Dodson Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dodson Park is a recreational area located in Franklin Township, New Jersey.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of activities and amenities. One of the main reasons to visit Dodson Park is its beautiful natural setting, which includes a large lake, wooded trails, and lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and hiking, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds for children.

There are several specific points of interest within Dodson Park, including a historic 19th-century gristmill and a nature center that offers educational programs and exhibits about the local flora and fauna. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and other small animals.

Interesting facts about Dodson Park include its history as a former farmland and mill site, as well as its designation as a wildlife habitat and protected natural area. The park also hosts several annual events, including a fishing derby and a Halloween festival.

The best time of year to visit Dodson Park depends on the activities and attractions you are interested in. Spring and summer are popular for boating and fishing, while fall offers beautiful scenery and hiking trails. Winter can be a quieter time to visit, with opportunities for ice fishing and snowshoeing. Overall, Dodson Park is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of New Jersey's natural landscapes.

       

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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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