Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey State Park Service

NJ State Park Service LogoNJ State Park Service Logo

Independence Day & Weekend in New Jersey's State Parks

Come join us in celebration of Independence Day Weekend at a New Jersey state park, forest, historic site or recreation area! Whether you listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, have a picnic with friends and family, attend a progam, or visit one of our popular lifeguarded swim areas, the New Jersey State Park Service has everything you need for an enjoyable day or weekend.

Events & Programs

4

JULY

Bingo! at The Nature Center
  • Thursday
  • 9 AM
  • Cheesequake State Park

Description Starting at 9 a.m. and reoccurring every 2 hours - Join us for bingo, prizes, other games, coloring and crafts! Cool off in the Nature Center and have some fun!
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information Call Cheesequake park office for more information 732-566-2161

4

JULY

Ice Cream Social
  • Thursday
  • 12:30 PM - 4 PM
  • Grover Cleveland Birthplace Historic Site

Description Fun filled celebration with a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 12:30pm. Free Ice Cream and Lemonade with entertainment that includes a clown, a magician, and a DJ. Come play games from the 1830s and view historic postcards from West Essex County. Food will be available for purchase from the Cloverleaf Tavern.
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information Due to ongoing construction work at the Grover Cleveland Birthplace Historic Site, THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH GYMNASIUM AT 219 BLOOMFIED AVENUE, CALDWELL, NJ.

4

JULY

A reading of the Declaration of Independence
  • Thursday
  • 9:30 AM
  • Indian King Tavern Historic Site

Description Join a public reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the Indian King Tavern prior to the Haddonfield Parade. Meet members (re-enactors) of the militia that helped defend our nation.
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information An open house of Indian King Tavern will follow the parade.

4

JULY

GO ON A GROUP HIKE ON JULY 4TH!
  • Thursday
  • 9:30 AM
  • Kittatinny Valley State Park

Description Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) at 10:00 am on Thursday July 4th starting at Waterwheel Farm parking area at Cedar Ridge Road. The PVTC, the Officially Friends Organization of the Kittatinny Valley State Park, will host a moderate hike. The length of the hike will be 4 miles. The trail is cinder-based which provides easy, level hiking. Bring a drink.
Age All ages
Registration Email here or RSVP here.
Additional Information GPS Coordinates: 41.025499, -74.862599 From Route 94 South, turn right onto Fairview Hill Road. Take Fairview Hill Road until it ends at the “T” intersection with Fredon Marksboro Road and turn right. Turn left onto Dixon Road. It becomes Cedar Ridge Road and crosses the Paulinskill Valley Trail at a pond. Parking area will be on your left. Call (973) 324-0429 for more information

4

JULY

Independence Day Celebration at Monmouth Battlefield
  • Thursday
  • 1 PM - 3 PM
  • Monmouth Battlefield State Park

Description The Friends of Monmouth Battlefield and Monmouth Battlefield Park personnel are excited to host a Celebration of Independence Day. Join us for this free event at Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor's Center on Thursday, July 4th. ◆ 1:00 p.m. there will be a reproduction full-sized Revolutionary War cannon firing demonstration given by Mott’s Artillery. ◆ 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. children's artillery and infantry drills will be held.
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information If the weather looks questionable, call the park office for information at 732-462-9616.

4

JULY

July 4 Celebration at Princeton Battlefield
  • Thursday
  • 1 PM - 4 PM
  • Princeton Battlefield State Park

Description Join us Thursday, July 4th for an afternoon of games, interactive demos and storytelling at the Princeton Battlefield State Park and Clarke House, from 1-4pm. Try your hand at colonial era games or fabric dying with food-based dyes. Hear a reciting of the Declaration of Independence and witness a live musket firing on the battlefield, followed by a colonial cooking demonstration outside the Clarke House. Outdoor events are free and dog friendly (dogs must be kept on leash). The Clarke House will be open throughout the day for self-guided tours. Donations welcome. Parking is limited.
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information For more informatin please call 609-921-0074.

4

JULY

A reading of the Declaration of Independence and musket firing
  • Thursday
  • 2 PM
  • Washington Crossing State Park

Description Join a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a musket firing at Washington Crossing State Park.
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information Call (609) 737-0623 for more information.

