Ok I lied last week when I said Hawthorne Is the best park in Monmouth County. This one has a few different trails to pick from with enough hills and way better scenery. Gorgeous read more

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We brought our 11 month old to the lake to swim. We brought a flotation device for him to float in while we hang on. We were told we cant use it because it might pop and get lost in the water. They'd rather you not be able to bring a child who cant swim in the water or you have to carry him around, which i would think is more dangerous. They are however, okay with bringing in plastic buckets, water guns, exploding diapers, and food. Go figure. I guess this kind of useless logic should be expected of teenage lifeguards. They'd rather a baby have a higher chance of dying to save them the hassle of a double-tubed flotation device popping and them maybe having to fish it out. State workers.... read more

We came here for a hike on a July Monday and paid $5 at the entrance. We came here for a hike and decided to skip the lake since the last time I jumped in this lake (a few years ago), I ended up with some fort of skin discoloration, but that's a story for another time. It should be noted that the swimming area for the lake is very small and this lake definitely smells like a lake! Now on to the hike, but before I go into detail, it is MEGA important to know that you will need bug spray. As a matter of fact, no matter if it is hot or cold, I will always bring bug spray in the future. Here's why. We hike up to the nature center where there are bathrooms which are surprisingly clean AF, so go before you set foot on any trail! After we hit up the nature center, we walk toward the trails and head off into the blue trail, which was a non-strenuous 2 miles (for us). The trail itself was easy to navigate. The markers were clear and easy to follow. We came across a set of stairs that were actually very high (id distance from each other), so being 4'9", I had to basically climb on to each step; The other sets of stairs were normal, though. Now on to the mosquitoes. I should have known something was up when I saw a sign that said, "the bugs are biting" at the entrance toll booth. I write this with the most big-sisterly care I can: BRING and WEAR BUG SPRAY. At 1.2 miles into the hike, we come across this clearing of pine trees where you're basically walking into a fog of mosquitoes. There wasn't really any turning back. So, for .5 mile, we fast-walked and swatted our way through and by a pond, where the mosquitoes were the most aggressive and populous. What was I thinking not bringing bug spray when I saw and KNEW that there were marshes on the map!? Two days later and I'm SO itchy! Lastly, this is a place where you have to take out your own trash. We took our dog with us who also liked the hike. That said, with no trash cans, you will have to carry poop bags with you throughout the hike if your dog does the doo. If the mosquitoes don't bother you and/or you are confident in the powers of bug spray, come here. I definitely will be back when the weather is cooler... that's when mosquitoes are less prevalent, right? Overall, this would have been a five star hike had I been prepared. read more

What a beautiful park. They have different colored trails based on difficulty. Great place to take your dog for a hike. The only downside is that they removed their trash bins...so if your dog poops, you have to carry it in a bag until you leave. Not a big deal, though. Whenever I don't feel like going to the gym, going to this park is a great alternative for a workout. read more

Cheesequake State Park - On the trail. - Parks Near Me - Matawan, New Jersey

You can get in a very long walk or run, but during the warmer months the mosquitoes are insane! Although I've never had an incident, the trails become so remote, I don't know that I would walk alone through them. I believe you do have to pay to enter during the summer. read more

Awesome park very beautiful and great for dog walks! We will be coming back and love the natural beauty of the area it's like your not in New Jersey read more

