Rules & Regulations

Spruce Run's rules come from the NJDEP State Park Service. Dogs may visit on leashes of six feet or less, though never in the campground or on the sandy beach. Alcohol is banned in every New Jersey state park, smoking and vaping are prohibited by state law, ATVs are banned, and with no trash bins provided, everything you bring leaves with you. Swimming is allowed only with lifeguards on duty, and the swim area is closed for 2026.

Dogs and Pets

• Keep pets leashed (six feet maximum) and under your control the whole visit.
• Clean up after your pet. The park has no trash cans, so bring bags and take them home.
• No pets in the campground, and no pets on the sandy swimming beach.

Alcohol, Smoking and Vaping

• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in New Jersey's state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites and preserves.
• State law bans smoking tobacco and using electronic smoking devices in all state parks, forests, historic sites, recreation areas, golf courses and marinas. The campground rules allow it only inside a personal vehicle or boat.

Vehicles and ATVs

• Recreational ATV use is not permitted anywhere on NJ State Park Service property.
• Oversized vehicles pay double the entrance fee in season (hours and fees).
• Bus groups are allowed on weekdays only, by reservation (directions).

Trash: Carry In, Carry Out

There are no trash receptacles in Spruce Run's day-use areas. NJDEP asks every visitor to take their trash home and to pack a couple of bags for garbage, recyclables and dog waste. Campers use the campground dumpsters.

Water Rules

• Swimming only with lifeguards on duty, in the guarded area. The swim area is closed for the 2026 season (swimming).
• Boats: motors up to 10 hp; sailboat masts up to 30 feet above the waterline; no motorized jet skis; a Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person; all boats launch from the boat launch area.
• Wind: at 25 mph sustained wind, the warning light flashes and every boat must leave the water (boat launch).
• Fishing and hunting follow NJ Fish and Wildlife regulations. Bow deer and waterfowl hunting are allowed Monday to Saturday in designated areas only (fishing and hunting).

Grills and Fires

• Charcoal grills are allowed in the designated picnic areas, or bring your own. They are not permitted on the beach or the grassy lawn around it.
• In the campground, fires go only in the stoves, fireplaces or fire rings provided, or a camper's own approved camp stove. Fires can be banned when forest fire danger is high.

Weapons

No firearms, pellet guns, bows and arrows, slingshots or other weapons, except for hunters following NJ Fish and Wildlife law. Target practice is prohibited.

Groups and Events

Gatherings of 20 or more people, and organized events such as races, festivals, concerts, filming and commercial photography, require a Special Use Permit from NJ State Parks.

Safety: Ticks and Bears

• Ticks: wear repellent and light-colored clothing, tuck pant legs into socks, keep to the trails, and do a full tick check at home.
• Bears: never approach or feed a bear (feeding is illegal) and never run from one. Report an aggressive bear to 1-877-927-6337 (1-877-WARN-DEP), and other bear trouble to the park office.

Campground Rules

Quiet hours 10 p.m. until 6 a.m., six people and two vehicles per site, visitors 8 a.m. to closing, a 14-night limit, and a reserving adult 18 or older. The full list is on the camping page.