Cheesequake State Park FAQ
Cheesequake State Park is a 1,274-acre New Jersey state park in Old Bridge Township, with a Matawan address at 300 Gordon Road, run by NJDEP. Its gate is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Entry is free from Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend and $5 to $20 per car in summer. It has five marked trails, a lifeguarded lake beach in summer, 50 campsites from April to October, and leashed dogs are welcome. The answers below link to the page with the full details.
Visiting
Most first-time questions come down to cost, hours and crowds. The Hours & Fees page has the full fee table and pass prices, and Parking & Directions covers the lots and summer capacity closures.
Things to Do
Hiking the five trails, swimming and paddling at Hooks Creek Lake, camping, fishing and crabbing, group picnics, the Nature Center, birding, mountain biking on the White Trail, and in winter sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get into Cheesequake State Park?
Nothing from Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, New Jersey residents pay $5 per car on weekdays and $10 on weekends and holidays; non-residents pay $10 and $20. Oversized vehicles pay double.
What are Cheesequake State Park's hours?
The gate is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. The park office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the Nature Center 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday, when staff are available.
Why is it called Cheesequake?
NJDEP says the name comes from the Lenape word Cheseh-oh-ke, meaning upland or "upland village".
What is there to do at Cheesequake State Park?
Hiking on five marked trails, swimming at the guarded lake beach in summer, kayaking and canoeing on Hooks Creek Lake, fishing, blue claw crabbing, camping, group picnics, the Nature Center, mountain biking on the White Trail, and sledding and cross-country skiing in winter.
Are New Jersey state parks free for seniors?
Yes, for New Jersey residents 62 or older. After verifying their age through the State Park Pass application, they get free admission and parking, plus $2 off state park campsites. Totally disabled residents get the same.
How do I get a New Jersey State Park Pass?
Buy it through NJDEP's NJ Outdoors portal. It costs $50 for residents and $75 for non-residents, plus a $3 fee, and covers a calendar year of entry.
Are dogs allowed at Cheesequake State Park?
Yes, on a leash no longer than six feet and under your control at all times. Clean up after your dog. Pet-friendly campsites cost $5 per pet per night.
Can you swim at Cheesequake State Park?
Only at the Hooks Creek Lake beach while lifeguards are on duty, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Floats are not allowed.
Can you camp at Cheesequake State Park?
Yes. There are 50 tent and trailer sites from April 1 to October 31, at $20 a night for New Jersey residents and $25 for non-residents. Reserve at camping.nj.gov.
How long are the trails at Cheesequake?
The five loops are Green 3.2 miles, Blue 2.9, White 1.7, Red 1.3 and Yellow 1.1, according to NJDEP's 2026 trail map, about nine miles in all.
Can you kayak at Cheesequake State Park?
Yes, on Hooks Creek Lake: kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and small cartop boats, electric motors only. There is no access to the salt marsh from inside the park.
Is alcohol allowed at Cheesequake State Park?
No. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in New Jersey state parks.
Are there trash cans at Cheesequake State Park?
No. NJDEP asks every visitor to carry out their trash, so bring a bag.
Does Cheesequake State Park fill up?
On summer holiday weekends and warm summer weekends it often does. NJDEP then closes the entrance to new cars; only camping and shelter reservations are admitted.
How big is Cheesequake State Park?
1,274 acres, according to NJDEP.