Parks in New Jersey

Parks and Recreational Areas

This collection features diverse outdoor spaces across New Jersey and Manhattan, ranging from the historic West Harlem Piers and Riverside Park to the expansive Pine Barrens habitat of Peaslee Fish and Wildlife Management Area. The list includes free zoological gardens in Cape May and Bridgeton, specialized environmental parks like Cattus Island, and community hubs such as the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Visitors can find locations for freshwater fishing, coastal birdwatching, and high-tech recreation.

Parks and Recreational Areas — Map

Jim.henderson / Public domain

A

West Harlem Piers Park

Although today this peaceful promenade serves as a place to relax for individuals, groups and families, it has a long and eventful history.

Asaavedra32 / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Riverside Park

Riverside Park is a scenic waterfront public park in the Upper West Side, Morningside Heights, and Hamilton Heights neighborhoods of the…

Mark Peters / CC BY 2.0

C

Cape May County Park & Zoo

The Cape May County Park & Zoo in the Cape May Court House section of Middle Township, New Jersey, provides free year-round admission to a…

D

Sussex County Fairgrounds

Home to the New Jersey State Fair, this venue features multiple exhibit buildings and outdoor arenas used for agricultural shows and community events.

E

Harborview Park

Waterfront park in Cape May offering views of the harbor and local fishing activity.

F

Top Golf

High-tech golf facility featuring climate-controlled hitting bays, a full-service restaurant, and a bar.

G

Cohanzick Zoo

Established in 1934, New Jersey's first zoo houses over 100 animals from more than 45 species in Bridgeton.

H

Lake & Shore Park

Campground and resort area in Ocean View featuring private lake access for swimming and fishing.

I

Menantico Ponds Fish and Wildlife Management Area

A 450-acre area in Millville featuring former sand mining pits now used for freshwater fishing and birdwatching.

J

Nantuxent Fish and Wildlife Management Area

Coastal marshland in Cumberland County managed for waterfowl habitat and hunting.

K

Peaslee Fish and Wildlife Management Area

Spanning over 30,000 acres, this is one of New Jersey's largest wildlife areas, preserving critical Pine Barrens habitat.

L

Cattus Island Park

A 530-acre environmental park in Toms River featuring a nature center and miles of trails through salt marshes and woodlands.

M

Prospertown Lake Wildlife Management Area

Wildlife area featuring an 80-acre lake used for fishing and canoeing, located adjacent to the Six Flags complex.

N

Veterans Park

Municipal park in East Brunswick featuring athletic fields, playgrounds, and memorial monuments.

O

Jamesburg County Park

County park offering trails, picnic areas, and access to the waters of Wigwam Pond.

P

John J. Guld Jr. Recreation Area & Ball Field

Community recreational space in Little Egg Harbor featuring baseball fields and open green space.

Q

Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area

Coastal wetland area managed for waterfowl, offering opportunities for crabbing and birding near Barnegat Bay.

R

Ocean Acres Lake Park

Stafford Township park centered around a lake, featuring a walking path and playground.

S

Woodwild Park

Wooded trail system in Metuchen managed by a local trust to preserve natural forest land within the borough.

T

Center Street Park

Local municipal park featuring a basketball court and playground equipment.

U

Harding Land Trust

Preserved open spaces and trail systems managed by a non-profit trust within Harding Township.

V

Bayne Park

Community park in Harding featuring a pond and walking paths adjacent to the local library.

W

Patriot Lake

Galloway Township recreation area featuring a paved walking path around the water and a veterans memorial.

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