4

JULY

Early American Ice Cream & Readings of the Declaration
  • Thursday
  • 1 PM - 5 PM
  • Johnson Ferry House Historic Site

Description Heart to Hearth Cookery will be making this favorite American treat using the recipes and techniques of the late 18th century. Some “hands on” help will be needed and small samples of this treat will be available. Other activities include: 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. readings of the Declaration of Independence by the Reverend Doctor Sir, quill pen writing and reading lessons by colonial Tutors while the Farmhouse and Kitchen Garden will be open and interpreted by guides in period clothing. This is an enjoyable and educational event for the entire family.
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information Meet at the Johnson Ferry House. For more information, please call 609-737-2515.

4

JULY

“I Hear America Singing”
  • Thursday
  • 1 PM
  • Walt Whitman House State Historic Site

Description Special 1-hour tour of the historic house and garden celebrating America’s 248th birthday through the perspective of Walt Whitman’s experiences and writings. Participants will be given an opportunity to share one of their favorite Whitman poems at the end of the tour!
Age All ages
Registration Please call (856) 964-5383 for more information and to make a reservation.
Additional Information Free event

4

JULY

Fireworks Paddle at IBSP
  • Thursday
  • 8:30 PM
  • Island Beach State Park

Description Join staff on a Barnegat Bay kayak cruise and view the fireworks happening all around you!
Age All ages
Registration Call (732) 793-0506 to register.
Additional Information Weather permitting. Bring water, bug spray, sunscreen.

5

JULY

Allaire's Antique American Flag Display
  • Friday
  • 11 AM to 4 PM
  • Allaire State Park

Description Celebrate the Patriotic Weekend at the Historic Village at Allaire July 5, 6 & 7. Hear the stories behind our one-of-a-kind antique flags at our chapel for FREE!
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information View event on Facebook here.

5

JULY

All About the Pine Barrens Hike
  • Friday
  • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Double Trouble State Park

Description Join us for an educational hike on the Nature Trail while we learn all about the Pine Barrens. This event is rain or shine; however, heavy rain or thunder may cancel. Dress equipped for outdoor activities (long pants, walking shoes, hats, etc), and be sure to wear bug spray.
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information Call 732-341-4098 for more information.

5

JULY

Keep America Beautiful - Rid Litter Day
  • Friday
  • 9 AM
  • Kittatinny Valley State Park

Description Join us on a 2.5-mile litter pick-up along Goodale Road.
Age Adults
Registration Pre-registration is required, click here.
Additional Information Call (973) 786-6445 for more information. Gloves, reflective vests, litter pickers, and bags provided.

5

JULY

“I Hear America Singing”
  • Friday
  • 1 PM
  • Walt Whitman House State Historic Site

Description Special 1-hour tour of the historic House and garden celebrating America’s 248 birthday through the perspective of Walt Whitman’s experiences and writings. Participants will be given an opportunity to share one of their favorite Whitman poems at the end of the tour!
Age All ages
Registration Please call (856) 964-5383 for more information and to make a reservation.
Additional Information Free event

6

JULY

Games, coloring, Arts & Crafts at The Nature Center
  • Saturday
  • 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Cheesequake State Park

Description Come to the Nature Center and find coloring pages, leaf tracings, or other fun crafts to create something fun!
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information Call Cheesequake park office for more information 732-566-2161

6

JULY

Guided Packing House Tour
  • Saturday
  • 10 AM
  • Double Trouble State Park

Description Join us for a guided tour of the historic cranberry packing house.
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information Weather dependent.

6

JULY

Invasive Species Cleanup Hike
  • Saturday
  • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Double Trouble State Park

Description Follow along on a trail cleanup hike with a focus on the control of the spread of invasive plants in the Pine Barrens. We will be walking the 1.3 mile Sworden’s Pond Trail. Please bring appropriate clothing for outdoor activities: long pants, wide brimmed hat, walking shoes/boots, bug spray, etc. Rain or thunder may cancel this event.
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information Meeting spot: head of the Sworden’s Pond trail (Yellow), in between the Platt and Sweetwater reservoirs. Please arrive early as the meeting location is about a 3/4-mile walk from the village parking area.

6

JULY

Guided History & Nature Hike
  • Saturday
  • 9 AM - 11 AM
  • Parvin State Park

Description Join us for a guided history and nature hike - 3 miles long, starting at our main office.
Age Adults
Registration Free
Additional Information Call 856-358-8616 for more information.

