Spruce Run Recreation Area

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.

Facilities & Activities:

Trails
Camping
Fishing
Hunting
Interpretive Programs
Picnicking
Boating/canoeing:
Swimming (reservoir), bathhouse
Playgrounds, in-line
skating, basketball courts, and open fields to set up for volleyball, soccer, etc.
Winter Sports

Trails:

Hiking
Biking
Jogging

Trails

The Highlands Trail extends over 150 miles from Storm King Mountain on the Hudson River in New York south to Riegelsville, New Jersey, on the Delaware River. A 2.6 mile section takes hikers through a maple forest, a pine forest and along the water’s edge through the park before exiting onto NJ Fish and Wildlife property.

Camping

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.

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.

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 and deer hunting (Bow only) seasonally. The Clinton Wildlife Management Area is adjacent to the recreation area and is open for public hunting.

Picnicking

Four picnic areas are spread throughout the wooded and open spaces overlooking the reservoir.  Facilities include picnic tables, charcoal grills and restrooms, all first come, first-served.  Larger groups may inquire at the Park Office regarding the reservable Group Picnic Area.  This space can accommodate groups of up to 200 visitors, has a covered pavilion, large charcoal grills, playground, parking and restroom facilities.

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.

Swimming

Swimming is permitted in the designated swimming area while lifeguards are on duty.

Winter Sports

During the winter months, many visitors cross-country ski, ice fish, and ice boat at the recreation area.