Came here for kayaking. They have a fairly large lake and the water was relatively calm when we visited, so it was a very peaceful relaxing session. Theres a fairly large parking lot right by the launching area. $10 entry per car on weekends/holidays, $5 on weekdays. Will definitely return. read more

Pretty nice and clean camp site! Views are great by the water and you'll see lots of fireflies at night! Book early for the lake side views, 6+ months in advance if you know you're going! Try to shower early since they run out of hot water at night if there's a lot of people camping. The water was cold by 10pm on Saturday night, could be gone earlier, my friends had hot water around 7-8pm, not sure when it runs out. I had hot water around the same time the day before when the camp site wasn't as crowded so test the water before you shower! Bathrooms are clean, the shower closer to the sink on the left side is better. You can rent kayaks there (single/double, or paddle board, pontoon and row boat were not available when I went). There's a beach/sand area nearby but water's blocked off since there's algae and not safe to swim. If you're looking for some activities to do, check out nearby farms for fruit picking during the right season (strawberry picking right now in June). read more

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I've been here once. It is very oriented towards fishing and boating. There is camping. It's a pretty place and worth a visit.Entrance is free most of the year except- I think -the peak summer months. read more

I have been going to spruce run since 1996. it's a nice place however the bathrooms need to be cleaned more often. The showers also need to be cleaned more often. I know it's a campground however at least the showers need to be cleaned. read more

The campground at Spruce Run lacked amenities that we would have expected. Both the men's and women's bathrooms had toilets and sinks in disrepair. In one bath house, with enclosed single bathrooms, the cleaning seemed non-existent. The hot water for our showers ran out very quickly. We think better maintenance, cleaning and eventual upgrades are in order. The campground itself was nice. read more

A recent visit to Spruce Run was a positive experience. As parks are reopening slowly during the Covid pandemic, I was impressed with the greeting at the gate entrance. The park employee was masked, thanked me for having mine, explained the mask/social distance expectations in the park. I asked about rest rooms and found that they are currently open 11-3pm only. Parking fee is currently waived on weekdays but i don't know for how much longer. Once inside, Spruce Run is a massive reservoir for boating, fishing, and a beach for swimming. My one gripe is that as a person that fishes from the land, I haven't really found a lot of good spots to fish from within walking distance of the parking areas. (I'll keep trying). The walking paths are good but not right along the water's edge so keep some bug spray handy. read more

Spruce Run State Park is one of my favorite places for outdoor recreation. The state owned area offers so much to do. There is a parking fee between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For the health conscious there are miles of roads to bicycle or run. They all have slow speed limits so you have an extra second when vehicles approach. Swimmers and sun worshipers will enjoy the beach which is manned with lifeguards for safety. They have food and swimming needs concessions there. There are 67 campsites which you can rent and some are right by the water. Sites have fire rings so you can have an open fire. Bring a canoe, kayak or paddle board and launch off the bank. Spruce Run is a sportsman's lake, so no water sports are allowed but you can rent a small motorboat or pontoon boat. Be courteous and follow boating laws since the water is patrolled by police. If you like to sail, you will find many others who share your passion. Many small boats race around markers within site of the launch ramps. If you prefer the romance of wind in your sails there is 1290 acres of water for you. You can rent spots adjacent to the launch ramps for the season or the year for a reasonable fee. Now to my passion, fishing. The lake has 29 species of fish according to NJ Fish & Wildlife. The bass here have become very smart due to constant fishing pressure and provide quite a challenge. The lake has some very large fish. Giant carp, large pike and rocket fast hybrid striped bass rule the lake and are fun to hook into. You will need a fishing license and your own gear. 15 miles of shoreline offer great access and an observation deck near the launch offers a spot for wheelchair anglers to cast a line. If you have a boat, you can launch it off their nice concrete ramps with docks. A nearby large parking lot gives you a place for leave your vehicle and trailer. There is a 10 HP maximum motor restriction. Clean restrooms with running water, located near the boat launch, beach and campgrounds offer relief and convenience. There is always room aboard my boat for attractive females who like to work on their tan and fish. Otherwise, pack a picnic lunch and go explore Spruce Run State Park. Just bring a trash bag and carry out everything you carried in. They don't pick up trash. No alcoholic beverages are permitted. If you can't follow rules or have no respect for other people, stay home. read more

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Great place to come to enjoy a lovely weekend in a nice weather. This recreation area has mini beach, a lake, beach volleyball courts with net except with the lines, kids playground, public bbq grills, and many more. If you bring your own kayak / canoes, you can paddle at free of cost in the lake. And if you have your own fishing rod, then you can have a very awesome time in the lake with a cold drink. Very recommended place to come to enjoy an awesome and peaceful getaway! read more

