Cloverdale Farm County Park

Cloverdale Farm County Park At A Glance...

Features visible Cranberry Bogs, a rarity in public parks.
Home to a replica of the original 19th-century farmhouse (now the Visitor Center).
Excellent spot for birding, including sightings of Bluebirds and Egrets.
Todays Sunrise: 7:14 am, Sunset: 4:39 pm
New Jersey Shore Region Ocean County

About Cloverdale Farm County Park

Cloverdale Farm County Park is an 80-acre hidden gem that preserves the legacy of the cranberry industry in Ocean County. Formerly a working cranberry and Christmas tree farm owned by the Collins family, the property was acquired by the county in 2004 to save it from development. Today, it serves as both a historical interpretation site and a beautiful nature escape. The park is distinguished by its actively maintained (though no longer commercially harvested) cranberry bogs, which provide a stunning backdrop for walks and attract a wide variety of bird species. It is quiet, flat, and sandy - a classic slice of the New Jersey Pine Barrens.

Activities:
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Jogging / Running
- Skiing / Snowboarding
- Picnicking
- Walking
Amenities:
- Restrooms/Bathrooms
- Parking Lot(s)
- Nature / Environmental Center
- Picnic / Sitting Area
- Benches
- Picnic tables
Trails:
- Flat / Easy
- Self Guided / Nature trail
- Crushed rock
- Natural Surface (Dirt/Roots/Rocks)
- Walking Paths
Park Type:
- County Parks
- Historic Area
Rules/Regulations:
- Alcohol Not Permitted
- Must be Leashed

Contact / Location

Primary Address:

Get Directions 34 Cloverdale Rd,
Barnegat, NJ 08005

Contact:

Maps & Brochures:

Our Personal Take...

Cloverdale is a fantastic "quick hit" of nature. It's not a place you'd hike for 4 hours, but for a 45-minute loop with the kids or the dog, it's unbeatable. The history of the cranberry bogs adds a really cool layer that you don't get at most other county parks.

A Brief History

The site was operated as a cranberry and tree farm for over 50 years by Katherine and William Collins, with cranberry cultivation dating back to the late 1800s. The original farmhouse was tragically destroyed by a fire in 2010, but the county painstakingly reconstructed it to serve as the current Visitor Center, opening it in 2015. The site also retains other historic structures, such as the cranberry sorting house, which still holds a vintage "Hayden Separator" used to sort berries.

Programs / Education

The park offers a variety of nature-focused educational programs throughout the year.

Visitor Center Exhibits: Displays highlighting the cranberry industry and local natural history.
Workshops & Walks: Regular events like "Owl Prowls", craft workshops, and guided nature walks led by park naturalists.

Trail & Path Info

The park features a modest but scenic trail network perfect for beginners or families.

Nature Trail (Red Blaze): A 1.4-mile self-guided loop that winds around the cranberry bogs and through the surrounding woodlands. It is flat, mostly sandy/dirt, and easy to follow.
Accessibility: The trails are generally wide and flat, often suitable for sturdy strollers, though the surface is natural.

Things to See & Do

Aside from walking, the park is a destination for history buffs and nature lovers.

Bird Watching: A local favorite spot for birders; look for Eastern Bluebirds, Egrets, and various warblers near the water and bogs.
Historic Buildings: View the reconstructed farmhouse and the authentic cranberry sorting house.
Photography: The bogs offer unique reflection shots, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Tips and Tricks

A few insider notes for the best experience.

Check the Center Hours: If you want to see the museum exhibits inside, ensure you visit Friday-Sunday.
Bring Bug Spray: As with any location near bogs and water in the pines, ticks and insects can be present in warmer months.

Facilities

Visitors Center
Restrooms
Self-guided nature trail
Fishing
Bird watching
Photography
Hiking and walking trails
Cross country skiing
Environmental education
Picnic area.

Parking

There is a designated parking lot right off Cloverdale Road. It is generally sufficient for the level of traffic the park receives. A secondary parking area is available closer to the Visitor Center for those with accessibility needs or during open hours.