Swartswood Lake (Swartswood State Park) in New Jersey

Trip Overview

Swartswood State Park is vast with trails and the centerpiece - a 494-acre glacial lake. The lake itself is rather developed on its western shoreline with private residences, but the lake still retains a bit of a wild character.

This was one of the first lakes I had ever been to in NJ as a kid, and coming back as an adult was a different experience. This was my first time paddling this water, and I feel the need to return to take it all in.

Friday was a great day, paddled for about 4 hours on the north end in the early evening. Saturday I took it easy and with the forcasted evening rains, I decided to enjoy the day and return for more fun another time.

Accommodations:

The oldest state park in NJ, dating to 1914, this place has a year-round campground, featuring more than 65 sites for tents and trailers. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern hook. Campsites can get noisy, but there are isolated areas for more privacy. Ranger office sells firewood at $7 a bundle.

Outfitting:

Kayak - OK Prowler Big Game.

Fees:

Campground: $20/per night, online service fee of $9.25, at www.reserveamerica.com; no service fee for in-person.

Directions:

Rt. 80 to exit 25, to 206 North, to CRs 622, 619

Launches:

Swartswood Lake Main Ramp

Hand Carry Launch on Swartswood Lake

Resources:

Quiet Water NJ; Lake Survey Maps.