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USA New Jersey Cheesequake State Park

Cloudy Day At Cheesequake
© Gary M Slawsky

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Cheesequake Animals
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State Park Link:
 Cheesequake State Park


Nearby Parks:
 Edison State Park
 Monmouth Battlefield State Park
 Gateway National Recreation Area
 Gateway National Recreation Area
 Washington Rock State Park
 Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park


State Park Contact Information:
Cheesequake State Park
300 Gordon Road
Matawan, New Jersey   07747
Phone: 732-566-2161
Reservations: 732-566-2161
Email: Michele.buckley@dep.state.nj.us
Area Accommodations
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State Park Overview:
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.
Reviews By Park Visitors:
visitor rating: (9 votes)   |Post Your Own Review

Gorgeous Park

It is fascinating and, at the same time, unique park. Most definitely worth visiting such an exquisite site of gorgeous combination of New Jersey nature and wild life. I owe this thrilling experience of witnessing such a glory of outdoors to my professor Anton Massopust, true nature-loving person and environmentalist and just a great person. Going there is a great chance to have a family picnic, hang out with friends, have BBQ or, simply, get a catch of fresh air and get away and recuperate from all the problems in your life.

Written by devilzh4ze  25-Apr-2008

A Great Escape

Cheesequake Park is welcoming and clean. The staff is extremely approachable and always willing to accomodate. I have been visiting Cheesequake Park for years ... in all aspects ... hiking, fishing, camping, swimming or using the playground. We also love the Nature House. A little slice of Heaven.

(name not given)  26-Jun-2008

A LOCAL AND I STILL GO OFTEN

When I was a child I used to horseback ride at Cheesequake. No longer available but you can still have a great time. We go for one night, walk the trails, toast marshmellows, swim in the lake, eat all the ribs we can at a nearby restaurant. Always have a good time and it is close by-save on gas and get in touch with nature.

Written by DENNY  9-Jul-2008

Full of deer and turkeys!

The hiking trails are fun. I wish the trash situation were more under control, but sadly it is NJ... Do you remember that old Disney cartoon about the litterbugs? What if cheap copies were distributed to everyone who visited a state park one summer?

Written by Citydwellermissesnature  25-Apr-2009

Great camping...love it!!!

I live just minutes away and love to go camping there...The sites are big and most are private with tree surrounding them...Very friendly workers, even the park police are nice!!! Nice hiking, bike riding and other friendly campers!!! I love the all you can eat rib place near by..It is a slice of nature to be enjoyed right here in NJ!!!

Written by Christina  2-May-2009

Excellent Park

Excellent park with lots to do -- especially for small children. There are trails, small beach and camping. We visit it multiple times each summer. Highly recommended.

(name not given)  2-Jun-2009

kayak/canoe water trail

Kudos to Jim Fkazak and his lovely wife April who lead us on an unbelievable water trail which they developed through grants. We had a fabulous day not only being instructed on kayaking but the history, ecology and fauna of the area. Please contact them and see if you too can go on a tour par excellance Meg Kane Somerset, NJ

Written by aileen7@aol.com  21-Jul-2009

easy to get to

i like this park.Close to home,has camping, a lake u can swim in and u can see wildlife!

Written by furryfuzz  25-Aug-2009

Great place for Day camping

Written by Donald  26-Aug-2009

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

Group campsites: The Gordon Field group area has fire rings, upright grills and picnic tables. There are six individual sites accommodating up to 25 campers each. The area facilities include flush toilets and potable water. Trash must be carried out. Open May 1st through October 31st. $25 per night.
Trails:
There are five designated trails at the park. The Red, Yellow, Green and Blue pathways are for hiking and walking use. The White Trail (multi-use) is designated for hiking and mountain biking. Trail lengths range from 1.5 to 3.5 miles. Trail difficulty ranges from easy to moderate with inclines.
Picnicking:
Several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the Park. For larger groups, we also offer two reservable picnic areas. The group picnic area at Farny Point holds a capacity of 150 people, provides shelter, playfields and playground equipment. 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:

$50.00 per day, plus applicable parking fees for reservations for Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

$75.00 per day for reservations for the Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day.