Sometimes the most beautiful things are right in your backyard. I finally made it to Cheesequake State Park for the first time since I moved back to NJ from Brooklyn almost three years ago. I grew up going to this park, but I hardly remembered it. And for some reason I got it in my head that being so close to the Garden State Parkway and heavily populated areas, it simply couldn't be much to get excited about. Man, was I wrong. I've grown bored jogging through my local neighborhood and finally decided I would go on a nice hike. Nothing too serious. Nothing too far away. Something I could get to quickly, get some well-needed exercise, and just enjoy getting lost in my head. A solo hike in Cheesequake State Park looked like it would fit that bill. I did a small amount of research to learn they have good hiking trails through the park. Green, yellow, red, and blue trails, to be exact. The green trail is the most popular and is a three-mile loop. That seemed like a perfect way to break up the day and still get back to the kids before they returned home from a birthday party. (I don't do kids' birthday parties.) When I drove up the road that leads to the park, I started getting that deja-vu feeling and things started to feel somewhat familiar. I forgot that you have to pay to access this park - $10 per car on weekends, which is a little steep. (It's $5 on weekdays.) Parking by the trail head was nearby, and within a couple of minutes I was off. The blue trail unfortunately is still closed due to the lingering effects of Hurricane Sandy. But the green trail was awesome. I can't believe how well cared for these trails are -- complete with long boardwalks across marshes and creeks, railroad tie staircases to help you climb the steeper hills, and markers at every one-tenth of a mile to help you track your progress. About a half mile in to the three-mile loop, the sound of nearby cars completely disappears. You are now cast deep into a beautiful forest, traversing all sorts of changing landscapes that you would not normally think would exist back in these parts. Depending on the weather and what time you go, you'll likely encounter people along the way. Some folks are hiking very slowly, while others are on a trail run. Since the paths can be narrow at parts, it can be a bit of a jam up if there's lot of people in the park. After about a mile in, though, I barely encountered anyone. And that was really nice. Maybe the park fee keeps the masses out. If you end up enjoying yourself as much as I did, take your parking receipt back to the office and get a season pass. It's only $50 and it's good for all NJ state parks that charge a fee. Cheesequake also has grounds for overnight camping. I wouldn't compare it to any kind of deep woods or mountain camping, but it's definitely perfect if you want to take the kids without the hassle of a long trip. Note that camping costs extra, even with a season pass, and spots can be reserved through a surprisingly modern reservation system online. Without a doubt, I'm a fan and can't wait to go back and explore more. read more

I LOVE this park. Parks in the city are just concrete with a bunch of trees. But there are so many species of plants and animals here and there are signs that explain to you what they are. It was my first time "hiking" and it's such a nice change from walking on level ground. It's great exercise. It's a good starting place to ease into longer hikes and. Very enjoyable and not too difficult. I think there's an entrance/parking fee of $5 or $10 (I forget the exact price) if you drive but it's a small price to pay for a couple hours of fun especially if you go with a bunch of people. I personally think it's a very fun and inexpensive date. read more

This is an excellent park to camp out in. It has the good mix of being a little wilderness and yet there is a city-ish safety feel about the park because there is a nice office close by and the Parks police over there. Love the trees, and the wildlife. They do have restrooms and lots of space. Nice park! We camped out there when it was close to 100 degrees. That was the only mistake! Summer camping -HOT weather, choose a park closer to beautiful ocean . Fall, and cooler weather , cool summer day , this park is almost perfect! YES! I recommend this park for camping out! read more

I had a blast here last weekend, the camp site was clean and the showers were decent. My BF and I tore down camp on the last day and went to the lake for the day before going home. The super great thing about it - is that its 40 mins away from my house what a blast! read more

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It is a state park, it costs $10 if you are a non resident. There are a bunch of trails that are quite pretty (going through the swamp). Very shaded. There is a welcome center that has restrooms and a water fountain. We went last week (very warm outside), and the amount of flies in the swamp section of trails was a little annoying. We did the green trail, and it goes through a campground. read more

Best park in the area. The only way you will bear this park is if you go for a hour plus drive. Great trails, they have a visitor center, they have bathrooms, there's a life guarded beach during the summer, plenty of parking. If looking for taste of nature in the area check it out. read more

A nice park to visit in summer for hiking and biking. There is a nice pond in the middle which has a beach too. But it's full dog poop. I have see people going in which I wonder why. Stay away from this pond/lake or whatever you call it. Otherwise the place is nice and beautiful. read more

The only part of the park I went to was the lake, so I cannot say anything about the trails but the lake was horrible. We went on a Sunday and the place was completely packed. In the parking lot people stood in the middle of the road and did not move out of the way. Though the surrounding forestry was beautiful, there were too many people and splashing children to enjoy the beauty of the trees. Twice in the three hours we were there the lifeguards had everyone evacuate the lake due to lost children. The people that were there kept disregarding the rules about not having any balls in the lake, so the lifeguard whistle was constantly going off. I don't think the trails allow bikes which was also disappointing, and there is no place to rent kayaks, you have to bring your own. And finally, when I bought two Gatorades at the concession stand for $4 total and handed the kid a $20, he said, "Have a nice day," and looked down. Wasn't until I asked for my change that he gave me my $16. I was looking for a close, cheap place to go swimming but next time I will spend the money to make a trip to the beach. read more

GREAT!!!! Campsites nicely spaced apart. $20! Bathrooms were just eh, but hey, you're camping! Bike, hike, a lake beach to swim with snack bar and bathrooms. Scenic paths through the pines to hike. Close to Sandy Hook/shore, concerts at PNC. Definitely coming back! read more