Spruce Run Recreation Area - Recreation Centers Near Me - Clinton, New Jersey

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This park is still one of our go-tos because of the location and convenience, but definitely has areas to improve. Pros: beautiful landscape and views. The lake is so lovely to walk around. Cons: they took away garbage cans so now trash is everywhere. It's disgusting and not eco friendly. I feel bad for workers that are likely chasing after all this trash to clean it up. I don't understand why this was done or how this helps anything. Very disappointed by this decision. read more

This is a beautiful park. We stayed at their RV campsites. There were a lot of bathrooms and showers at convenient locations. A lot of trails to hike, beautiful views. read more

Beautiful location to swim, picnic, sunbathe, play, and enjoy nature. Only 10.00 per vehicle. read more

Spruce Run Recreation Area - Recreation Centers Near Me - Clinton, New Jersey

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Came here for an organization picnic for the first time! Very beautiful area! The have a beach and you can rent boats, kayak, motor boats for water adventures! Me and a few friends - we rented 2 gas boats! The prices are pretty reasonable and it's a lot of fun! The lake is hugeee! They also have picnic area if you want to have a picnic. Very spacious and have neutral gender restrooms that are clean. Would highly recommend this place. Only downside is that you have to pay a fee to get it. Cash only but i guess that is for park maintenance. read more

Go on a weekday if you can. First time, we went on a Saturday around 10 am and could not et in because the park was full already. $5 to park per vehicle and no other fees. Beautiful park that's great for especially people with kids since there is a close by playground, and a lot of shade. Water is clean and nice sand beach, water is shallow for babies to play. If you go further in then it gets deeper. Big shower/changing area. All clean. Fun spot to explore! read more

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Nice area. Restrooms kept in very good condition. Recently redone. Nice paths and grilling/picnic areas. read more

Spruce Run Recreation Area - Recreation Centers Near Me - Clinton, New Jersey

On a hot Sunday we ventured down to the reservoir for a dip and some sun. Little did we know that we would be in the midst of some of the BEST people watching I have ever experienced. This place is clean and welcoming. Therefore it brings out the most interesting of interesting people. Ten bucks a car gets you in. No alcohol (unless you are a seasoned sneakster). I did witness some people enjoying the day ine straight up underwear...with no shame. That was entertaining. The only 'real' negative was the amount of little kids there... it was almost overwhelming since the swimming area is a specific designated area. Bring a bathingsuit (or underwear), some sunscreen, some alcohol (shhhh) and a CAMERA! read more

Hate lake swimming? Try reservoir swimming!! Spruce run is clean and beautiful- you will be amazed you're so close to the garden state parkway. Camping sites get completely booked on weekends, but day of reservations tend to be available at Voorhees (a mere 10 minutes away and admission to the reservoir is included w/ the Voorhees camping permit). Also no mosquitoes?!? I went in mid-July and didn't get bitten once over the course of two days. read more

This is an inexpensive place to spend a summer afternoon. It is $10 per NJ car, $20 if out of state. They have campsites, places to launch your kayak or other water vessel, picnic/BBQ areas, and a swimming area. We went there to take a swim and soak up some rays the other week. Be warned, if it is a nice day, EVERYONE is thinking the same thing you are! it was very crowded!! Great people watching though, you'd be surprised at what some people think are swimsuits! I would give 4 stars, but the swimming area was extremely small and crowded, and the lifeguards were thinly staffed and extremely strict! I understand why they have to be with so many people, but man all that yelling gave me a headache. The bathrooms were flooded and nasty too. read more

It's my 3rd time here in 2 months and with a great weather, this haven is breath taking! We go here just to have a simple picnic. The trees shelter you along with the beach front onsite. The restrooms are always clean and has AC on. You just need to pay 10 bucks per car and they'll give you a trash bag. There's also a spot there where you can go fishing, just make sure you have a fishing license. My dad tried to catch fish but he was the one caught for fishing without license. LOL. With nice weather, good food and great company, you'll end up being here every summer weekend. That's why it gets 5stars!! Enjoy the summer!!! read more

Spruce Run Recreation Area - Beachfront - Recreation Centers Near Me - Clinton, New Jersey

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The dumbest part of spruce run is they took the garbage cans out. U have to bring ur garbage home with you. Where in the he'll are u supposed to fit bags of garbage in a already packed up car. At least have a dumpster on the way out. Your only allowed to swim in one little section. The showers in the bathroom onlyhave hot water. U can't make it cooler. Trying to rinse off my 5 month old was nearly impossible. read more

Great place to take the family. The place is clean and very well maintained. Kudos to the Staff at the park for taking such great pride in their work. read more

It was not crowded, which was a plus and I liked the strictness of the lifeguards. However, garbage was along the water's edge and the goose/bird poop was heavily blanketing the shore line. I know that is nature, yadda yadda, but it was just gross. Pack a lunch, because the concession stand is closed and will not open. The bathroom was decent, could be more stalls and maintained better. The price is great. $5.00 per car. read more