6

JULY

Earth Flow Yoga and Tea
  • Saturday
  • 10 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Stokes State Forest

Description Join us for a relaxing morning of yoga and tea in the serene setting of Stokes State Forest. Let Karen guide you through a rejuvenating yoga session as the sun rises over the mountains. Afterward, enjoy a selection of teas while taking in the peaceful surroundings of the pavilion. This event is the perfect way to start your weekend off on a positive note. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and nourish your mind, body, and soul. Don't forget your yoga mats, water, and any other items that may give you comfort during our rejuvenating morning.
Age All ages
Registration Please click here.
Additional Information Free event

6

JULY

“I Hear America Singing”
  • Saturday
  • 11 AM & 2 PM
  • Walt Whitman House State Historic Site

Description Special 1-hour tour of the historic house and garden celebrating America’s 248th birthday through the perspective of Walt Whitman’s experiences and writings. Participants will be given an opportunity to share one of their favorite Whitman poems at the end of the tour!
Age All ages
Registration Please call (856) 964-5383 for more information and to make a reservation.
Additional Information Free event

7

JULY

Pakim Pond Nature Walk
  • Sunday
  • 10 AM
  • Brendan T Byrne State Forest

Description Learn about the ecosystem and diverse wildlife around Pakim Pond on on a half-mile hike with park staff.
Age All ages
Registration Free
Additional Information Call the park office for more information 609-726-1191

7

JULY

Guided History & Nature Hike
  • Sunday
  • 9 AM - 11 PM
  • Parvin State Park

Description Join us for a guided history and nature hike - 3 miles long, starting at our main office.
Age Adults
Registration Free
Additional Information Call 856-358-8616 for more information.

7

JULY

“I Hear America Singing”
  • Sunday
  • 2 PM
  • Walt Whitman House State Historic Site

Description Special 1-hour tour of the historic house and garden celebrating America’s 248th birthday through the perspective of Walt Whitman’s experiences and writings. Participants will be given an opportunity to share one of their favorite Whitman poems at the end of the tour!
Age All ages
Registration Please call (856) 964-5383 for more information and to make a reservation.
Additional Information Free event

Swimming
Northern New Jersey
High Point State Park              Directions
Hopatcong State Park Directions
Swartswood State Park Directions
Wawayanda State Park Directions
Central New Jersey
Cheesequake State Park Directions
Round Valley Recreation Area Directions
Southern New Jersey
Atsion Recreation Area              Directions
Belleplain State Forest              Directions
Island Beach State Park Directions
Parvin State Park              Directions

Please note that swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at our lakes, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Island Beach State Park. View full list of swim schedules here.

Picnicking

From High Point to Cape May Point, 33 parks across the state have designated first come first served picnic areas awaiting your arrival. Click here for a full list of picnic areas.

Help Keep Your Park Clean and Green! Protect plants and animals and care for your park by taking your trash with you. Whatever you carry into the park, plan on carrying it out too. It’s like crowdsourcing trash management! Bring a bag or two for trash, recycling and cleaning up after your pet. There are no trash receptacles provided in state parks. Thank you!

Find a State Park Near You!

Planning a hike? Click here to see detailed trail guides for many of New Jersey's state parks and forests.

Camping

To view availability and to book your campsite, please visit camping.nj.gov.

Discover on Your Own

New Jersey's state parks and forests offer a variety of public programs throughout the state, but we do understand some prefer to discover on their own.

Click here for self-guided activities, videos, crafts and recipes which will allow you to explore and learn about the historic and natural treasures found within your state parks at your own pace.

Plan Ahead for "Filled To Capacity" Park Closures

To ensure the safety of our visitors and protection of the park’s natural resources and facilities, our park areas have a limited capacity.

During periods of high visitation, when a park's capacity is reached, the park will be closed and traffic will be turned away from the park entrance. When that occurs, no additional vehicles / visitors will be allowed to enter the park, including those with members of their party who may already be in the park. If you are not traveling in the same vehicle with others in your party, we suggest that you all arrive at the same time.

Based on recent experience and visitation trends, and depending on good weather, most of our state park swimming and day use areas will likely fill to capacity on Fourth of July weekend. Please take this into consideration when planning your trip.

Sign up for text alerts for filled to capacity closures of Atsion Recreation Area and Island Beach State Park.

Filled to capacity updates are also posted on our Facebook page.