Surrounded by the rolling hills of Hunterdon County, Spruce Run Recreation Area is popular with picnickers, swimmers, fishermen, boaters and campers. The reservoir was one of the first water supply facilities to be constructed and operated by the state and covers 1,290 acres with 15 miles of shoreline for recreation. Spruce Run is the third largest reservoir in the state after Round Valley and Wanaque reservoirs.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Open daily sunrise to sunset
Office Hours: Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Highlands Millennium Trail, which will eventually connect the Delaware River to the Hudson River, is approximately 0.91 miles (one way) within the park boundaries. This leisurely hike is not ADA accessible. The park grounds and roadways are excellent areas for other strolling, jogging and biking activities.

For forms and information on booking a campsite visit our: reservations page
Reservations may be made by contacting the Spruce Run Recreation Area office at 908-638-8572

Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Campsites: 67 tent and trailer sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Flush toilets and showers are within walking distance. Open April 1 through October 31. New Jersey Residents: $20 per night; Non-Residents: $25 per night.

Click to view some of our campsites

Our campground is open from April 1st through October 31st for family camping—no group sites are available. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with attached grill. Modern restrooms with showers are located on either side of the campground. Reservations or walk-ins are accepted. Pets and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
Size:881 KB

Twenty-nine species of fish are contained within the waters of Spruce Run including largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch and carp. Trout, northern pike and hybrid bass are stocked by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife. For fishing regulations please refer to the NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest.

View the State Park Service areas open to hunting for 2011-2012.

Bow Hunting is permitted in Spruce Run Recreation Area Monday through Saturdays in designated areas only. Please contact the park office for maps and information.

Spruce Run offers a variety of waterfowl and deer hunting (Bow only) seasonally. The Clinton Wildlife Management Area is adjacent to the recreation area and is open for public hunting. Maps and information may be obtained from Division of Fish and Wildlife by calling (908) 735-8240.

Six picnic areas spaciously located in wooded and open areas overlooking the reservoir. Includes tables, charcoal grills and restroom facilities. Visitors may bring their own grills in accordance with fire regulations in effect at that time. For larger groups, we also offer the Group Picnic Area. Open April 1 through October 31. It holds a capacity of 225 people, provides shelter, playground equipment and it may be reserved for a 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.

Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation form* downloadable here. Payment in full of the appropriate group picnicking fee must accompany this application.

*To view this form, please download the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat

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Spruce Run Group Bus Reservation Rules and Regulations
Spruce Run Group Bus Reservation Application Form
Spruce Run Group Bus Manifest

Motor boating (electric and gas—10hp limit), sailing (25 feet in length and 30 feet above the water line height limit), canoe/kayaking, windsurfing. Trailer launch ramp and cartop launch area. Rentals (908-638-8234) available seasonally and boat storage (dry) available year round. Call for information.

Spruce Run Boat Storage Application and Agreement (pdf)
Spruce Run Boat Storage Application and Agreement (Word document)

Also visit Round Valley Recreation Area’s website for information on similar (except rentals) boating activities as well as scuba/skin diving.

From Memorial Weekend to Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty, visitors will find a beach complex containing changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies may be purchased. 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. Grilling is prohibited along the beachfront including the posted grassy area. There is a playground and open fields to accommodate various ball and net games.

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Many special events take place at Spruce Run. These include walk-a-thons, sailing regattas, watershed clean-up days, triathlons, and weddings.

During the winter months, many visitors cross-country ski, ice fish, and ice boat at the recreation area. You may contact the recreation office for snow conditions or visit the local weather channel site at: http://www.weather.com/weather/local/08809.

• Local Weather Conditions
• Highlands Trail Information
• New Jersey Fish & Wildlife

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