Swartswood State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Swartswood State Park, located in the state of New Jersey, offers visitors a picturesque and serene natural retreat.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With its varied landscapes, recreational activities, and historical significance, there are several compelling reasons to visit this state park.
One of the main draws of Swartswood State Park is its scenic beauty. The park encompasses Swartswood Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by lush forests, creating a tranquil and idyllic setting. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails that wind through the woods, providing opportunities for peaceful walks, birdwatching, and experiencing the area's diverse flora and fauna.
An intriguing point of interest within the park is the Swartswood Furnace. This historic site, dating back to the 18th century, was once a bustling iron furnace. Today, visitors can view the remnants of the furnace and learn about the region's industrial past. The furnace serves as a reminder of the area's significance in New Jersey's history.
Swartswood State Park also offers a range of recreational activities. The 500-acre Swartswood Lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming during the warmer months. Anglers can try their luck in catching a variety of fish species, including bass, trout, and catfish. The park provides boat rentals and a designated swimming area, ensuring everyone can enjoy the water safely.
For camping enthusiasts, Swartswood State Park offers well-maintained and scenic campsites. There are over 60 sites available, including tent and trailer sites, as well as cabins for rent. Camping facilities are equipped with amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. This makes it an ideal place to spend a weekend getaway or a longer vacation immersed in nature.
Regarding the best time to visit Swartswood State Park, each season brings its own unique charm. In the spring, the park bursts with vibrant colors as flowers bloom and wildlife becomes active. Summer provides the opportunity to enjoy water activities and take advantage of the longer daylight hours. Autumn showcases the park's foliage, with trees adorned in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Winter offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for hiking through snowy trails or ice fishing on the lake.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify information about Swartswood State Park across multiple independent sources. This can include official park websites, travel guides, and reputable online resources dedicated to outdoor activities and state parks in New Jersey.
Weather Forecast
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
Swartswood State Park
Forest campsite
Rivers Bend Group Campground
Valley View Group Campground
Mohican Walk-In Campsites
Shotwell - Stokes State Forest
Sussex County Park Ada
Stokes State Park
Memory Park Dev2
Whittingham State Conservation Area
Kittatinny Valley State Park