Cheesequake state park is beautiful! Very tranquil and quiet. Definitely a nice park to visit if your interested in hiking. The yellow trail was easy and quick to walk through. definitely try another trail if time permits. You get to experience nature at its best while hiking here. At the time I went there no plants in bloom yet but it was still beautiful nonetheless. Plus side was that there was no charge coming into the park when I went on a sunday. Nor sure if it's every sunday tho. I would love to come back to hike on these trails again. read more

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Cheesequake State Park has a lot of activities to offer including camping, hiking, swimming and picnic areas. $5 for a carload on weekdays and $10 on weekends. It is carry in take out only. They give you one take out trash bag when you enter the park so be sure to bring your own trash bags if you are having a party. Overall, my impression of the lake for swimming was not ideal. It was a very small roped off area with hundreds of people corralled in. Rest of the lake was not swimmable. I would not return to this lake. The people were quite rude in general with offensive language to their children, playing ball games within close distance to people who are seated, and lots of sand throwing. There are a few other nicer lakes for swimming perhaps worth the extra drive. read more

I really love this place. Not very big and all of the signs and roads are easy to figure out. There are some hiking trails that are more for fun than intensity. There's a nice lake (though I can't attest to swimming in it) and a lot of space to lay out. Only $5 per car for NJ residents on weekdays, $10 on weekends. Quite beautiful. read more

Cheesequake State Park - Parks Near Me - Matawan, New Jersey

Very man made trails...steps and all.... left here today with a deer tick on my pants....no bueno......however, it's nature....so how can you judge based on that?!?!?! Glad I never paid a entrance fee....Did the blue, yellow and red trails (mainly because I thought the blue trail was the green trail and wanted to get in a three mile walk in). As such, I got in a wonderful four mile walk although I call BS on the last 0.8 miles of the blue course...it's nothing more then a drive way! read more

Came here for a hike since I was in the area and the grounds are very well kept and all trails very well labeled. The reason I didn't give it more stars is because the trails were very short (less than 4 miles) and I prefer trails that are more natural than man made. read more

I love this place ! Cardio , nature , family time all in one ! I love the challenge of completing all the trails then going to lay out by the lake ! There's a giant picnic section with grills I can't wait to try this summer ! read more

Cheesequake State Park - Silence + Scenery = solitude - Parks Near Me - Matawan, New Jersey

i was there 2 wks ago and won't be going back. The lake smelled like a port-a-potty!! Being I'm a non-resident had to pay $20 for parking which I wouldn't have minded it if the lake was clean. Lake Welch in update NY is way better and only $10 parking for all. read more

Beautiful park with tons of geocaches. There are different colored trails marked for longer and shorter distances. I've visited this park during a rainstorm, during snowfall and under the sweltering sun and it is always so enjoyable. I've never visited the park and been the only person there, which is the only negative thing I can think of, as I prefer to be alone in the woods! However, it's never as busy as Holmdel Park or Allaire, thankfully. Lots of hills, so it's definitely not for people looking for a light nature walk. read more

I'm new to the area. Great place! Excellent trails. Kept very clean. I love to go here and take long walks to clear my mind.

Very beautifully maintained park with ample parking and great open pockets of space. Wonderful layout and great trails throughout with easy access from GSP and local roads. We loved the mini-beach type lake and picnic grounds. In the winter you can go sledding on the hills. Just a really lovely park that all walks of life would enjoy. read more

Water smelled pretty funky, but its a lake so what do you expect... This place is mosquito galore so be sure to get insect spray alongside with your sun screen. Can't relax without getting bitten... it gets pretty crowded so be warned. read more

Great park. Multiple habitats. Several trails for all different levels of hiking. Beautiful lake. Diverse wildlife. Good birding. Wonderful view of osprey on nests. Best time to avoid crowds spring and fall. Summer can get crazy with campers and swimmers. Get there early in the day. read more

meh, i've experienced better. I live in Queens, NY so for the distance traveled it was decent. I'm a camper, to be honest i was thrilled about the large amount of space each campsite had, great for family camping. each site can sit two cars each no problem not even close to occupying so much space you need to figure out where to put your tents. fire ring was typical. I didnt expect the lantern hanger, others used it to hang their garbage bags. the bathroom however was rather far from where i was, ended up having to drive to the restroom almost every single time. If you have a bike, bring it, so you can use it to get to the rest rooms. The only one water spout was also by the bathroom, which was annoying if you had to bring back water for say rinsing and washing. some may use it to put thru a britta filter but i personally wouldnt drink from it. pros- lots of space, pretty quiet and private cons - bathroom and water was too far. read more

