The Top Picnic Areas in New Jersey for Corporate, Family, Friends, Re-unions, and School Outings

Northern New Jersey Picnic Areas

Specializes in providing custom catering and facilities for picnics for large-scale corporate picnics, school field-days, and family reunions for groups ranging from 50 to 2,000.

Features: a 26 acres facility with 10,000 square feet of covered Open Air Pavilion Space overlooking Lake and Pools, Softball, Basketball, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Soccer, Sand Soccer, Horse Shoes, Roller Blading Rink, Hockey, Bocci Ball, Fishing, Ping Pong
Hand Ball, 5 Swimming pools, Boating, petting zoo, and more.

Hacklebarney State Park
Chester
(908) 638-6969

Directions:
Route 206 to Chester. Follow Route 24/513 west for one mile to State Park Road for two miles. Turn right onto Hacklebarney Road and travel 1/2 mile. The entrance is on the left.

Hacklebarney is a state Park and a favorite place for fresh water fisherman, hikers and picnickers. Located in a 19th century mined iron ore site, the park has a fast moving river with a beautiful backdrop of grey boulders and dark green hemlocks.

Hacklebarney is a hiking only park, no bikes are allowed on any trails. Hacklebarney has over 100 picnic tables located throughout the park. They are available on a first-come first-serve basis. There are no picnic shelters located at Hacklebarney.

The picnic areas are not reservable and are available on a first come/first served basis.

A children's day camp providing custom picnics for large-scale corporate picnics, school field-days, and family reunions.

Features: 4 heated pools, 3 Playgrounds- Including the 4-Story Crazy Crawl, 2 Beach Volleyball Courts, Soccer Field, 2 Softball Fields, Basketball Center,
9-hole Miniature Golf Course, 2 Tennis Courts, 2 Batting Cages, Bumper Boats Pool for Children, Hockey Rink, 40' x 100' Tent, 60' x 120' Covered Pavilion and a Kitchen Area & Cooking Equipment.

Hidden Valley Club
44 Breakneck Road
Vernon
(973) 764-4200

Directions from the George Washington Bridge:
Take Route 80 West to Route 23 North to Route 515 North. Continue on Route 515 North for 8 miles. At the bottom of the hill, turn right onto Breakneck Road. Hidden Valley is 300 yards up on the right.

The Hidden Valley Club is a privately run facility in a scenic, mountain environment that offers corporate and special event picnics and outings.

The menu can include traditional picnic goodies such as burgers, hot dogs, salads, dessert, and beverages; or you can request a special menu tailored to your party's special tastes.

Their facilities include; a relaxing in-ground pool adjacent to five tennis courts, softball field, basketball court, two sand volleyball courts, three horseshoe pits, badminton, lake swimming, paddle boats, and fishing.

Jeff Lake Picnics, located 50 minutes from the George Washington Bridge, is a privately run camp that opens it's grounds and facilities for summer picnics and outings on weekends in June, July and August for corporate, family reunions, birthdays, and other special events.

Jeff Lake has a 50-acre lake with 2 water trampolines, a water climbing wall & slide, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boats and row boats will make your picnic unique. Tennis courts, ropes & climbing courses, sports fields, art & pottery studios, and 4 heated pools.

Ringwood State Park
Ringwood
(973) 962-7031

Directions:
Take Route 287 to exit 57, follow signs to Ringwood State Park

Ringwood is a state park The spring-fed waters of the 74-acre Shepherd Lake are cool and offer swimming from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 10 am to 6 pm.

Picnicking with tables & food concession at Shepherd Lake; Also, boating, canoeing and fishing are permitted with boat rentals available. A network of trails with rocky terrain surrounds the lake.

Round Valley Recreation Area
1220 Lebanon-Stanton Road
Lebanon
(908) 236-6355

Directions:
Take I-78 west to exit 20 A to Route 22 west, follow signs to the park.

Round Valley Reservoir is a state park offering swimming boating, fishing, picnicking and camping.

The Round Valley Reservoir swimming area was created by the construction of an earth dam across a narrow waterway on the west side of the reservoir, separating it from the main part of the reservoir. The reservoir covers over 2,000 acres and is approximately 180 feet deep, the deepest lake in New Jersey. It has a water capacity of 55 billion gallons. The reservoir is stocked with lake trout.

There are three picnic areas within the recreation area; two are located on tree-shaded grassy spots at each end of the beach, and the third is on a hill overlooking the reservoir and park. At each picnic area the visitor will find tables and grills, restrooms, and playgrounds.

A children's day camp providing custom picnics for large-scale corporate picnics, school field-days, and family reunions, and children's birthday parties.

Features: high ropes course, two heated swimming pools, arts and crafts, lake boating and fishing, sporting events, and their famous "color war."

Activities can be structured and supervised by their staff.

Tomahawk Lake
153 Tomahawk Trail
Sparta
(973) 478-7490

Directions:
From Interstate I-80 East:
Exit Route 80 East at Exit 34. Get on Route 15 North and follow directions above.

