Blackberry Bay Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Blackberry Bay Park is a scenic park located in Ocean County, New Jersey.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for visitors who enjoy hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. The park offers stunning views of the Barnegat Bay and is home to various species of birds, including ospreys, egrets, and herons.

One of the main attractions of Blackberry Bay Park is its extensive trail system that winds through the park's 208 acres of wetlands, forests, and meadows. Visitors can explore the park's diverse ecosystem on foot or by bike, and there are several observation decks throughout the park that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Another popular feature of the park is its fishing pier, which extends into the Barnegat Bay and provides anglers with ample opportunities to catch a variety of fish species, including striped bass and bluefish.

Interesting facts about Blackberry Bay Park include its designation as a National Natural Landmark and its role as a crucial habitat for migratory birds traveling along the Atlantic Flyway.

The best time of year to visit Blackberry Bay Park depends on personal preferences and interests. Spring and fall are popular times for birdwatchers, as many migratory species pass through the area during these seasons. Summer is a great time for fishing and enjoying the park's scenic trails and wildlife. Winter offers a unique opportunity to see the park's landscape covered in snow and ice.

Overall, Blackberry Bay Park is a beautiful and diverse natural area that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and explore the natural beauty of New Jersey.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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