Great place for fishing! Very clean Campground. Plan ahead. Lock your food up because this is bear territory. I live 2 miles away and I love looking at the reservoir from my house. I enjoy it even more up close. read more

So my family drives over an hour to meet with me at the park and without any notification they tell my family the park is closed I am very unhappy with this situation at least post it on your website so people don't waist there time driving in read more

Had a great time but had some gripes not relating to the park or employees itself. We went here this past weekend for Father's Day. Our site was clean and the facility's were clean and well maintained on a daily basis. We were a bit upset with a group of campers that were loud and obnoxious well past quiet time. Per the guidelines, by my knowledge, is 6 campers per site and they had well over 20. We were baffled about their total disrespect towards the other campers. The first night the Park Police were dispatched to speak to them and the second not I had to speak to them myself. Would definitely go back but hope that it's more quiet. read more

Awful, dirty park. One of NJ sore spots. Do not waste your time, there are rude and disgusting state park police who have over inflated ego's and spend more time turning people away than actually taking care of the park. The sand smells like rotten eggs, the beach is littered with garbage and the water is often as bad with floating garbage bags, hair ties and other female products you do not want to see floating by you. Other times I have been there, there was a line of cars waiting to get in and they started turning away families because they said they were full. What kind of State Park fills up before 11AM????? There are so many other parks in NJ, that are wonderful, and I warn you all not to waste your time or money on this one. read more

Camped for 2 nights. Perfect. Right on the water. Not too many other people and those that were there were friendly and quiet. Bathrooms with hot showers and a dishwashing station. Fire ring & picnic table. Had a really peaceful time, highly recommend! read more

Very pleasant trip to spruce run. . Have not been there for 20 years. Was very impressed. It was clean, the bathrooms and water. It was not crowded for a 90 degree day and although the life guards are very strict, they were attentive and watched what was going on. Will certainly try and get back before the summer is over. read more

I've been coming to this lake since I was 14 years old maybe younger, and I still go every year. You can't beat it!! The price is just a flat rate for each car ($5 or $10-holiday weekends) all the others I've been to each person has to pay. There is a parking lot but the downside is there's quite a walk from there to the lake or BBQ area. Yes! There is a BBQ area and no you do not need to bring your own grill because they have them. So first come first serve with picnic tables near by. Just imagine how the typical grills provided by the parks look and that's what they provide. But that area is further away from the actually lake itself. Spruce run also provides a kids playground, basketball court, volleyball net, restrooms with showers. You can also buy food here or bring your own. No alcoholic beverages allowed. I'm pretty sure you can also do other things like fishing, kayaking, etc that I may not know about. The swimming area isn't large and it's not deep, most days it's very clean. Overall it's very good for families and children. The life guards can be very annoying though. They constantly yell things out on the intercom like, "No throwing the other swimmers!" "No floaties, toys, balls, etc in the water!" "No throwing sand!" Lol the list goes on. Also no children are allowed in the water unless accompanied by an adult. And they do make everyone leave the water throughout the day to ensure that no one is missing. But safety is important. read more

So my family has been going camping at Spruce Run once or twice a year for about 8 years now. I really like it there. We utilize the beach and the lake, we ride our bikes, and just relax. Obviously it's a park so there's plenty of bugs and dirt to go around. The bathrooms are disgusting and the showers are ever worse but we just spray it down a little with Lysol with bleach and close our eyes and pretend we're at home. BRING FLIP FLOPS FOR THE SHOWER. We like it there because it's more like a park than anything. We're not deep, far into the woods, there's plenty of people around, apparently there hasn't been a bear sighting in 11 years so I don't really worry about it and the most wildlife I've ever seen there were a couple of deer and a couple of ducks who really come close...I don't really care for the ducks because they really get too close for comfort sometimes but that's better than a bear coming that close lol. It's quite clean. There's a policy stating that you must leave the campsite the way you find it, meaning don't throw trash all over the ground and not pick it up, etc. Sometime during the summer you catch a noisey crowd that doesn't know (or care) that there are quiet hours...but I've only had that happen once so far. Definitely stick to going in the spring and fall because it really gets very hot and obviously, other than your car...there's nowhere to find airconditioning. Alcohol is not permitted...but there are definitely people drinking there...just keep it out of site, clean up after yourself and don't act a damn fool and you'll be fine. Overall it's just a really cool place to relax and get away for a couple of days and for $20 a night for NJ residents, my boyfriend and I are going to be there more often. read more

Didn't come to swim, but decided to hang out in the bbq area. It was a little run down down for my taste. The grass really needed to be cut as it was ankle high. Bathroom was flooded and kinda yucky. Nothing really special here if you aren't swimming. My yard at home is big, lots of shade and the grass is nice and cut. I should've stayed there. read more