Boat Launch & Boating

Spruce Run Reservoir is open to boats of every kind except jet skis. Motorboats are limited to 10 horsepower, gas or electric, and sailboats to a mast 30 feet above the waterline; canoes, kayaks, windsurfers and paddleboards are welcome. Every boat goes in at the park's boat launch area, which has a trailer ramp with docks and a separate cartop launch. When sustained wind reaches 25 mph, a warning light flashes and everyone must leave the water.

The Boat Launch

All watercraft launch from one place: the park's boat launch area. It has a trailer ramp with docks for trailered boats and a cartop launch for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards you carry from the car. The NJDEP area map marks the boat launch, the cartop launch and a boat rental location. Campers have their own cartop launch inside the campground, between sites 20 and 23 (camping).

NJDEP's list of state boat-launch fees doesn't include Spruce Run; the park's entrance fee applies in season.

Boating Rules

• Horsepower: motors are limited to 10 hp, gas or electric.
• Sailboats: mast height may not exceed 30 feet above the waterline.
• Allowed: motor boating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and paddleboarding.
• Not allowed: motorized jet skis.
• Life jackets: a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device for every person aboard.
• State law: boats must follow all New Jersey state boating regulations.

The 25 MPH Wind Rule

A wind-warning light at the boat launch flashes when sustained winds on the reservoir hit 25 mph or more. When it does, all activity on the water stops and every boat must clear the reservoir. No new boats may launch, and a boat that can't get back to the ramp must land at the nearest shoreline it can reach. NJDEP puts the responsibility on boaters to check the forecast before launching and to keep watching the wind while out. The same rule covers Round Valley Reservoir, a separate state recreation area nearby.

Boat Rentals

A private concessionaire rents boats at Spruce Run. NJDEP says rentals run seasonally, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather permitting. The agency doesn't list the operator's boat types or prices, so check on site or ask the park office before planning around a rental.

Dry Boat Storage

Spruce Run rents dry storage spaces for boats on trailers, by permit. Apply on NJDEP's Boat Storage Application and Agreement and submit it to the park office.

• Summer season (April 1 to October 31), 300 spaces: $250 for a single boat trailer or $325 for a double, New Jersey residents; $295 and $370 for non-residents. Half rate after August 1.
• Winter season (November 1 to March 31), 153 spaces: $200 single or $260 double for residents; $240 and $320 for non-residents. Half rate after February 1.

Low Water and Algae

The reservoir supplies drinking water, and its level rises and falls with rainfall and downstream demand. Harmful algal blooms occur at Spruce Run as well; check the current alert level before you plan to be on or near the water (swimming and algae).