Cheesequake State Park —
Your Complete Guide
1,274 acres where North Jersey forest meets South Jersey pine barrens: five trails, a lake beach, camping and blue claw crabbing, free from Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend.
What is Cheesequake State Park?
Cheesequake State Park is a 1,274-acre New Jersey state park in Old Bridge Township, near Raritan Bay, opened in 1940. It has five marked loop trails (about 9 miles) through salt marsh, an Atlantic white cedar swamp, pine barrens and hardwood forest, plus the 6-acre Hooks Creek Lake with a lifeguarded beach in summer, and 50 campsites. The gate is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Entry is free from Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend; in summer, New Jersey residents pay $5 per car on weekdays and $10 on weekends. Leashed dogs are welcome.
NJDEP describes Cheesequake as the meeting point of North and South Jersey: the only park where northern hardwood forest meets a southern pine barrens ecosystem at sea level. In practice that means you can walk from oak woods to pitch pines to a tidal salt pond on one loop, a short drive from the Garden State Parkway, which runs right through the park (history and ecosystems).
Two things to plan for. There are no trash cans anywhere in the park, so bring a bag and carry everything out. And on summer holiday weekends the park can fill to capacity and close to new cars, so arrive early and come in one car (parking guide).
Cheesequake State Park at a Glance
Things to Do at Cheesequake
A small park with a lot packed in. Pick what you came for.
Camping
50 tent and trailer sites, April 1 to October 31, at $20 a night for NJ residents. Pet-friendly sites and four group sites.
Sites & Fees →
Hooks Creek Lake
The 6-acre lake: kayaks, canoes and paddleboards (electric motors only), a crabbing bridge and a winter sledding hill.
Lake Guide →
Swimming
A lake beach with changing rooms, showers and a concession, open only while lifeguards are on duty, Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Beach Rules →
Hiking
Five loops from 1.1 to 3.2 miles through marsh, cedar swamp and pine barrens, four of them from one trailhead.
All 5 Trails →
Fishing & Crabbing
Sunfish, largemouth bass and catfish in the lake, best in spring and fall, and blue claw crabs in Hooks Creek in summer.
Where to Fish →
Nature Center & History
Exhibits on the park's habitats, wildlife and Native American history, by the main trailhead, open Wednesday to Sunday.
About the Park →Trails at Cheesequake
Five marked loops on NJDEP's 2026 map, with mile markers every tenth of a mile.
The longest loop: the Nature Center, the park's largest Atlantic white cedar swamp and a floodplain viewing platform.
Hardwoods, a small pine barrens and a loop around the tidal Perrine Pond with a wildlife blind.
The only mountain-bike trail, past a red maple swamp and the Booth Field butterfly garden.
A short loop from hardwood forest into pitch pine barrens.
The quick one: blueberry fields, the edge of the salt marsh and Hooks Creek Lake.
How to Get to Cheesequake State Park
One entrance on Gordon Road, beside the Garden State Parkway.
Park Entrance
300 Gordon Road, Matawan, NJ 07747. The trailhead lot is just inside on the left. Parking guide.
Park Office
Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily. Phone 732-566-2161.
Summer Weekends
The park can fill and close to new cars. Arrive early and carpool. Planning tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get into Cheesequake State Park?
It's free from Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend. In summer, New Jersey residents pay $5 per car on weekdays and $10 on weekends and holidays; non-residents pay $10 and $20. A $50 State Park Pass covers a calendar year.
What are Cheesequake State Park's hours?
The gate is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. The park office is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily.
Why is it called Cheesequake?
NJDEP says the name comes from the Lenape word Cheseh-oh-ke, meaning upland or "upland village".
What is there to do at Cheesequake?
Hiking five marked trails, swimming at the guarded lake beach in summer, kayaking and fishing on Hooks Creek Lake, blue claw crabbing, camping, group picnics, the Nature Center, mountain biking on the White Trail, and sledding in winter.
Are dogs allowed at Cheesequake State Park?
Yes, on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times. Clean up after your dog. Pet-friendly campsites are available.
Can you swim at Cheesequake?
Yes, at the Hooks Creek Lake beach, but only while lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Floats are not allowed.
Can you camp at Cheesequake State Park?
Yes. There are 50 tent and trailer sites open April 1 to October 31, $20 a night for NJ residents and $25 for non-residents. Reserve at camping.nj.gov.
Are NJ state parks free for seniors?
Yes, for New Jersey residents 62 or older, who get free admission and parking after verifying their age through the State Park Pass application.