Established in 1914 as New Jersey's first state park, Swartswood is well known for its great fishing and tranquil surroundings.  Little Swartswood and Swartswood Lake were formed by glaciers thousands of years ago and are now home to a variety of fish.  Both lakes have been the focus of water quality improvement efforts including invasive aquatic weed control and watershed protection.

 

From bald eagles to the unique plant life found in the sinkhole ponds, whether you are on land or water, there is always a chance you will catch a glimpse of the spectacular wildlife in Swartswood State Park.  The park is open year round with a variety of recreational activities available depending on the season.  During the summer, colorful sailboats take to the water either on a leisurely sail around the lake or while participating in the sailing regattas scheduled throughout the season.

 

Camping in the Park

Swartswood State Park provides 65 tent and trailer sites each with a fire ring, picnic table and lantern holder.  The maximum occupancy is six per site.  Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within easy walking distance.  There is a trailer sanitary and water station available.  Campsites 1-21 are open all year while campsites 22-65 are open from April 1 through October 31 each with a charge of $20 per night.

 

The 3 group sites each offer picnic tables, a fire ring and lantern holder.  The minimum occupancy is seven and maximum occupancy is twenty.  Water and sanitary units are within walking distance of each of these sites.  Open from April 1 through October 31 each site rents for $20 per night. 

 

In addition the park provides 6 yurt sites with a fire ring, picnic table and lantern holder. Yurts are circular tents built on a wooden frame with concrete floors.  Each yurt has a skylight, lockable wood door, window screens with flaps and two double deck bunks, which can sleep up to four people.  Assembly of additional tents is not permitted on yurt sites. These sites are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $30 per site. 

 

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

 

Highlights of Swartswood State Park

 

Trails in Swartswood State Park:

 

Duck Pond Multi-Use Trail
This 0.6 mile-paved path provides a level surface for walking, biking, rollerblading, and skate boarding.  It is also accessible for persons with disabilities.  The trail meanders through a forested area along Duck Pond with wayside exhibits found along the trail that  provide information on the unique natural features found in the area.  A bird blind has been constructed to allow visitors to view birdlife in the area with little disturbance to their habitat.

 

Spring Lake Trail
This 2.8-mile trail begins at the end of the paved Duck Pond Trail.  Follow the white markers along the natural hilly terrain through a secondary succession forest to the secluded Spring Lake.  This trail is considered to be a moderate level hike.

 

Bear Claw Trail
This 0.8 mile trail is marked in yellow and begins at the Duck Pond parking area just to the right of our kiosk.  This is an easy to moderate hike on an earthen, hilly path.  The trail ends where it meets the paved Duck Pond Trail allowing you to combine the two trails for a full loop back to the parking area.

 

Grist Mill Trail
This 1.5 loop trail can be found at the most southern end of Swartswood Lake by the dam.  The steep rocky terrain makes this a moderate to difficult hike with rewarding views of Swartswood Lake.

 

Fishing for the freshwater angler can be enjoyed year-round in Little Swartswood and Swartswood Lakes.  The lakes are stocked with brown, rainbow and brook trout in the spring.  Summer and fall catches include bass, sunfish, catfish, walleye, perch and pickerel.  Fishing is available along the shores or by boat.  Fishing also is permitted in the mill pond near Keen's Grist Mill.  All fishing is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

 

Hunting is available in most of the area east of County Route 619.  Game commonly found in the park includes ring-necked pheasant, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, gray squirrel, eastern cottontail and white-tailed deer.  All hunting is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

 

Picnicking can be enjoyed in secluded picnic areas throughout the park.  Many overlook the lake and all have picnic tables and grills.  Charcoal fires must be contained to the metal grills provided at the site.  Visitors are free to bring their own metal grills.  Wood fires are not permitted at any of the picnic areas.  Food and refreshments are also offered at the concession stand.
A playground and open playing fields are located near the picnic area.  Volleyball and basketball courts and open areas for frisbee, golf and softball are located in the day-use area of the park.

 

Swartswood also offers a group picnic.  It holds a capacity of 100 people, provides shelter, play fields and playground equipment.  It may be reserved for a fee:
$55 per day, plus applicable parking fees
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
$80 per day
Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day
50 percent of Fee
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
• 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 is permitted and boat rentals are available in the park on a seasonal basis.  Please call for hours of operation prior to your visit.  The rental facility is typically open weekends only from May to the end of June.  The facility is open seven days a week from July through Labor Day.
 
Swimming is available in Swartswood Lake from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day, while lifeguards are on duty.  Swimming hours are 10 am to 6 pm.  Adjacent to the beach visitors can access facilities with changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies may be purchased.  The facilities are accessible for people with disabilities.
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.

 

Mailing Address:
P O Box 123
Swartswood, NJ 07877-5230
 (973) 383-5230 (973) 383-5230
GPS Coordinates
DMS 41° 04’ 25.07” N 74° 49' 07.62" W
Size: 2,472 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:
From Route 80, take exit 25, Route 206 north to Newton, about 12 miles. From Newton, make a left at the second traffic light (Route 206 and Spring Street) then make a left at the next light onto Route 519. Follow 519 for approximately 1/2 mile, then make a left onto Route 622 at Sussex County College sign. Follow Route 622 for about 4 1/2 miles. Turn left onto Route 619. The park entrance is about 1/2 mile south on Route 619.
 

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