Allaire State Park is probably best known for its historic 19th-century iron making town, Allaire Village, and its antique steam trains on the Pine Creek Railroad.  The Manasquan River, which winds through the park, attracts canoeists and fishermen throughout the year. The river’s floodplain provides habitat for over 200 species of wildflowers, trees and plants as well as habitat for birds and other wildlife.  Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders enjoy the many trails found in Allaire State Park.


Camping in the Park

There are 45 campsites available for rent within the park.  These include both tent and trailer sites that are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables.  Flush toilets and shower facilities can be found within an easy walking distance of the camp sites.  A trailer sanitary station is open from April 15 through October 31.  The campsites are open all year with a $20 per night charge.

The state park offers 4 yurts which are accessible to individuals with disabilities.  Each yurt consists of a circular tent built on a wood frame, featuring a wood floor, a deck and a Plexiglas skylight.  The yurts have a wooden door, window screens and flaps, and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people and rent for $30 per night.  


There are also 6 “cabin-like” shelters with wood stoves for heat and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people.  Each of these sites includes a fire ring and picnic table and are accessible to individuals with disabilities.  The shelters are open from February 1st until Dec 31st and may be rented for $40 per night.


The 6 group campsites available each contain a fire ring, picnic tables and composting toilets.  The total capacity of all 6 sites is 250 with 2 sites accommodating 25 campers each and renting for $25 per site per night and 4 sites accommodating 50 campers each and renting for $50 per site per night. These sites are open all year.  


Alcohol and pets are prohibited at all overnight facilities.


Highlights of Allaire Park


Historic Allaire Village was known as the Howell Works in the early 19th century.  At that time it was a thriving industrial community which produced pig and cast iron.  The buildings which remain today include a general store, blacksmith shop, carpenter’s shop, manager’s house, foreman’s house and a church.  One of the workers' row house buildings is in use today as the Visitor Center and Museum.  Allaire Village Inc., a nonprofit corporation, sponsors more than 40 programs and events annually, including living history events, antique shows, arts and craft shows, and flea markets.  For more information, write or call Allaire Village, Inc. (732) 919-3500
 

Pine Creek Railroad, established in 1953, is an example of rail travel in the United States at the height of the steam era.  The live-steam and diesel, narrow-gauge trains are operated by the NJ Museum of Transportation. For more information, call (732) 938-5524  (732) 938-5524.

 
Visitors Center and Museum displays exhibits on the 19th-century bog iron industry, the Howell Works (original name for Allaire Village), and its owner, James P. Allaire provide an introduction to Allaire Village.  Special programs are offered throughout the year.  The Visitors Center and Museum are open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Wednesday through Sunday the rest of the year.


Nature Interpretive Center helps to preserve the park's flora and fauna as large areas of Allaire State Park have been left in their natural state.  The flood plain of the Manasquan River bisects the park and provides an excellent habitat for plant species not usually found in the Jersey Shore Region.  Over 200 species of wild flowers, trees, shrubs and other plants have been identified within the park.  Located along the Atlantic flyway, Allaire provides a feeding and resting-place for a large variety of migrating birds, many of which may be observed throughout the year.  Although the Center is currently closed you can call the park office at (732) 938-2371 for updated information.   


Trails wind throughout the park providing many opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.  The yellow trail at .5 miles, the red trail at 1.5 miles and the green trail at 4.5 miles are easy hiking trails designated for pedestrians only while the orange trail, which is 16.5 miles in length, is a moderate multi-use trail.


Mailing Address:
4265 Atlantic Ave.
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
GPS Coordinates
DMS 40° 09’ 43.60” N 74° 07' 53.62" W
Size: 3,199 acres


Fees: Entrance fees are only charged from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.


Directions:

Exit 98 off the Garden State Parkway or exit 31B off Interstate 195.
Information in this article was adapted from the Department of Environmental Protection-Division of Parks and Forestry website.http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/allaire.html
 

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