Cheesequake State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cheesequake State Park is a popular destination located in Old Bridge, New Jersey.


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Summary

The park is known for its diverse ecosystem, including wetlands, forests, and open fields. It also boasts a unique geological feature, the Cheesequake Creek, which flows through the park and empties into Raritan Bay.

There are numerous reasons to visit Cheesequake State Park, including hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. The park has 5 trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, offering visitors the chance to explore the different habitats and wildlife in the area. The park also has a nature center with exhibits on the local flora and fauna.

One of the most popular attractions in the park is the Cheesequake Creek boardwalk, which provides stunning views of the wetlands and creek. Visitors can also go fishing in the creek, which is home to various species of fish, including bass, catfish, and sunfish.

Cheesequake State Park has a rich history, dating back to the Native American tribes that once inhabited the area. The park was also used as a military training ground during World War II. Today, the park is a popular destination for families, hikers, and nature lovers alike.

The best time to visit Cheesequake State Park is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique experiences and attractions.

Overall, Cheesequake State Park is a must-visit destination in New Jersey, offering visitors the chance to explore the state's natural beauty and rich history.

       

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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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