Visit Sussex County Parks and Playgrounds

Here are some parks in Sussex County New Jersey that are family friendly and great places to bring the kids.

Allamuchy Mountain State Park

Waterloo Rd, Byram, NJ. 908.852.3790
Allamuchy Mountain State Park is home to 14 miles of marked trails and 20 miles of unmarked trails. Visitors can go hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. There is also a 3 mile water trail on the Musconetcong River for canoes, kayaks and rowboats.

Fishing and boating are available throughout the year at Musconetcong Lake, Cranberry Lake, Jefferson Lake, Tilcon Lake, Allamuchy Pond and Deer Park Pond. The park also features a rock climbing area, picnic areas and playgrounds. Winter sports can be enjoyed at Allamuchy such as ice fishing, ice boating, sledding and cross country skiing.  

High Point State Park

1480 Rt. 23, Sussex, NJ. 973.875.4800
The High Point State Park is in the northwestern corner of New Jersey and is known for its incredible trails. There are over 50 miles of trails ranging from a half mile to 18 miles long. The Appalachian Trail is the largest and follows the Kittatinny Mountain Ridge and is used only for hiking. There are also three overnight shelters on the trail that allows hikers to camp overnight. Cedar Swamp trail is a one and half miles and loops around the Cedar Swamp.

High Point Cross Country Ski Center is a popular place in the winter for cross country skiers and other sports equipment are available to rent. The park has a large campground with a pet friendly area. The High Point Monument is a a popular tourist attraction. It was built in honor of all war veterans and is open at certain times throughout the year for visitors to climb. The park also offers many different interpretive programs throughout the year for ages toddler to adult. Swimming at Lake Marcia is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fishing and boating are permitted throughout the year at Sawmill Lake and Steenykill Lake.

Hopatcong State Park

260 Lakeside Blvd, Landing, NJ. 973.398.7010
Hopatcong State Park includes Lake Hopatcong, Lake Musconetcong and the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum. Spring through fall visitors can enjoy two playgrounds, two basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, a playing field and picnicking. The picnic area has grills, tables, benches and is close to the water.

Swimming in the lake is available Memorial Day to Labor Day each year. The swimming area is about five feet deep and safe for all children. Fishing is allowed year round. Visitors can also go canoeing, kayaking, motor boating, sailing and jet skiing. In the winter, visitors can go sledding, snowmobiling and ice fishing. The Historical Museum is open on Sundays in the spring and fall. There is fun all throughout the year at this popular state park. For more information, read our review.

Swartswood State Park

1091 E Shore Rd, Swartswood, NJ. 973.383.5230
Swartswood State Park is New Jersey’s first state park and is a historic landmark. It contains four trails. The Duck Pond Multi-Use Trail is a 0.6 mile paved path for walking, biking or skating. The Spring Lake Trail is a 2.8 mile trail that is more appropriate for hiking. The Bear Claw Trail is 0.8 miles of hilly terrain appropriate for moderate level hikers. The Grist Mill Trail is a 1.5 mile loop that is also appropriate for moderate level hikers. Other than trails, the park has a large camping area, a playground, picnicking and a food concession stand.

The Swartswood Lake is open for swimming from Memorial Day to Labor Day and has a shower facility, restrooms and a concession stand. Boating (electric motors only) is permitted and boats/canoes can be brought or rented at the lake. In the winter visitors can enjoy sledding, ice fishing and cross country skiing

Wawayanda State Park

Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ. 973.853.4462
At 34.3 acres Wawayanda State Park includes 60 miles of hiking trails and three major natural areas. The Bearfort Mountain, Wawayanda Hemlock Ravine and Wawayanda Swamp Natural Areas are wonderful places for bird watching and wildlife observation. The trails throughout the park are designed for casual and experienced hikers. 20 miles of the trail are along the Appalachian Trail.

The park also offers campsites, fishing on Lake Wawayanda and Wawayanda Creek and hunting. Canoes, paddleboats and rowboats can be rented at the lake or private vessels can be brought in. Electric motors are permitted, gas motors are prohibited. Picnic tables and grills are located next to the boating area.

Swimming at the lake is available between Memorial Day and Labor Day with access to restrooms and a concession stand. Throughout the winter various sports are permitted in specific locations such as cross country skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.