Description

Geography:

Swartswood State Park is located in Northwest New Jersey in the Ridge and Valley region of Sussex County, five miles west of Newton. The formation of Swartswood Lake began more than 10 million years ago when the limestone and dolomite beneath the valley floor began to dissolve, causing the creation of sinkholes and caverns. Eventually, Swartswood Lake was created as retreating glaciers eroded and scoured the area over 10,000 years ago.

Recreation:

Swartswood State Park provides opportunities for all types of outdoor recreation including camping, swimming, fishing, boating (electric motors only), picnicking, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, hunting, ice fishing and horseback riding (near-by). For some, just relaxing and enjoying the scenery is enough.

Our lakes are an important ecological and recreational resource. Visitors come from all around for an opportunity to go swimming, boating or fishing in our lakes. Many just come to relax along the shores. The lakes are also home to a healthy bald eagle population. Daily sightings of a mature or immature bald eagle are common. Swartswood Lake is 519-acres and Little Swartswood Lake is 75-acres. Boat launches are available on both lakes. Only electric motors are permitted.

The beach is located in one of several tranquil coves on the 519-acre lake. The swimming area is staffed with lifeguards from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

Facilities:

For your convenience, restroom facilities, showers, changing areas and first aid station are located near the beach. The food concession stand is also located within our beach area complex. From Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, the concession sells food, refreshments and basic supplies.

Secluded picnic areas overlooking the lake can be found throughout the park with picnic tables and grills available at each site.

A group picnic pavilion that can accommodate a maximum of 80 people may be reserved for a fee year round.

A sand volleyball pit, basketball court, playgrounds and open playing fields are located near the picnic areas and are available on a first come first serve basis.

Boat rentals are available in the park on a seasonal basis from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day.

Campsites: We offer the choice of wooded or grassy campsites in a natural setting within walking distance of Swartswood Lake and all park amenities. All sites vary in size and shape. Large sites are approximately 55 X 45’; medium 50’ X 35’; small 35’ X 25’. This is just a guide to help choose a campsite. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table and lantern holder. Maximum occupancy is six. Facilities include a boat launch, drinking water, restrooms and showers. Campsites 1-21 are open year round. Campsites 22-65 are open April 1 through October 31.

Group Campsites: Three group sites are located across the road from the park office in a secluded area by Duck Pond. Each site has a large picnic table, fire ring, lantern holder and raised grill to accommodate groups. Minimum occupancy is seven and maximum is twenty. Potable sanitary facilities are available near the sites. Water, flush toilets and showers are located in the main campground within walking distance (2100 ft. across county route 619). Open April 1 through October 31.

Yurts: Five yurts located on top of a shady ridge are considered a unique feature in our park. A yurt is a circular canvas tent structure built on a wooden lattice frame with a concrete floor. Each yurt has a skylight, lockable door, screened windows with flaps, a shelf and two double deck bunks that can sleep up to four. We also provide a fire ring, picnic table and lantern holder. Additional tents are not permitted on yurt sites. Open April 1 through October 31.

Nearby Attractions:

Swartswood State Park is just one of many New Jersey State Parks in Sussex County. High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, Kittatiny Valley State Park and Worthington State Forest are all within an hour drive.

The nearby Delaware River and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area also offer many recreational activities for visiting families to enjoy.