Cheesequake State Park’s uniqueness lies in its geographical location.  Not only is it situated in the middle of the urban north and the suburban south, it lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems.  Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park.

 

Camping in the Park

There are 53 tent and trailer sites within the park, each with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance and a trailer sanitary station available.  There is an 11-foot height restriction for vehicles entering the camping area.  Open from April 1st through October 31st, there is a $20 per night charge per site with a limit of six people and two vehicles per site.

 

The state park also offers 6 group campsites.  The Gordon Field group area has fire rings, upright grills and picnic tables.  This group area has six individual sites accommodating up to 25 campers each.  The area facilities include flush toilets and potable water. All camper trash must be carried out.  Open from May 1st through October 31st. each group site rents for $25 per night.

 

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities

 

Highlights of Cheesequake Park

Cheesequke Natural Area (386 acres) is a striking example of vegetation change along a gradient from coastal salt marsh habitat to upland forests and can be observed from the various trails running through the natural area.  A diversity of plant species and community type’s characteristic to both northern and southern New Jersey can be seen.

 

Cheesequake Interpretive Center is located a short distance from the trailhead parking area on the Red/Green/Blue trail.  Visitors are welcome to view the wildlife historical exhibits throughout the Center where they can also learn about the three habitats located within Cheesequake State Park.  Additionally, the Center provides information on the Native American and early colonization of the area.  The center is open from Wednesday through Sunday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

 

The Interpretive Center provides free weekly interpretive programming focusing on a variety of seasonal topics. Consult the Calendar of Events online or call the Center for details at (732) 566-3208 (732) 566-3208.

 

Trails consist of five which are designated throughout the park.  The Red, Yellow, Green and Blue pathways are for hiking and walking use.  The White Trail is multi-use and has been designated for hiking and mountain biking.  Trail lengths range from 1.5 to 3.5 miles, have some inclines and range from easy to moderate in difficulty.  

 

Fishing (freshwater) is available on the six-acre Hooks Creek Lake.  Trout, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, and Sunfish provide the angler with a variety of freshwater species.  All fishing is subject to all NJ Fish and Wildlife regulations. Crabbing is also available from the Crabbing Bridge which is reachable from the lake parking area.  The bridge and walkway are ADA accessible.

 

Picnicking is provided at several picnic areas with tables and grills located throughout the Park.  For larger groups, two picnic areas are offered.  The group picnic area, which must be reserved, at Farny Point holds a capacity of 150 people and provides shelter and playfields.  The group picnic area at Spring Hill holds a capacity of 100 people and provides playfields and playground equipment.  Group picnicking reservations are required for weekday events.  A party of 20 or more people constitutes a group.  They may be reserved for a fee:

 

$55 per day, plus applicable parking fees
Memorial Day through Labor Day
$80 per day
Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day
50 percent of Fee
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
NOTE: There is no group picnicking on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  No alcohol is permitted.  Trash must be carried out.

 

Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.

 

Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation form.  Payment in full of the appropriate group picnicking fee must accompany this application.

 

Boating and Canoeing is permitted the day after Labor Day through the day before Memorial Day weekend.  Canoeing, kayaking and boating with facilities for car top boat launching only.  Boaters must comply with all NJ State Boating regulations.  Electronic motors only.  There are no boat/canoe rental facilities available.

 

Swimming is permitted in Hooks Creek Lake from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend while lifeguards are on duty.  Visitors will find a beach complex containing changing area, restrooms, a first-aid station and a concession offering refreshments, novelties and beach supplies.  Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area.  Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted.  Pets are prohibited on the beach.

 

Winter Activities include sledding which is permitted on the hill adjacent to the Hooks Creek Lake parking area, cross-country skiing which is permitted on the roadways and field areas and snow shoeing which is permitted throughout the Park.

Location:
Middlesex County
Mailing Address:
300 Gordon Road
Matawan, NJ 07747
 (732) 566-2161 (732) 566-2161
GPS Coordinates
DMS 40 ° 26’ 6” N 74° 16' 13" W
Size: 1,569 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
$ 5.00
weekdays
$10.00
weekends
N/A
walk-in/bicycle

 

Directions:
The Park is accessible from exit 120 off the Garden State Parkway and from Route 34. State Park signs are posted at critical intersections along the following routes: GSP, Route 34 South and North.
 

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