Manasquan Wildlife Management Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Manasquan Wildlife Management Area is located in the state of New Jersey and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Summary
The area is made up of over 1,200 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and fields, providing visitors with a diverse range of natural habitats to explore.
There are many good reasons to visit Manasquan Wildlife Management Area, including its beautiful scenery, abundance of wildlife, and excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. The area is also home to several rare and endangered species, such as the Pine Barrens tree frog and the bald eagle, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
Some of the specific points of interest to see in Manasquan Wildlife Management Area include the Manasquan Reservoir, the Cedar Bridge Tavern, and the Cedar Bonnet Island Environmental Trail. Visitors can also explore the area's many trails, including the Cedar Bridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding wetlands and woodlands.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was once a site of intense logging and farming activity, and that it is now managed by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to protect and preserve its natural resources. The area is also home to an abundance of plant and animal life, including over 200 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
The best time of year to visit Manasquan Wildlife Management Area is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and fishing during these seasons, as well as taking part in the area's many educational programs and events.
Overall, Manasquan Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful and diverse natural area that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, learn about local ecology and wildlife, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery, this area 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.
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