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There’s ample reason to celebrate this summer in New Jersey: entry into every state park, forest, and recreation area is free, even if you’re not a resident. That includes more than 50 sites, as reported by Travel + Leisure, and lets visitors truly bask in all things outdoors. This includes historic sites, as well as endless opportunities to hike, bike, swim, camp, boat and enjoy a picnic.
You’ll still have to pay for anything other than entry fees, like campground fees, mobile sport fishing permits and entry into historical buildings and interpretive programs, reads Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement. If you already purchased your state park pass, no worries; you’ll automatically get a full refund.
This one-year free program was planned for in the state’s FY 2023 budget proposal and is intended to advance affordability and opportunity in the state. Everyone should have access to these open-air joyparks, and perhaps more states will take a page out of New Jersey’s book to ensure that everyone gets themselves to the ocean, river, woods or trails, repeatedly.
The announcement came just in time for the Memorial Day weekend and bolsters hope for a more nature-based summer with all the breeze-lifting-your-hair basking that the season is meant for.
Get a head start on this New Jersey summer goodness by participating in the National Trails Day this Saturday, June 4, with volunteer work projects like weeding at Liberty State Park and helping build the Ringwood Ramapo Trail at Ringwood State Park. You can also take a guided hike at 15 different state parks! There’s even one called Double Trouble State Park; we’re intrigued….
The 453,000 acre New Jersey State Park System draws millions of visitors each year. We are banking that this generous new program means that there will be even more this summer.