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Spruce Run Recreation Area
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Spruce Run
Recreation Area

Mailing Address:
68 Van Syckel's Road
Clinton, NJ 08809
(908) 638-8572

Size: 2,012 acres

Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
$ 5.00
weekdays
$10.00
weekends
$ 2.00
walk-in/bicycle
Link to the Related Fees page 

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.

Facilities & Activities:

Trails:

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Jogging
 

 

Surrounded by the rolling hills of Hunterdon County, Spruce Run Recreation Area 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. Spruce Run is the third largest reservoir in the state after Round Valley and Wanaque reservoirs.

Keep Your Recreation Area Clean

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided
throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Trails

The Highlands Millennium Trail, which will eventually connect the Delaware River to the Hudson River, is approximately 0.91 miles (one way) within the park boundaries. This leisurely hike is not ADA accessible. The park grounds and roadways are excellent areas for other strolling, jogging and biking activities.

Camping

For forms and information on booking a campsite visit our: reservations page
Reservations may be made by contacting the Spruce Run Recreation Area office at 908-638-8572

Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Campsites: 67 tent and trailer sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Flush toilets and showers are within walking distance. Open April 1 through October 31. $20 per night.

Click to view some of our campsites

Our campground is open from April 1st through October 31st for family camping—no group sites are available. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with attached grill. Modern restrooms with showers are located on either side of the campground. Reservations or walk-ins are accepted. Pets and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
Size:881 KB

 

Fishing

Twenty-nine species of fish are contained within the waters of Spruce Run including largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch and carp. Trout, northern pike and hybrid bass are stocked by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife. For fishing regulations please refer to the NJ Fish and Wildlife Digest.

Hunting

Spruce Run offers a variety of waterfowl, which may be hunted on a seasonal basis. The Clinton Wildlife Management Area is adjacent to the recreation area and is open for public hunting. Maps and information may be obtained from Division of Fish and Wildlife by calling (908) 735-8240.

Picnicking

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, we 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:

$55.00 per day, plus applicable parking fees
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day:
$80.00 per day
Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day:
50 percent of Fee
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee:
• Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.

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Boating

Motor boating (electric and gas—10hp limit), sailing (25 feet in length and 30 feet above the water line height limit), canoe/kayaking, windsurfing. Trailer launch ramp and cartop launch area. Rentals (908-638-8234) available seasonally and boat storage (dry) available year round. Call for information.

Boat Storage (Dry)
Summer Season (April 1 - October 31)
Single Boat Trailer $155.00
Double Boat Trailer $230.00
Winter Season (November 1 - March 31)
Single Boat Trailer $120.00
Double Boat Trailer $180.00

Also visit Round Valley Recreation Area’s website for information on similar (except rentals) boating activities as well as scuba/skin diving.

Swimming

From Memorial Weekend to Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty, visitors will find a beach complex containing changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies may be purchased. Flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area. Grilling is prohibited along the beachfront including the posted grassy area. There is a playground and open fields to set up different ball and net games.

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Special Events

Many special events take place at Spruce Run. These include walk-a-thons, sailing regattas, watershed clean-up days, triathlons, and weddings.

Winter Sports

During the winter months, many visitors cross-country ski, ice fish, and ice boat at the recreation area. You may contact the recreation office for snow conditions or visit the local weather channel site at: http://www.weather.com/weather/local/08809.

Related Links

Local Weather Conditions
Highlands Trail Information
New Jersey Fish & Wildlife

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FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

When is the Park open/closed? The park is open year round. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and weekends or holidays from 7 am to 8 pm. In the off-season, call for times.
Are pets allowed? Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Not in campgrounds or on beach.
Are alcoholic beverages permitted? Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any of New Jersey’s State Parks.
I go to the Park a lot during the summer, can I get a discount? There is a season pass available for unlimited access to all of New Jersey’s State Parks. You may purchase a decal for your vehicle or if you are a New Jersey resident who is 62 or older, you may acquire a free senior citizen pass.
We would like to have a family reunion at the Park. Can you accommodate us? Spruce Run (as well as several other State parks) offers a Group Picnic Area which is available for a fee. Call for specific information.
Are there hook-ups for R/Vs? At present, there are no hook-ups available at New Jersey State Campgrounds. However, there is a sanitary dump station available at Spruce Run for our registered campers.
Is swimming permitted when lifeguards are off duty? For the safety and security of our visitors, Parks that offer swimming must comply with regulations requiring such activities to take place only while the guards are on
duty.
Can we rent boats? There is a private concessionaire who rents canoes/kayaks, rowboats, motor boats, and pontoon (patio) boats. Rentals are seasonal and weather permitting. Call for
current phone number.


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Questions regarding our parks and forests can be directed to
Michele Buckley of the State Park Service.

 

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Department of Environmental Protection
P. O. Box 402
Trenton, NJ 08625-0402

Last Updated: October 29, 2008

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