The Musconetcong River, an excellent freshwater fishing spot, flows over and around boulders through Stephens State Park. An easy walking, but rocky path follows the river with places for picnicking in shaded areas.
Less than one mile east along Waterloo Road at Saxton Falls are the remains of one of the Morris Canal’s twenty-three locks and a section of the old canal’s towpath. The original canal was 90 miles in length, stretching from Newark to Phillipsburg, and was used to ship coal and iron across the state. The canal could not however, compete with the development of the Morris and Essex Railroad in the late 1800s, and was eventually abandoned.
Camping in the State Park
Stephens State Park has 40 tent and small trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables available at each. Flush toilets are within an easy walking distance. These sites are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $20 per night.
Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.
Highlights of Stephens State Park
Waterloo Village takes the visitor through time from a 400-year old Lenape (Delaware) Indian village to a bustling port along the once prosperous Morris Canal. This early 19th-century restored village contains a working mill complex with gristmills, sawmills, a general store, blacksmith shop and several historic houses.
Park Programs are available at Stephens State Park and visitors are invited to participate in the Interpretive Nature Programs. These programs are sponsored by the park free of charge. Attendees meet at the end of the main parking lot at 1:00 pm each day. In case of inclement weather, you are urged to contact the park office to determine if a program has been cancelled or rescheduled.
Trails at the park consist of 6 miles of marked trails for walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The trail surfaces range from flat to steep and rocky. A 2-mile section of the Highlands Trail runs the length of Stephens State Park.
Fishing is available in the Musconetcong River located in the park. During the spring the Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks the Musconetcong with brown, rainbow and brook trout.
Hunting is open on more then 470 acres of Stephens State Park. Both fishing and hunting is subject to NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
Rock Climbing is available in an area which is located near Waterloo Village on Waterloo Road. A waiver is required prior to rock climbing. Specific information may be obtained from the park office.
Boating is allowed for boats with both electric motors or gas motors boats on the Musconetcong River. Each person must have on a wearable Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD). Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Picnicking is available at sites along the scenic Musconetcong River and at the Upper picnic area. Tables, charcoal grills and sanitary facilities are provided at these sites. Playground equipment and a small open play field are available at the Upper picnic area. All picnic facilities are on a first come first serve basis, except for the group picnic shelter which can be reserved. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
For larger groups, we also offer a Group Picnic Shelter. It may be reserved for a fee.
$80.00 per day
Open year round
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.
Mailing Address:
800 Willow Grove St.
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
(908) 852-3790 (908) 852-3790
GPS Coordinates
DMS 40° 52’ 09.06” N 74° 48' 36.00" W
Size: 805 acres
Fees: No entrance fee.
Directions:
Willow Grove Street (Route 604), 2 miles east of Hackettstown or 7.5 miles west of Route 206 on Waterloo Road (Route 604).
Tags: campground, new jersey camping
