Plan Your Visit

A day at Spruce Run is built around the reservoir: picnic on the hillsides above it, launch a boat or kayak, fish from shore, walk the 2.6-mile Highlands Trail section, or camp overnight from April to October. The park has four first-come picnic areas with grills, two covered pavilions and a reservable group area for up to 200 people. In winter, visitors sled, cross-country ski, ice fish and ice sail. The swim area is closed for 2026.

Picnic Areas

Four picnic areas spread through the wooded and open ground overlooking the reservoir. Each has picnic tables, charcoal grills and restrooms, which are open seasonally.

• Picnic Area 1 is near a playground.
• Picnic Area 2 has its own playground and a covered pavilion.
• Picnic Area 4 has a covered pavilion and a parking lot closed to cars, good for kids learning to bike.
• The pavilions at Areas 2 and 4 hold 10 to 20 people on a rainy day.

All four are first come, first served. Bring your own grill if you like, but charcoal grills are not allowed at the beach or on the lawn around it.

The Group Picnic Area

Larger groups can reserve the group picnic area, which holds up to 200 people and has a covered pavilion with picnic tables, large charcoal grills, a playground, parking and restrooms.

• Reserve at least five days ahead, by phone with a credit card or by mail with NJDEP's group picnic form and full payment.
• No reservations on holidays unless the superintendent approves.
• Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day: $100 a day for New Jersey groups, $150 for non-residents, and every car also pays the entrance fee.
• Off-season (after Labor Day until just before Memorial Day weekend): $125 or $175 a day, with no entrance fees.
• Cancelling costs half the reservation fee.

Any gathering or event of 20 or more people needs a Special Use Permit, as do races, festivals, commercial photography and filming.

Things to Do on the Water and Trails

• Boating and paddling: motors up to 10 hp, sailing, kayaks, canoes, windsurfing and paddleboards, plus seasonal boat rentals (boat launch).
• Fishing: largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch and carp (fishing).
• Hiking and biking: the Highlands Trail section and the park's roads and sidewalks (hiking).
• Camping: 70 sites and shelters on a peninsula, April through October (camping).
• Birding: a wildlife observation blind near the boat launch looks out on nesting songbirds and migrating waterfowl.
• Basketball: the NJDEP map shows basketball courts in the park.

Winter at Spruce Run

In winter, people come to sled, cross-country ski, ice fish and ice sail. Ice skating is not permitted. Entry is free in the off-season. Call the park office (908-638-8572) for snow and ice conditions.

Programs

Park staff lead historical and natural programs through the year. Call the office for the schedule and to sign up; some carry a fee.

Before You Go

• No trash cans. Spruce Run is a carry-in, carry-out park, so bring bags for trash, recycling and your pet's waste.
• No alcohol anywhere in New Jersey state parks, and no smoking or vaping.
• Check the algae alert before any contact with the reservoir water (swimming).
• Leashed dogs are welcome in day-use areas, but not in the campground or on the beach (rules).
• Summer weekends fill up. Arrive early; when the park reaches capacity the gate closes to new cars (directions).

Nearby

NJDEP's reservation site puts the town of Clinton and its historic Red Mill about 5 miles from the park.