Duck Island State Recreation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Duck Island State Recreation Area is a popular destination located in New Jersey that offers visitors a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.
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Summary
The park covers over 150 acres and is home to several species of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and various bird species.
One of the best reasons to visit Duck Island State Recreation Area is its beautiful natural scenery. The park features several hiking trails that wind through the woods and along the banks of the Delaware River, providing visitors with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. There are also several picnic areas and fishing spots where visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
One of the most popular points of interest in the park is the historic Duck Island Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1800s. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and learn about its history and significance in the area.
Another interesting fact about Duck Island State Recreation Area is that it was once used as a site for clay mining. The clay was used to make bricks, which were used to build many of the historic buildings in the area.
The best time of year to visit Duck Island State Recreation Area is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild, and the park is in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnicking in the park during this time.
Overall, Duck Island State Recreation Area is a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers visitors a great outdoor experience. Whether you are looking for hiking, fishing, or just a relaxing day in nature, this park is definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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
Northern Community Park
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Central Community Park
Snyder Memorial Field
Shady Brook Park