Spruce Run FAQ
The short answers: the Spruce Run swim area is closed for all of 2026; admission costs nothing between Labor Day and Memorial Day weekend, and in summer $5 to $20 for each car; leashed dogs are welcome except in the campground and on the beach; the campground is open April 1 to October 31; and boats are limited to 10 horsepower. Details are below, each linked to the page that covers it.
Visiting
More on hours and fees, directions and planning a day.
On the Water
More on the boat launch, fishing and swimming.
Staying Overnight
More on camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spruce Run open to swimming in 2026?
No. NJDEP closed the Spruce Run swim area for the 2026 season, and swimming in state parks is allowed only with lifeguards on duty. Harmful algal blooms also occur in the reservoir.
What is the Spruce Run entrance fee?
Nothing between Labor Day and Memorial Day weekend. During the summer season: $5 per NJ car or $10 non-resident on weekdays, $10 or $20 on weekends and holidays, $2 on foot or bike.
When is Spruce Run open?
Every day from 8 a.m. until the gate closes at 4 p.m. The office is open 9 to 3 Monday to Friday and closed on weekends.
Are dogs allowed at Spruce Run?
Yes, if leashed (six feet maximum). Dogs can't go into the campground or onto the sandy swimming beach.
When is camping open at Spruce Run?
April 1 through October 31. There are 60 tent and trailer sites, 7 sites with hookups, 3 shelters and a group site, booked on camping.nj.gov.
Can you bring a boat to Spruce Run?
Yes. Motors must be 10 horsepower or less, sailboat masts no more than 30 feet; jet skis are not allowed. Boats launch from the park's boat launch area.
Can you rent a boat at Spruce Run?
Yes, from a private concessionaire, seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather permitting.
What fish are in Spruce Run Reservoir?
Largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch and carp, according to NJDEP. The Spruce Run and Mulhockaway Creek are stocked by NJ Fish and Wildlife.
Is alcohol allowed at Spruce Run?
No. Alcohol is not permitted in any New Jersey state park, forest or recreation area.
How big is Spruce Run Reservoir?
1,290 acres of water with 15 miles of shoreline, holding up to 11 billion gallons. It is the third-largest reservoir in New Jersey.
Where is Spruce Run Recreation Area?
At 68 Van Syckles Road, Clinton, NJ 08809, in Hunterdon County off Route 31 and Interstate 78, about 1½ hours from New York City.
Is Spruce Run part of Round Valley?
No. Round Valley Recreation Area is a separate park with its own reservoir. Both reservoirs are part of the same water supply system.
Can you go to Spruce Run in winter?
It is. Day use continues through the winter, entry is free, and visitors sled, cross-country ski, ice fish and ice sail. Ice skating is not allowed.
Are there hiking trails at Spruce Run?
Yes, a 2.6-mile section of the Highlands Trail through maple and pine forest and along the reservoir, plus roads and sidewalks good for biking.
Facts checked against the NJ State Parks page for Spruce Run Recreation Area on October 24, 2026.