Established in 1914 as New Jersey's first state park, Swartswood is well known for its great fishing and tranquil surroundings. Little Swartswood and Swartswood Lake were formed by glaciers thousands of years ago and are now home to a variety of fish. Both lakes have been the focus of water quality improvement efforts including invasive aquatic weed control and watershed protection.

Whether you are on land or water, there is always a chance you will catch a glimpse of the spectacular wildlife in Swartswood from bald eagles to the unique plant life found in our sinkhole ponds.

The park is open year round with a variety of recreational activities available depending on the season. Call for park hours. Swimming is available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day with certified, trained lifeguards on duty for your safety. During the summer, colorful sailboats take to the water either on a leisurely sail around the lake or while participating in the sailing regattas scheduled throughout the season.

Secluded picnic areas overlooking the lake can be found throughout the park with picnic tables and grills available at each site. For overnight stays, camping is available April through October. Call for more information or to make a reservation.

The Swartswood Lakes and Watershed Association is an Officially
Recognized Friends Organizition of Swartswood State Park and an active partner in our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of our lakes and in the protection of the surrounding watershed. For additional information or to become a member write to SLWA, PO Box 44, Swartswood, NJ 07877

Effective November 8, 2008 through March 31, 2009, the administrative office at Swartswood State Park will be open Monday - Friday. The park will remain open seven days a week for both passive and active recreation. Administrative office hours will resume seven-day scheduling on April 1.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Duck Pond Multi-Use Trail
This 0.6 mile-paved path provides a level surface for walking, biking, roller blading, skate boarding and is accessible for persons with disabilities. The trail meanders through a forested area along Duck Pond. Wayside exhibits found along the trail provide information on the unique natural features found in the area. A bird blind has been constructed to allow visitors to view birdlife in the area with little disturbance to their habitat.

Spring Lake Trail
This 2.8-mile trail begins at the end of the paved Duck Pond Trail. Follow the white markers along the natural hilly terrain through a secondary succession forest to the secluded Spring Lake. We consider this to be a moderate level hike.

Bear Claw Trail
This 0.8 mile trail is marked in yellow and begins at the Duck Pond parking area just to the right of our kiosk. This is an easy to moderate hike on an earthen, hilly path. The trail ends where it meets the paved Duck Pond Trail allowing you to combine the two trails for a full loop back to the parking area.

Grist Mill Trail
This 1.5 loop trail can be found at the most southern end of Swartswood Lake by the dam. The steep rocky terrain makes this a moderate to difficult hike with rewarding views of Swartswood Lake.

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For forms and information on booking a campsite visit our: reservations page

Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Campsites: 65 tent and trailer sites with a fire ring, picnic table and lantern holder. Maximum occupancy is six at each site. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance. Trailer sanitary and water stations available. Open April 1 through October 31. $20 per night.

Group Campsites: Three group sites with picnic tables, a fire ring and lantern holder. Minimum occupancy is seven and maximum is twenty. Water and sanitary units are within walking distance of each site. Open April 1 through October 31. $20 per night, per site.

Yurts: 6 yurt sites with a fire ring, picnic table and lantern holder. Yurts are circular tents built on a wooden frame with concrete floors. Each yurt has a skylight, lockable wood door, window screens with flaps and two double deck bunks, which can sleep up to four people. Assembly of additional tents is not permitted on yurt sites. $30 per night.

Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
Size:148 KB

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Fishing is available along the shores or by boat. Some of the many species of fish found in Swartswood Lake include brown trout, tiger trout, large mouth bass, walleye, and pickerel.

Boat rentals are available in the park on a seasonal basis. Please call for hours of operation prior to your visit. The rental facility is typically open weekends only from May to the end of June. They are open seven days a week from July through Labor Day. For more information visit the Swartswood Lake Boat Rentals web site.

• Upper Delaware Watershed Management Project in Area 1, which includes Sussex county and the sub-watershed of Swartswood

• NJ Fish & Wildlife: license fees and regulations on fishing and hunting, and information on fish stocking

• The Bears Running Club: This organized running group has organized races in the park throughout the year.

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