CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK
CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK300 Gordon Road Matawan, New Jersey 07747
Phone: 732-566-2161 Reservations: 732-566-2161 Email:
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Cheesequake State Park
'A bird is thinking'Rainy day at Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park
'Tree Moss'Rainy day at the Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park
'Sunday Afternoon'Rainy day at Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park
'Cloudy Day At Cheesequake' © Images can not be copied, downloaded or otherwise used without permission of copyright owner, Gary M Slawsky. Gary can be reached at gslawskycomcast.net.
website
A day at Cheesequake with unusual cloud formations.

Cheesequake State Park
'Cheesequake Animals' © Biswamber Pal
Deer

Cheesequake State Park
'Cheesequake Animals' © Biswamber Pal
Spotted Deers

Cheesequake State Park
'Cheesequake Animals' © Biswamber Pal

Cheesequake State Park
'Cheesequake Jungle' © Biswamber Pal

Cheesequake State Park
'Cheesequake Jungle' © Biswamber Pal

Cheesequake State Park
'Cheesequake Jungle' © Biswamber Pal

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park
'Cheesequake State Park'
Cheesequake State Park
'Lichen'
Cheesequake State Park
'marsh'
Cheesequake State Park
'boardwalk'the blue trail

Cheesequake State Park
'Lichen'
Cheesequake State Park
'Boardwalk'
Cheesequake State Park
'Pinecone'
Cheesequake State Park
'Pine Barrens'
Cheesequake State Park
'Fallen Tree'A fallen tree in one of the marshes.

Cheesequake State Park
'Lake'
Cheesequake State Park
'Lake'
Cheesequake State Park
'Pipes'
Cheesequake State Park
'Lake'
Cheesequake State Park
'Fiddler crabs in the brackish mud'
Cheesequake State Park
'going back to the earth'
Cheesequake State Park
'yearling deer'
Cheesequake State Park
'white tail '
Cheesequake State Park
'young pines'
Cheesequake State Park
'raccoon tracks in muddy river clay'
Cheesequake State Park
'pine barren pines/pinecones'
Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park
'Red Winged Black Bird' © DO NOT COPY - Jessica Kasper Photography

Cheesequake State Park
'Turtle in Lake' © DO NOT COPY - Jessica Kasper Photography

Cheesequake State Park
'Walk in the Woods' © DO NOT COPY - Jessica Kasper Photography

Cheesequake State Park
'Smile Stump' © DO NOT COPY - Jessica Kasper Photography

Cheesequake State Park
'Spring Walk' © DO NOT COPY - Jessica Kasper Photography

Cheesequake State Park
'Spring Leaves' © DO NOT COPY - Jessica Kasper Photography

Cheesequake State Park
'Hawk ' © DO NOT COPY - Jessica Kasper Photography

Cheesequake State Park
© DO NOT COPY - Jessica Kasper Photography

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.
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.
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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.
Boating/Canoeing
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. No boat/canoe rental facilities
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.
 | Rent My Camper.com, Inc - Shirley, NY Motor Home Campers We'll Hook You Up with all the comforts of home including heat and AC. We deliver, setup and pickup. Our campers sleep up to 10. Just bring your food and clothes we've covered everything else, even clean linens and towels Camper is supplied with pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups, utensils, all your kitchen needs. |
Get directions
to this park:
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.
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.
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.
Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 14 Wonderful neighboring park by slc

Respite nature & so nearby for a meditative hike . . . a local gem for those of us who live along the Raritan bayshore.
July 4 Best lake by Mariana

Awesome,I have fun with my family in the lake.Chilling and relaxing.its amazing ,the water perminates clean and the people enjoy coming!lol me too.love it!
March 21 its my favorite place! :) by jessy jara

its the best place you can go to have a bbq and afterwards have a swim in the lake or just chill at the playground.
August 26 Great place for Day camping by Donald
August 25 easy to get to by furryfuzz

i like this park.Close to home,has camping, a lake u can swim in and u can see wildlife!
July 21 kayak/canoe water trail by aileen7@aol.com

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
June 2 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.
May 2 Great camping...love it!!! by Christina

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!!!
April 25 Full of deer and turkeys! by Citydwellermissesnature

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?
July 9 A LOCAL AND I STILL GO OFTEN by DENNY

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.
June 26 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.
April 25 Gorgeous Park by devilzh4ze

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.


| Area Campgrounds |
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| 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

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| 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

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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.