A privately run facility with 200 acres that comes with complete packages and recreation including an 18-hole miniature golf course, rustic outdoor beer garden featuring live music on the weekends, Souvenir shops, Softball field, horse-shoe and volleyball areas, an old fashioned picnic area with more than 800 tables a white sand beach on a 200 acre lake!
There water slides, swan boats, duck boats, paddle boats and bumper boats, the one-person water coaster, Trolley slide and a their awesome Rocky Mountain slide that spans over 500 feet!

All you can eat and drink all day catering is done under huge red and white circus tents for groups of 50-1000 people. They also have an outdoor garden. Prices include admission!

Alcoholic beverages available.

Central New Jersey Picnic Areas

Black Bear Lake
457 Stage Coach Road
Millstone Township
(609)259-6934

Directions from North Jersey:
NJ Turnpike South to Exit 8 for Freehold/Hightstown (Rt. 33). Follow Rt. 33 East for 5 miles. Make right onto Millstone Rd. (PNC Bank on corner). Go 4.6 miles on Millstone Rd. (school on your left). Make a right onto Clarksburg Rd. Go 1.25 miles to the stop sign. At the stop sign, turn left onto Stage Coach Rd. Go 1/4 mile, and Black Bear Lake entrance is the first driveway on the right past the firehouse.

Black Bear Lake, on 33 acres, is a privately run picnic grounds for corporate outings, family reunions, schools, and special Events.

They offer a complete package that includes; Private dining at your pavilion, use of all of our amenities, which include 3 Olympic size heated swimming pools, five acre lake for boating, swimming, and fishing, and all sports fields with complimentary equipment.

They can package entertainment, food and beverages with a five-hour menu.

They have numerous activities that include: a rock climbing wall, segway rides, outdoor laser tag lakeside dining , a 5 Acre Lake and Sand Beach with Tiki Umbrellas, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, fishing docks, 3 heated olympic sized pools with lounge chairs, 3 tennis Courts, 9 hole mini golf, soccer field, basketball courts, beach volleyball, and horseshoe pits.

Cheesequake State Park
300 Gordon Road
Matawan
(732) 566-2161

Directions:
The park is accessible from exit 120 off the Garden State Parkway and from Route 34. State Park signs are posted at critical intersections along the following routes:GSP, Route 34 South and North.

Cheesequake is a state park with vegetation variation along a gradient from coastal salt marsh habitat to upland forests can be observed from the various trails running through the natural area. The natural area displays a diversity of plant species and community types characteristic of both northern and southern New Jersey.

Several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the Park. For larger groups, we also offer two reservable picnic areas. The group picnic area at Farny Point holds a capacity of 150 people, provides shelter and play fields. The group picnic area at Spring Hill holds a capacity of 100 people and provides play fields and playground equipment. Reservable picnic areas are not available on weekends from memorial day through labor day. Group picnicking reservations are required for weekday events. A party of 20 or more people constitutes a group. They may be reserved for a fee:

There is no group picnicking on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Trash must be carried out.

Frogbridge
7 Yellow Meeting House Rd
Millstone Township
(609) 208-9475

Directions from North Jersey:
New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 8. Take Route 33 East. Take Millstone Road (bank on corner) and make a right turn. Travel on Millstone Road (bearing left at the Millstone Middle School, staying on Millstone Road) to Stage Coach Road (Stop sign on corner). Make a right onto Stage Coach Road. Go to first intersection and make a left onto Red Valley Road. Immediately stop at stop sign. Then continue straight one mile to Yellow Meeting House Road and make a right. Frogbridge is located on the first road to your left.

Frogbridge is a privately run facility for company picnics, family celebrations, and special events.

They offer a wide variety of cuisine options ranges from formal menus, featuring lobster and filet mignon, to classic all-American fare. Their outdoor picnic menus offer elaborate New England clambakes, traditional barbecue favorites-and everything in between.

The attractions include: a 8,700 sq. ft. heated pool complex with a wading pool and 2 swirling water slides, pool-side towel service, 3 Lakes for boating and fishing with a Private Beach for tanning, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, 14 bay golf driving range, 18 Holes of Miniature Golf, multiple softball/baseball fields, 4 tennis courts, 3 soccer fields, 2 beach volleyball courts, regulation bocce and horseshoe courts.

Indian Rock Camp Ground
920 West Veterans Highway
Jackson, NJ
732-928-0034

Picnics for private parties.Food catering for groups, vegetarian burgers available. Outside caters and hard liquor not permitted.

Facilities: Olympic size swimming pool, field games, and arts/crafts.

Campsites, cabins, trailer rentals are available

Picnic Hours Noon - 4 pm.

Ivy League Day Camp
140 Gordon´s Corner Road,
Manalapan, NJ 07726
732-446-7035

A children's day camp providing custom picnics for large-scale corporate picnics, school field-days, and family reunions, and children's birthday parties.