Group Picnic Cancellation Fee: 50 percent of 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.
Boating:
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.
Swimming:
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.
Fishing and Hunting:
Fishing:

The six-acre Hooks Creek Lake offers an opportunity for freshwater fishing. Trout, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, and Sunfish provide the angler with a variety of freshwater species. 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.
Area Accommodations
The Pillars of Plainfield B&B Inn - Plainfield, NJ
Luxurious private bath suites in restored Victorian mansion. Full Swedish breakfast, private phone, HBO, evening sherry & cookies. Close to NYC, Newark, for business travelers and Getaway Weekends.
Price Range: $114 - $250
Web Site: http://www.pillars2.com
B&Bs / Inns
Manchester Inn Bed and Breakfast - Ocean Grove, NJ
The Manchester Inn, The Ocean Grove New Jersey Bed Breakfast and The Secret Garden Restaurant are steps from the white sandy beach and the gentle surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the cooling ocean breezes from our rocking chair porch while overlooking Ocean Pathway, Ocean Groves finest avenue!
Web Site: http://www.themanchesterinn.com/index.htm
Morning Dove Inn - Belmar, NJ
The Morning Dove Inn, located between the historic towns of Ocean Grove and Spring Lake offers various nearby attractions to delight anytime of the year.
Web Site: http://www.morningdoveinn.com
Evergreen Inn Bed and Breakfast - Award-Winning Breakfast in a fun and friendly B&B at the Jersey Shore! Double Whirlpools, 'Floating' Fireplaces, Private Balconies - open all year for Fun in the Sun, or the Cure for Cabin Fever.
Hollycroft Inn - 1908 'mountain lodge' retreat in 'Arts & Crafts' style, on a wooded knoll overlooking Lake Como, with the ocean just beyond. 8 guestrooms w/ private baths, full breakfast,AC, bicycles, beach badg
White Lilac Inn - Romantic,victorian Seashore Inn with Southern charm and hospitality. Guest room themes from the VT. Cabin to our Victorian Treasure Suite, Fireplaces in every room, Double Whirlpool tubs and private p
Whistling Swan Inn - Stanhope, NJ
Nestled in the beautiful Skylands Region of New Jersey, the house now known as The Whistling Swan Inn was built in 1905 by Justice of the Peace, Daniel Best, for his wife, Sarah. Come visit Northwest NJ's finest Victorian Inn Voted "Top Ten B&B in US" by Inn Traveler Magazine
Web Site: http://www.whistlingswaninn.com
The Wooden Duck Bed & Breakfast - Newton, NJ
A brick patio & in ground swimming pool invite guests to step outdoors and enjoy their picturesque surroundings and provide a lovely spot for seasonal breakfasting, sunbathing or just plain relaxing!
Web Site: http://www.woodenduckinn.com/
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Related Links:
Cheesequake - C O N T E N T S. Wildlife Learn about the indigenous wildlife. Education Free environmental educational lessons. Schedule Event being offered this season. Location Directions to the Cheesequake...
NJDEP-SEEDS-Cheesequake State Park - NJDEP-SEEDS-Environmental Education ... public, organizations, educators, students of all ages Additional Information: Cheesequake State Park Interpretive Center Gordon Road Matawan NJ 07747 Phone ...
Cheesequake State Park - Native Plant Society of New Jersey - cheesequake state park ... Cheesequake State Park Last edited July 15, 2002 By James H. Faczak, Naturalist Cheesequake State Park Spring and summer are the seasons for viewing the magnificent ...
Cheesequake State Park, NJ - Cheesequake State Park Trails, Matawan Directions: Very easy to find. Exit #120 on the Garden State Parkway. Follow well marked ... well marked signs for Cheesequake State Park. 1 mile to park ...
Cheesequake State Park - Cheesequake State Park Summer Half Day Sessions $60 for first time participants $50 for participants of any previous workshop Cheesequake State Park is one of the most diversified parks in the ...
Hiking Cheesequake State Park - CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK Middlesex County, NJ Directions : From New York City take the New Jersey Turnpike to exit 11. Follow the ... April 7, 2001. CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK, Middlesex County, NJ ...
City kids have fun fishing at Cheesequake State Park - ... July 26, 2000 City kids have fun fishing at Cheesequake State Park By natalie m. vena OLD BRIDGE ? On a cloudy morning, children ... toward the lake at Cheesequake State Park, hoping to snag a ...
Developers seek to build 10 homes Cheesequake State Park naturalist raises some concerns - ... July 19, 2000 Developers seek to build 10 homes Cheesequake State Park naturalist raises some concerns NATALIE M. VENA The Old ... Lane which borders Cheesequake State Park. By natalie m. vena ...
MCAS Field Trips - ... reader required) --- Sat., 10/11/03 SPECIAL: Beginners' bird walk Cheesequake State Park Meet at park entrance 9 am Sat., 10/18 ... walk October 11 at Cheesequake State Park The Monmouth County ...
NJ 74 Freeway (unbuilt) - Descriptive history of the unbuilt Route 74 (Industrial) Freeway in central New Jersey. ... was to border the southern boundary of Cheesequake State Park. The road was to be constructed to contemporary ...
Area Attractions:
Cheesequake Natural Area (386 acres)

