Whether you want to soak up the sun or play a game of kickball, heading to a park can be just the thing your family needs to breathe in some fresh air, see blooms, and sneak in a bit of fitness, too. And thankfully, there are so many parks in South Jersey, you can find one near you—scroll down for a roundup of the best parks in South Jersey to visit now or later. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

South Jersey Parks

Amico Island County Park 
This 55-acre peninsula features upland forests, freshwater ponds and wetlands, and river shoreline and meadows. Hike, bike, fish, or picnic near the Rancocas Creek and Delaware River. Since the park is located next to the Delaware River and is surrounded by water on three sides, Amico Island hosts more bird species than any other County Park.
81 Norman Avenue, Delran, NJ 08075

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
The Barnegat Lighthouse is one of the most important “change of course” points for coastal vessels. This maritime site is on Long Beach Island’s northern tip and is part of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail.
208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006

Bass River State Forest
New Jersey acquired this forest in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management, and it was the first of its kind at the time. Stop by Lake Absegami for water activities, and don’t miss the trail that leads through the woods where an Atlantic white cedar bog is on site.
762 Stage Road, Tuckerton, NJ 08087

Belleplain State Forest
Established in 1928 for wildlife management, recreation, timber production, and conservation, Belleplain State Forest has something for everyone, including 40 miles of hiking, biking, and riding trails. 
1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
Whitesbog Village, once a thriving blueberry and cranberry-producing area, is one of the many things to see at the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. Families can also find picnic areas, playgrounds, and 25 miles of trails.
Mile Marker 1, Highway Route 72 East, Woodland Township, NJ 08088

Cape May Point State Park
This state park is one of the most popular sites for bird watching in North America and a natural route for migratory birds. Located on the southern end of New Jersey, visitors come to see the Cape May lighthouse, but there’s much to explore over the 244 acres of marshlands, ponds, forests, dunes, and beach. It’s also part of the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail.
303 County Highway 629, Cape May, NJ 08204

Cattus Island County Park
This Ocean County park covers 530 acres and 7 miles of trails. Follow the main path to the beach, or enjoy the views of Barnegat Bay. Cattus Island is also home to the Cooper Environmental Center, which includes a live osprey cam, a habitat tree and tunnel, a bird-viewing area, and a children’s activity corner. There is even a Butterfly Garden to visit.
1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08753

Corson’s Inlet State Park
One of the last undeveloped beachfronts, Corson’s Inlet State Park, was established in the 1960s to preserve the area. Boating and fishing are two of the most popular activities at the park, with families also enjoying hiking and crabbing.
Bay Avenue, County Hwy 619, Ocean City, NJ 08226

Double Trouble State Park
The name says it all—Double Trouble Park is home to Cranberry Bogs and Double Trouble Village. Here, you can enjoy hunting, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721

Estell Manor County Park 
If you are in Atlantic County, this is the park to visit. It has 27 miles of trails for cross-country skiing, softball and soccer fields, camping, fishing, boating, and biking spots. It also features the Swamp Trail Boardwalk, a 1.8-mile, fully accessible, elevated wooden nature trail that crosses streams, a cedar swamp, a coastal forest, the ruins of the Bethlehem Loading Company, and two bump-outs that offer views of the South River.  
109 NJ-50, Mays Landing, NJ 08330

Fort Mott State Park
Used as a military reservation in the late 1800s, Fort Mott State Park was opened to the public as a Park in 1951. Today, families can enjoy the many trails, picnic areas, and interpretive programs.
454 Fort Mott Road, Pennsville, NJ 08070

Historic Smithville Park 
The 312-acre park has everything from upland forests and meadows, freshwater streams and wetlands to the creek shoreline and the 22-acre Smithville Lake. This park is the ideal place to hike, bike, fish, canoe, and picnic in a natural setting. Smith’s Woods Area is on the opposite side of Smithville Road, and it includes picnic pavilions and picnic areas with grills, a playground, restrooms, a butterfly garden, and hiking trails.
803 Smithville Road, Eastampton, NJ 08060

Island Beach State Park
Island Beach State Park is located within a 10-mile narrow barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. It is one of New Jersey’s last remnants of a barrier-island ecosystem and one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches along the North Atlantic coast. The state’s largest colony of osprey birds also calls the park home.
Route 35 South, Seaside Park, NJ 08752

Parvin State Park
Stop by to admire the beautiful lake (swimming is closed for the 2026 season) and pack a picnic. You can also find camping, boating, canoeing, and fishing at the Park.
701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove, NJ 08318

Rancocas State Park
The Rancocas State Park is an idyllic setting with trails for hiking and biking. Don’t miss the nature center, where your family can take part in interactive programs and events.
794 Rancocas Mount Holly Road, Westampton, NJ 08060

Red Bank Battlefield
Visit Gloucester County’s historic park on the waterfront of the Delaware River. Not only did this park play a crucial role in the Revolutionary War when the Hessians attacked Fort Mercer on October 22, 1777, but the Whitall House on the property also offers tours and programs throughout the year that focus on the park’s history. Make sure to visit the historic gardens and butterfly house while you are there.  
100 Hessian Avenue, National Park, NJ 08063

Tall Pines State Preserve
In June 2016, Tall Pines became Gloucester County’s First NJ State Park with a unique history. A former golf course, the park was left unmaintained for 10 years, allowing plants and trees to grow naturally and erasing any signs of 18 holes. Today, there are two marked trails to enjoy.
1705 Glassboro Road, Sewell, NJ 08080

Wells Mill Park
This park is the largest in the Ocean County park system with over 900 acres of pine and oak forest within the Pine Barrens. They have a three-story Nature Center with a display floor, a library, and the “Elizabeth Meirs Morgan Observation Deck.” Environmental programs and classes are held regularly, and look out for the annual “Pine Barrens Jamboree” in October. 
905 Wells Mills Road (Route 532), Waretown, NJ 08758

Wharton State Forest
Did you know Wharton State Forest is the largest land area within the New Jersey State Park System? Explore the wildlife, take the trails, or ride horseback at this state forest in New Jersey. While on the property, visit the former bog iron and glassmaking industrial center, Batsto Village.
31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

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