Features: 15 acres with a large Covered Picnic Pavilion & Tents, 4,000 Sq. Ft. Boating Pool w/ Large Bumper Boats and Paddle Boats, 4 Heated Pools, Water Slides, 3 Tennis Courts, Beach Volley Ball, Kids Car Wash, Softball Field, Go Carts, Basketball Courts, Multi Use Athletic Fields, Horseshoe Pits, and more.

Provides a choice of all you can eat menus.

Spruce Run Recreation Area
68 Van Syckel's Road
Clinton
(908) 638-8572

Directions:
From the intersections of Interstate 78W and Route 31N, follow 31 north to the third traffic light – Van Syckels Road. Turn left and continue 1.5 miles to the Park entrance which is on the left.

Spruce Run is a state park with rolling hills and a recreation Area that is popular with picnickers, swimmers, fishermen, boaters and campers.

The reservoir was one of the first water supply facilities to be constructed and operated by the state and covers 1,290 acres with 15 miles of shoreline for recreation.

Six picnic areas spaciously located in wooded and open areas overlooking the reservoir. Includes tables, charcoal grills and restroom facilities. Visitors may bring their own grills in accordance with fire regulations in effect at that time. For larger groups, they also offer the Group Picnic Area. It holds a capacity of 225 people, provides shelter, playground equipment and it may be reserved for a fee:

Washington Crossing State Park
355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road
Titusville
(609) 737-0623

Directions:
From Interstate 95, take Route 29 north. Follow the signs to the park.

Originally preserved for its historical significance, the park is also well known for its trails and wildlife habitat.

The park is popular for picnicking and, in the winter, for cross-country skiing on existing hiking trails.

The park offers a Group Picnic Area at the Green Grove for larger groups. It can accommodate 125 people, provides shelter, play fields and playground equipment. It may be reserved for a fee.

Groups of 20 or more people can reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent.

Bass River State Forest
62 Stage Rd
Tuckerton
(609) 296-1114

Directions:
Bass River State
Forest is about 25 miles north of Atlantic City and six miles west of Tuckerton. Take the Garden State Parkway to exit 52 heading south and exit 50 heading north

Belleplain State Forest
County Route 550
Woodbine
(609) 861-2404

Directions:
The park can be reached via the Garden State Parkway by taking exit 17 southbound (exit 17) to Routes 9 and 550 or exit 13 northbound. Highway signs are provided to guide the motorist to the forest.

Belleplain is a state park and offers a Group Picnic Area for larger groups. It holds a capacity of 100 people, provides shelter, play fields and playground equipment. It may be reserved for a fee.

Groups of 20 or more people can reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent.

Alcohol is prohibited.

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
New Lisbon
(609) 726-1191

From the NJ Turnpike, take exit 7 and follow Route 206 south to Route 38 east, to second traffic light, then turn onto Magnolia Road (Route 644). Follow Magnolia Road until you come to the Four-Mile Circle. From the circle take Route 72 east, at mile marker 1 make a left. There is a forest entrance sign on your left as you turn in. Take the first right and the office is on the left.

Formerly Lebanon State forest, this is a state park with several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the park. For larger groups, we also offer two reservable picnic areas with shelters. Area A holds a capacity of 50 people and Area B can accommodate 100 people. They may be reserved for a fee:

Groups of 20 or more people can reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent.

Alcohol is prohibited

Liberty Lake
1195 Florence-Columbus Road
Columbus
(609) 499-0432

Directions from North Jersey:
New Jersey Turnpike down to Exit 7 (Bordentown). Take Route 206 South. Follow signs to Route 295 South, get on it and travel approx. 3 miles. Take Exit 52A towards Columbus Rd. (Rt. 543 East).
Travel 1/4 mile and Liberty Lake is on the left.

Open for may to October, Liberty Lake is a privately run and offers packaged picnic outings for corporations, families, and special events.

Packages include; an private dining at your pavilion with a five-hour menu, a7 acre lake, rowboats, canoes, paddle boats, 18 Hole Miniature Golf, olympic sized pool, children's sports pool, towel service, soccer field, baseball/softball field, basketball courts, beach volleyball and horseshoe pits.

Parvin State Park
701 Almond Road
Pittsgrove
(856) 358-8616

Directions:
From Route 55 north or south, take exit 35 and follow signs to the park.The Park is located between Centerton and Vineland on Route 540 (Almond Road).

Parvin is a state park located on the edge of the Pine Barrens. The park not only has pine forests typical to the area but also a swamp hardwood forest. Spring bursts out in bright colors and rich fragrances with blossoming dogwood, laurel, holly, magnolia, wild azalea and over 200 kinds of flowering plants.

Thundergust Lake, Parvin Lake and Muddy Run are popular for fishing and boating. Swimming is allowed in Parvin Lake only.

Several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the Park. For larger groups, we also offer two reservable picnic areas at Thundergust Lake, 100 people per pavilion; total capacity 200. Flush toilets, water, grills, picnic tables, activity and ball fields available.

Group picnicking reservations are required for weekday events. A party of 20 or more people constitutes a group. They may be reserved for a fee.

Open April 1 through October 31. Alcohol is prohibited