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    Cattus Island Park

    4.7 (30 reviews)

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    Beach area
    Lindsey A.

    This park is so unique and such a gem; I felt like I wasn't in New Jersey anymore! You will discover so much diverse wildlife and different habitats here. It's a great place to explore. It's pretty big and there's a few trails to choose from. The trail we took brought us to a secluded beach area. The paths are perfect for beginners and children, with many paths on boardwalk surfaces or flat dirt paths. You don't have to be an experienced hiker to come here, just need an appreciation for Mother Nature and some comfortable sneakers. From my memory, there is a place by the parking lot to have a picnic. They also have a nature center, which was closed in May 2020 when we went due to Covid. I will be coming back here for sure. I recommend to anyone who enjoys the great outdoors and is interested in Ocean County wildlife.

    Ric T.

    Cattus Island Park is in Toms River. It's more like a peninsula off Barnegat Bay. There are multiple paths thru the park. The weather was great so it made the visit extra special. The wonder of the natural environment. Yes, very serene. During these times, you're aren't allowed in the epi-center. Walk at your own pace. Placards are on the side of the paths to enlighten you on the various types of vegetation. Porto potties avail.

    Mel M.

    TOMS RIVER: Cattus Island County Park is beautiful and one of the most unique parks we have ever been to! The scenery is of the Silver Bay and Barnegat Bay and there are loads of nature to see. So many different plants, trees, and wildlife, with signage along the trails pointing information out. There are a few trails to choose from and we took the main trail to the beach area. It was flat and about 1 mile in each direction. Dogs are allowed on all trails and even in the indoor environmental center, as long as there is not a special event going on. In the warmer months, there is a butterfly garden too! Be sure to grab a trail map at the environmental center before you start your hike.

    Interior
    Sheila R.

    Great half day expedition for all of the family. Definitely need tick and mosquito protection in season. Weekends there is an 11am session to interact with the animals, a feeding session at 1:30pm, and a guided walk at 2pm on trail. FREE FOR ALL. Donations are welcome. Well maintained and clean with many hardworking volunteers. Great change of pace for shore area.

    Orange trail
    Doug D.

    Maybe I shouldn't be revealing all this info publicly, but Cattus is really one of the best kept secrets in Ocean County. There's no fee to enter. It's very close to my heart because I grew up going here. Now that I live back in the area, it's still a lot of fun to come to. Don't get me wrong. I'm not an outdoorsy person. I don't like difficult, dangerous trails. Cattus is not like that. You can go just in sneakers. You can stay on the main service road and just walk up and back. That way you can avoid the ticks. Or you can go on one of the nature trails that jut off from the main service road. The nature center has been completely remodeled, and kids would love looking at all the animals. BTW-- there are lots of cool wild animals in the park, including osprey, egrets, and turtles. All the trails are now redone. Some of the previous reviewers mentioned that they are in need of maintenance. That was right after Sandy. They are fixed now. The blue trail and maybe the red trail are the two most popular ones. If you want to be a little more adventurous, try the yellow or the orange trail. I think the orange trail has better water views. The yellow one is the least crowded. Just be careful of the ticks. Wear Deeps Woods Off. Shower right after you get home. Some of trails can be muddy, too, if it has been a wet season. Wear sneakers you don't mind getting dirty if you end up going on a trail.

    Nature center garden
    Melanie A.

    This park is Beautiful and wildly diverse. It has marshes, a beach, and a butterfly garden. Lots of ticks on the trails so wear bug spray but it definitely worth the trip.

    Map of the park, courtesy of the Ocean County Parks System.
    Kenneth D.

    Cattus Island Park, part of the Ocean County Parks System, is 530 acres of amazingly varied ecosystems, linked together by a well maintained network of trails. It is definitely one of my favorite places on earth, and I can tell you, my dogs like it even more than I do. I've been exploring it for about twelve years now, and I am always finding something new to check out, whether it be an island out in the saltmarsh, or a tiny hidden beach. I can't convey how fortunate I feel to have a place like this a mere mile and a half from my front door, but I beseech you, stay away! I like having the place to myself. But if you do go, and you should, please carry your garbage out with you. And if you bring your dogs, and you should do that too, please bring bags (there are often some at the main trailhead, but not always) and pick up after them.

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

    My favorite place to walk through. So peaceful and well maintained. Occasional water views and easy to follow trails.

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

    Very nice trails and also wonderful environmental center for kids. Great nature programs been coming here for 38 years!

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    11 months ago

    Very nice walking trails, boardwalk and water views. Went with my boyfriend Steve and it was a great day.

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great walking trails, with lots of shade and beautiful water views. My dog and I enjoyed our walk and I'll return again

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Lovely park, nature center and trails that are handicapped, stroller accessible...I visit frequently in warm weather months...

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    5 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    LOVE Cattus Island but do not head down to the trails during the summer unless you like being attacked by bugs.

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    11 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Cattus Island Park

    The nature center has been completely remodeled, and kids would love looking at all the animals.

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    Double Trouble State Park

    Double Trouble State Park

    3.3(9 reviews)
    7.1 mi

    Now that I know DT better, I'm upgrading it to four stars. Most of my original comments are still…read morevalid but I've come to appreciate the historical stuff more, and I also recommend the hike to Sworden's Pond.

    Although I grew up right around here, I just never went until today. All our municipal and county…read moreparks have been closed because of the Coronavirus, and I needed to get out. So, I came here. I promise I didn't touch anything, and I socially distanced from others. Definitely bring bug spray and check for ticks. This park is infested with them. The ticks here do not practice social distancing. I made sure to shower right afterwards too. Today I took the red trail. It passed by the dam and went along a creek. There were people launching kayaks. I also passed by a cemetery of the family who used to own the land when it was a mill. There's history here. I know somebody whose family used to work here on the mill a hundred years ago. Logging in the Pacific Northwest eventually put them out of business. But there's a surviving old village. Nothing wowed me altogether. Cattus Island Park in Toms River is way cooler with cool marshes, bay views, and more animals. But it had free admission just to walk around. I laughed at all the lazy people fighting for parking spots. Aren't you here for some exercise? I just parked hassle free across the street.

    Photos
    Double Trouble State Park - Sworden's Pond

    Sworden's Pond

    Double Trouble State Park - Cranberry packing building

    Cranberry packing building

    Double Trouble State Park - Dry cranberry bog

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    Dry cranberry bog

    Cattus Island Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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