I am in love with the green trail here! When you are sick of going to the gym, come here, it's so peaceful! And it's a great work out! The trails are clean and well kept. I can not even explain how much I enjoy coming here. It is an easy to moderate hike but it has really ignited a passion in me for hiking I am going to attempt to hike a few longer more difficult trails now. I haven't really ventured further into the park but I have walked past the campsites and the look very nice as well the have big bathrooms by the sites. Parking is $5 during the week and $10 per car on the weekend if you are a nj resident or you can buy a $50 season pass and park in all nj state parks that charge a car entrance fee. read more

We live right across the street from this park, so we go hiking here all the time........... plenty of trails and they are well marked. Not tough or strenous trails, but a decent outside workout. There are trails for bikes..........dog friendly also. It's free to go in most of the year, however from Memorial day to Labor day there is an admission fee. We usually attend the Hashathon here in November, always a good time. read more

Wonderful park in Central Jersey. My favorite things to do here are to visit the Nature Center and watch the fiddler crabs at the Crabbing Bridge. Truly beautiful nature conveniently located right off the GSP. Last time I came here the gentleman in the Nature Center gave me shelled peanuts to feed the chipmunks and it was an amazing experience. The trails are clearly marked and maintained for various fitness levels. So grateful to have this amazing place within a short distance of where I live. read more

Really huge beautiful park and place to be to just unwind relax and take in the fresh breeze and air. I love the trails and would do them over and over again and if I lived closer I wouldn't mind working out in them too. Its a $10 fee to get in for out of state residents which is pricey and they give you these trash bags because they wanna keep the park clean and don't have any trash cans around. I would love to come back here and have a picnic and bring the dogs, there is also a small beach and lake and they have a camping area also. I will for sure be back here, its a really peaceful clean looking park and I enjoyed it! read more

Love this park for its medium/moderate Trails. So close to home, can't believe we were living so close to the park

Great place to hike or hit the park. Only negative is the park gets real muddy if it rained anytime soon but otherwise we always have a great time here. read more

I came here yesterday in the middle of a rainy day. I drove in and down to the lake. We didn't see anything but the marshes before a incredibly rude women from the parks department came down and yelled at us because we did not pay. I was completely unaware there was a charge as I explained to her. She was very rude and continued to yell and fight with me, as if this was the White House and I was breaking in. She was very hostile for no reason what so ever. I finally ignored her and got myself and my very angry boyfriend into the car to drive back to the gate when I got there I asked her how much. She said $5 which wasn't what we were expecting wth the way she was acting, was thinking $25 or something. Anyway I decided not to pay and go back in since my mood was ruined from this old lady anyway. I asked the girl where it said to pay and she just shrugged her shoulders. I saw a white sign facing me as I was going out saying today you had to pay, so I said wow idk how I missed that, well turns out when you pass it coming in, that side of the sign says "bathrooms at the lake closed today" i turned around and told the girl hey yk that sign that faces the people coming in doesn't say that, she said well we had to put that. WELL THEN DONT EXPECT PEOPLE TO READ A SIGN FACING THE WRONG WAY. (Mind you there is a sign starched to the building covered by guard rails and such) so endless you stop to read the sign there is no way of knowing you had to pay. I have no problem paying but to be treated like a criminal for not seeing a sign was disgusting. I wish I would have gotten her name to report her to the park rangers. Disgusting behavior and I will never be back because of her. Also it's nothing special to pay $5-$10 to get into. Do yourself a favor and go to holmdel or Thompson park. Or if you wanna pay for something nice make the trip to sandy hook. This is a boot leg park not worth anything. read more

Awesome park. Great trails and clean park. Super dog friendly. Great sledding in wintertime.

This is a great state park with very nice trails and picnic sites. Dog friendly. Definitely check your dog for ticks after your walk though.

Park is ok. Hiking trails are like mini boardwalks, very good if you've got an iffy back, or are new to hiking. I prefer more of an actual trail. Can get busy in the summer with a lot of city folk "hittin the beach". Not really my bag when I'm trying to get back to nature which is why I normally come here in the fall/winter. While this is nice an close, there are nice and larger parks not too far away. read more

Great place for a hike when the weather is nice. Fairly easy terrain for the most part.

I love taking my dogs here. Never ending space to go on nature walks and nice families all over. Plus gna grills everywhere.