A striking example of vegetation change along a gradient from coastal salt marsh habitat to upland forests can be observed from the various trails running through the natural area. The natural area displays a diversity of plant species and community types characteristic of both northern and southern New Jersey.

Interpretive Center

The 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. Visitors can learn about the three habitats located within Cheesequake State Park. The Center also 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.
Area Campgrounds
Pine Cone Resort
340 Georgia Road
Freehold, NJ
732-462-2230


Turkey Swamp Park Campgrounds
66 Nomoco Road
Freehold, NJ
732-462-7286


Area Fishing Related Businesses
Bo-GI's Bait and Tackle
2126 Knapp St
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 743-2277


Selus Fishing Co
12 Lombardy St
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 387-8388


Uncle Mike's Fishing Sinkers
240 47th St
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 439-0740


Redhook Bait & Tackle
320 Van Brunt St
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 797-4892


Bernie's Fishing Tackle
3035 Emmons Ave
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 646-7600


Name-It Bait & Tackle
2558 Stillwell Ave
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 373-6233


Stella Maris Charters
2702 Emmons Ave
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 769-5678


Uncle Mike Fishing Sinkers
47 4th St
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 439-0740


Bad Influence Inc
2771 Mill Ave
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 629-2248


Scag's Bait & Tackle
50 Fort Pl # A1b
Staten Island, NY
(718) 727-7373


Zimmer Fish & Game Conservation Assoc
4411 Arthur Kill Rd
Staten Island, NY
(718) 948-9599


Michael's Bait & Tackle Shop
187 Mansion Ave
Staten Island, NY
(718) 984-9733


Biggie's Bait & Tackle
65 Page Ave
Staten Island, NY
(718) 966-9206


Lady Kim Charters
16 Sheraden Avenue
Staten Island, NY
(718) 698-6582


Captains Marine Mercury & Force Outboards
202 Mansion Ave
Staten Island, NY
(718) 984-3346


Big Al's Bait & Tackle
7407 Amboy Rd
Staten Island, NY
(718) 605-6907


Capt Pauls Charters
81 Detroit Ave
Staten Island, NY
(718) 966-6990


Area Resorts and Lodging
Clarion Inn
11 Cedar Grove Lane
Somerset, NJ
(732) 563-1000


Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Rsrt
2120 Kenmore Ter
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 703-0055


Country Resorts Ltd
2157 57th St
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 236-1177


Best Western Gregory Hotel
8315 4th Ave
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 238-3737


Prince Classon Hotel
547 Classon Ave
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 623-3222


Bass Hotels & Resorts
461 3rd St
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 369-6490


Country Resorts Ltd
4616 13th Ave
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 436-2000


Doral Hotels & Resorts
90 Park Ave
Brooklyn, NY
Unverified listing


Marriott Hotels Resorts Suites: New York Marriott Brooklyn
333 Adams St
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 246-7000


Hotel Richmond
71 Central Ave
Staten Island, NY
(718) 447-8445


Directions:
From the GSP: Make a right at the end of the exit ramp and follow to the first light. Make a right. At the next light make a right and follow road into the Park.

From Route 34 South: Make a left turn onto Disbrow Road which is the light immediately south of the Marketplace Shopping Plaza. Make a right at the end of Disbrow Road. Make a left at the first light and follow into the Park.

From Route 34 North: Make a right turn onto Disbrow Road which is the light immediately north of the Berg Animal Hospital. Make a right at the end of Disbrow Road. Make a left at the first light and follow into the Park.
USA New Jersey Cheesequake State Park
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