Cattus Island County Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cattus Island County Park is a nature reserve and park located in Toms River, New Jersey.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park offers a range of activities for visitors such as hiking, biking, bird watching, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. The park is situated on 530 acres of land, including a large lagoon and marshes.

Some of the most popular points of interest in the park include the Cooper Environmental Center, which features interactive exhibits and educational displays about the local wildlife, and the Osprey Observation Deck, which provides visitors with a stunning view of the birds in their natural habitat. Other notable attractions in the park include the butterfly garden, the fishing pier, and the numerous hiking trails that wind through the woods and wetlands.

One of the interesting facts about the park is that it was once the site of a munitions factory during World War II. Today, the park has been restored to its natural state, and visitors can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the area.

The best time of year to visit Cattus Island County Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the wildlife is most active. However, the park is open year-round, and there are activities to enjoy in all seasons.

Overall, Cattus Island County Park is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse range of activities and attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

       

Weather Forecast

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.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks