Plan Your Visit

To plan a day at Cheesequake State Park, start with the season: from Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend entry is free and the park is quiet; in summer the beach is open but the park can fill and close on warm weekends. The gate is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Bring water, insect repellent and a trash bag, because there are no trash cans. Groups of 20 or more must reserve one of three group picnic areas at least five days ahead. This page links to the page that covers each topic in full.

Start Here

• Hours & Fees: gate times, 2026 entrance fees, the State Park Pass, free entry for seniors
• Parking & Directions: the address, which lot to use, capacity closures
• Hiking and the Trail Map: five loops from 1.1 to 3.2 miles
• Hooks Creek Lake and Swimming: the beach, paddling, sledding
• Camping: 50 sites, April 1 to October 31
• Fishing & Crabbing: bass, catfish and blue claw crabs
• Rules & Regulations: dogs, alcohol, drones, hunting

When to Go

• Summer (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day): the guarded beach is open and the entrance fee applies. Holiday and warm weekends can fill the park; arrive early.
• Spring and fall: free entry after Labor Day, NJDEP's best fishing seasons, and spring peepers in the wetlands.
• Winter: free, with sledding by the lake and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on park roads and fields.

What to Bring

NJDEP's trail brochure suggests water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat, and clothes for the weather. Add a trash bag: there are no trash cans in the park. For ticks, wear light colors, tuck pants into socks and check yourself when you get home.

Group Picnic Areas

Small picnic areas with tables and grills are spread around the park for anyone. For bigger gatherings, NJDEP has three reservable group areas:

• Farry Point: up to 150 people, with a small shelter and a playfield.
• Spring Hill: up to 100 people, with a large shelter, a playfield and a playground.
• New Landing: up to 75 people, with a small shelter, a fireplace and a small playfield.

Rules and fees:

• Groups of 20 or more must reserve at least five days in advance.
• Group use is not allowed on holidays unless the superintendent authorizes it.
• Reserve through the park office by phone with a credit card (732-566-2161), or by mail with NJDEP's Group Picnic Reservation Form, paid in full.
• The organized group picnic fee is $100 for New Jersey groups and $150 for out-of-state groups while the summer parking fee is in effect, and $125 and $175 when it isn't. Cancelling costs half the fee.
• Alcohol is not allowed, even with a reservation.

Bus Groups and Field Trips

Bus groups must have a confirmed reservation and may come only on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, never on weekends or holidays. Schools and groups can book a nature program or field trip at the Nature Center: 732-566-3208 or cheesequake@dep.nj.gov.

Accessibility

NJDEP describes the park's recreation facilities as partially accessible. Call the park office at 732-566-2161 about specific needs. TTY users can reach NJ Relay at 711 or 1-800-852-7897 (English) or 1-866-658-7714 (Spanish). The 2026 trail map lists grade, slope, width and surface for each trail (Trail Map).

Events and Permits

Cheesequake runs interpretive programs through the year; they are listed on the NJ State Parks events calendar. Organized events such as races, commercial photography, filming or festivals need an NJ State Parks Special Use Permit.