Cooler, Towels
Pine Barrens
Extra bug spray, Long sleeves, Long pants
Wildlife Refuges
Binoculars, Camera with zoom, Field guide
Seasonal Packing Guide
Spring (March-May)
Rain jacket • Layers • Waterproof boots
Trails can be muddy. Ticks become active in April—wear long pants.
Summer (June-August)
Extra water • Hat • Light, breathable clothes • Swimsuit
Start early to beat heat. Greenhead flies are brutal on beaches July-August.
Fall (September-November)
Binoculars (for birding) • Layers • Wind jacket
Best hiking weather. Peak bird migration. Hunting season starts—wear orange.
Winter (December-February)
Warm layers • Hat and gloves • Hand warmers
Many beaches are empty and beautiful. Great for seal watching at Sandy Hook.
Wildlife You Might See
Jersey Shore parks are rich with wildlife. Here's what you might see and where.
Osprey
Best: April-September
Where: Island Beach, Forsythe, Sandy Hook
Look for large nests on platforms. Most active at dawn and dusk hunting fish.
Harbor Seals
Best: November-April
Where: Sandy Hook, Barnegat Lighthouse, Cape May
Peak viewing January-March. Keep 150ft distance—they're protected.
White-tailed Deer
Best: Year-round (dawn/dusk)
Where: Hartshorne Woods, Allaire, Cattus Island
Very common. Most visible at dawn and dusk. Don't approach—especially during rut (fall).
Diamondback Terrapin
Best: May-July (nesting)
Where: Forsythe, Great Bay, Stone Harbor
NJ's only turtle that lives in brackish water. Watch for them crossing roads to nest.
Migrating Songbirds
Best: September-November
Where: Cape May Point, Higbee Beach, Sandy Hook
Cape May is a world-famous migration hotspot. Warblers, raptors, and more.
Horseshoe Crabs
Best: May-June
Where: Forsythe, Cape May, Delaware Bay beaches
Ancient creatures spawn on beaches at high tide. Don't disturb them.
Wildlife Viewing Ethics
- •Keep your distance—use binoculars, not your feet
- •Never feed wildlife—it harms them and is often illegal
- •Stay on designated trails to avoid disturbing habitats
- •Don't use flash photography near animals
- •If an animal changes behavior, you're too close
Best Times to Visit
Timing matters. Here's when to visit for the best experience.
Early Morning (6-9 AM)
Best for: Wildlife viewing, photography, beat the crowds
Avoid: Some park gates don't open until 8 AM
Best time for bird activity. Parks are nearly empty.
Mid-Morning (9 AM-12 PM)
Best for: Hiking before heat peaks, beach arrives
Avoid: Summer crowds start building at beaches
Sweet spot for hiking. Return to car before noon heat.
Afternoon (12-4 PM)
Best for: Beach time (with proper sun protection)
Avoid: Hiking in summer—too hot
Peak beach hours. Parks are busiest.
Late Afternoon (4-7 PM)
Best for: Second wildlife activity peak, cooler hiking
Avoid: Beach parking lots emptying (traffic)
Golden hour photography. Animals become active again.
First-Timer's Guide
New to shore-area parks? Here's what you need to know.
Essential Tips
Check if the park is full
Island Beach State Park closes when full on summer weekends—often by 9 AM. Check NJ Parks Twitter or call ahead.
Know the parking fees
State parks charge $5-10 (residents) or $10-20 (non-residents) per vehicle in season. Bring cash for self-pay.
Download maps offline
Cell service is unreliable in most parks. Download AllTrails or NJ Trail Maps before your visit.
Respect the wildlife
Many parks have endangered species. Stay on trails, don't disturb nests, and keep dogs leashed.
Check for hunting seasons
Fall and winter have hunting seasons in many parks. Wear bright orange and stick to main trails.
Leave no trace
Pack out everything you pack in. These parks are fragile ecosystems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Arriving at Island Beach after 9 AM in summer
You won't get in. Gates close when lot is full.
Underestimating Belleplain distances
Trails are long. Bring more water than you think.
Skipping bug spray in Pine Barrens
You will regret it. Mosquitoes are relentless.
Approaching wildlife for photos
Illegal, dangerous, and harmful to animals. Use a zoom lens.
Parks by County
Monmouth County
26 parks
Gateway National Recreation Area, Allaire State Park, Hartshorne Woods Park + 23 more
Ocean County
11 parks
Wells Mills County Park, Island Beach State Park, Jakes Branch County Park + 8 more
Atlantic County
10 parks
Lake Lenape Park, Deep Run, Galloway West - Moss Mill + 7 more
Cape May County
2 parks
Belleplain State Forest, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
Types of Parks
State Parks
Large parks managed by NJ DEP with camping, beaches, and extensive trail systems. Entrance fees apply in season.
County Parks
Free admission parks maintained by county governments. Great for day hikes and family outings.
Wildlife Refuges
Protected habitats for wildlife, excellent for birding and nature observation. Usually free admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best state parks near the Jersey Shore?▼
Top parks include Island Beach State Park (pristine barrier island beach), Belleplain State Forest (pine barrens hiking), Cape May Point State Park (birding and lighthouse), and Hartshorne Woods (dramatic elevation with bay views).
Are there entrance fees for Jersey Shore parks?▼
State parks typically charge $5-$10 per vehicle in summer (NJ residents) or $10-$20 (non-residents). County and municipal parks are usually free. Wildlife refuges are free but may have parking fees.
Which parks are best for birdwatching?▼
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and Cape May Point State Park are world-class birding destinations, especially during fall migration. The Cape May peninsula is one of the top birding spots in North America.
Can I bike in these parks?▼
Many parks allow biking on designated trails. Allaire State Park has excellent mountain biking, Hartshorne Woods allows bikes on certain trails, and rail trails like the Henry Hudson Trail offer paved cycling.
Explore More
Find hiking trails, biking routes, and outdoor activities.