Hooks Creek Lake

Hooks Creek Lake is the six-acre lake at the heart of Cheesequake State Park. It has the park's only swimming beach, open only while lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. You can paddle a kayak, canoe or paddleboard on it (electric motors only), fish it for bass, sunfish and catfish, and go crabbing for blue claws from the bridge over Hooks Creek nearby. In winter, the hill next to the lake parking lot is the park's sledding hill.

Where It Is

The lake has its own parking lot and day use area, past the main trailhead lot. On NJDEP's 2026 park map, picnic areas named Lakeside, Meadowview and Sandpit sit around the day use area, and the Arrowsmith Viewing Area is nearby. Directions to the park entrance are on Parking & Directions.

Swimming Beach

Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are on duty, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. The beach complex has changing rooms, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station and a concession selling food and beach supplies. Inner tubes, rafts and other floats are not allowed in the swimming area; only U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are. Full details, including what to check before you go, are on the Swimming page.

Kayaking, Canoeing and Paddleboarding

Small cartop boats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards may be launched on Hooks Creek Lake. Only electric motors are allowed, and everyone on board needs a Coast Guard approved life jacket. One thing people expect and won't find: there is no access to the salt marsh from inside the park, so the lake is the only paddling water. NJDEP also lists kayak tours among the park's activities; check the NJ State Parks events calendar for dates.

Fishing and Crabbing

NJDEP calls the six-acre lake a warm water fishery, with sunfish, largemouth bass and catfish, and says spring and fall are the best seasons. In summer, Hooks Creek, beside the lake, is the place for blue claw crabs. Reach the crabbing bridge by a short boardwalk near the swimming area. More on the Fishing & Crabbing page.

Trails from the Lake

You don't have to start at the main trailhead. Two trail spurs leave from the lake lot:

• Yellow Trail spur: walk around the lake to the wooden steps that join the Yellow Trail.
• Blue Trail spur: starts just past the crabbing bridge and connects to Perrine Road and the Blue Trail, which circles the tidal Perrine Pond and its wildlife blind.

Winter at the Lake

Sledding is allowed on the hill beside the Hooks Creek Lake parking area. NJDEP also says the park's roads and fields can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Entry is free from the day after Labor Day until Memorial Day weekend (Hours & Fees).

Good to Know

• Busy summer weekends: NJDEP warns that state park swimming areas often fill to capacity and close to new cars on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and other summer weekends. Arrive early and come in one car.
• No trash cans: carry out everything, including bait containers.
• No alcohol, ATVs or drones in the park.