Swimming at Cheesequake State Park

You can swim at Cheesequake State Park only at the beach on Hooks Creek Lake, and only while lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. At New Jersey state park lakes, guards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The beach has changing rooms, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station and a snack and supply concession. Inner tubes, rafts and floats are not allowed; only U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are. Summer parking costs $5 a car on weekdays and $10 on weekends for New Jersey residents.

When You Can Swim

NJDEP allows swimming only while lifeguards are on duty. That means the guarded season, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and guarded hours, which NJDEP sets at 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for its lake beaches. Outside those times the water is closed, even on a hot day in September.

NJDEP posts each year's opening dates on its statewide Swimming Schedule page. When we checked it in October 2026, after the season, it listed Cheesequake as "Swimming closed". Check that page and the park operating status map before a summer trip.

The Beach Complex

• Changing rooms and restrooms
• Showers
• A first-aid station
• A concession selling refreshments, novelties and beach supplies

There are no trash cans anywhere in the park, so bring a bag for your trash.

What You Can and Can't Bring in the Water

• No inner tubes, rafts or other flotation devices in the swimming area.
• Yes to U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets (PFDs).
• No alcohol in New Jersey state parks, beach included.

Summer Fees and Crowds

The entrance fee applies from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, the same weeks the beach is open: $5 per car on weekdays and $10 on weekends and holidays for New Jersey residents, $10 and $20 for non-residents. Oversized vehicles pay double. A $50 New Jersey State Park Pass covers a calendar year of entry. See Hours & Fees.

NJDEP warns that most state park swimming areas fill to capacity and close on Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends, and on other summer weekends with good weather. When the park is full, cars are turned away at the entrance, even if friends are already inside. Only campers and picnic-shelter reservations get in. Arrive early and come together in one car.

Other Ways to Cool Off

Paddling and fishing on the lake don't depend on lifeguards. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards can launch on Hooks Creek Lake, and the crabbing bridge on Hooks Creek is a short boardwalk from the beach (Fishing & Crabbing). Swimming itself stays limited to the guarded beach.