State: New Jersey
Address 1: County Rd 619
City: Newton
Zip: 07877
Phone: (973) 383-5230
Open all Year: Yes
Number of Sites: 68
Camp URL: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/swartswood.html
Full Hook: Yes
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.
The park is open year round with a variety of recreational activities available depending on the season. 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.
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. Campsites 1-21 open all year round. Campsites 22-65 Open April 1 through October 31.
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.
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. Open April 1 through October 31.
Directions:
From Route 80, take exit 25, Route 206 north to Newton, about 12 miles. From Newton, make a left at the second traffic light (Route 206 and Spring Street) then make a left at the next light onto Route 519. Follow 519 for approximately 1/2 mile, then make a left onto Route 622 at Sussex County College sign. Follow Route 622 for about 4 1/2 miles. Turn left onto Route 619. The park entrance is about 1/2 mile south on Route 619.
Facilities & Activities:
Trails
Camping
Fishing
Hunting
Picnicking: Picnic tables, picnic shelters, group picnic area, playground, food concession
Boating/canoeing:
electric motors only, trailer launch, cartop launch, boat and canoe rentals, Swartswood Boat Rentals
Swimming (Swartswood Lake), shower facility
Winter sports:
ice skating, cross- country skiing, sledding, ice fishing (at own discretion)
Birding: bird observation facility