Ocean County Park At A Glance...
- Historically significant as the former estate of John D. Rockefeller.
- Multiple playgrounds, including a large, modern main playground and smaller satellite ones.
- Extensive sports facilities: tennis courts, pickleball courts, volleyball courts, softball fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, shuffleboard, bocce, discgolf.
- cenic paved and unpaved walking and biking paths.
- Designated picnic areas with tables and grills.
- Diverse collection of tree species, reflecting its arboretum-like past.
- Todays Sunrise: 5:25 am, Sunset: 8:28 pm
- New Jersey Shore Region Ocean County
About Ocean County Park
Ocean County Park, located in Lakewood Township, is a significant historical and recreational landmark in Ocean County. Spanning 323 acres, this beautifully landscaped park was once the northern portion of John D. Rockefeller's "Georgian Court" estate. Today, it offers a diverse array of activities for all ages, centered around the picturesque Lake Shenandoah. With its rich history, mature tree canopy, and extensive facilities, the park serves as a central gathering place and a haven for both active and passive recreation.
-
Activities:
- Disc Golf / Frisbee Golf
- Fishing
- Jogging / Running
- Playing in the playground
- Skiing / Snowboarding
- Swimming
- Picnicking
- Walking
Amenities:- Sports / Athletic Fields
- Bathrooms
- Beach
- Parking Lot(s)
- Dog Park / Dog Area
- Picnic / Sitting Area
- Benches
- Grills / Firering
- Picnic shelter(s)
- Picnic tables
- Playground
Trails:- Paved
- Walking Paths
Park Type:- County Parks
- Dog Park
- Park (General)
- Playground
Contact / Location
A Brief History
The land now known as Ocean County Park was originally part of the extensive estate of John D. Rockefeller, established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and named "Georgian Court." This northern section of the estate, which included Lake Shenandoah (created by Rockefeller), was designed by renowned landscape architects like the Olmsted Brothers.
After Rockefeller's time, the estate was acquired by George Jay Gould, and later, this portion was purchased by Ocean County in 1940 to become one of the county's first public parks. The park retains much of its original landscape design, including many mature and exotic tree specimens. The southern portion of the original estate is now home to Georgian Court University.
Programs / Education
Ocean County Parks & Recreation offers a wide variety of programs, some of which are held at Ocean County Park. These can include fitness classes, sports clinics, nature walks, educational programs for children and adults, and summer camps. Check the seasonal program guide on the county parks website for current offerings.
Trail & Path Info
Ocean County Park features a network of paved and unpaved trails suitable for walking, jogging, and biking.
Paved paths wind through the main areas of the park and around Lake Shenandoah, offering scenic views.
Unpaved nature trails are also available for those looking for a more rustic experience.
The terrain is generally flat and accessible.
Things to See & Do
- Lake Shenandoah: The centerpiece of the park, offering a sandy swimming beach (seasonal, fee-based) with lifeguards, fishing opportunities (NJ license required), and a scenic backdrop for walks.
- Sports & Athletics: The park is well-equipped with 6 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, 2 basketball courts, 3 softball fields, 2 soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, bocce courts, and shuffleboard courts. There is also an athletic complex with a running track.
- Playgrounds: A large, modern main playground near the lake is very popular, featuring diverse equipment for various age groups. Smaller playgrounds are also located in other sections of the park.
- Picnicking: Numerous picnic tables and reservable picnic groves (some with grills) are available.
- Walking & Biking: Enjoy miles of paved paths ideal for leisurely strolls, jogging, or biking. Unpaved trails offer a more natural experience.
- Historical Appreciation: Observe the mature landscaping and diverse tree species, remnants of the Rockefeller estate's original design.
- Community Events: The park regularly hosts large events such as classic car shows, cultural festivals, concerts, and holiday celebrations.
Best Time of Year to Visit
- Spring: Pleasant weather for walking, picnicking, and enjoying blooming trees and flowers.
- Summer: Ideal for swimming at Lake Shenandoah, utilizing sports facilities, and attending outdoor events. Can be crowded.
- Fall: Beautiful autumn foliage, comfortable temperatures for active recreation and exploring the trails.
- Winter: Quieter, good for peaceful walks. The stark beauty of the mature trees is evident.
Trip Ideas
- Family Beach Day: Spend the day at the Lake Shenandoah swimming area, combined with playground time and a picnic.
- Sports & Fitness: Utilize the tennis courts, track, or sports fields, followed by a relaxing walk.
- Nature & History Walk: Explore the diverse tree collection and reflect on the park's Rockefeller-era history while strolling the paths.
- Community Event Outing: Attend one of the many festivals or car shows for a lively park experience.
Special / Seasonal Events
- Classic Car Shows (often held multiple times a year)
- Cultural Festivals
- Summer Concerts or Movie Nights
- Holiday Events (e.g., Easter egg hunts, Christmas tree lighting if applicable)
- Check the Ocean County Parks & Recreation events calendar for current listings.
Tips and Tricks
- Arrive early on summer weekends, especially if planning to use the swimming beach, as parking can fill up.
- Consider purchasing a seasonal beach pass if you plan to swim frequently.
- Check the park map on the Ocean County Parks website to locate specific facilities and parking areas.
- Pavilions and picnic groves can be reserved for groups; contact the Parks Department for details.
- The park is large; wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- Dogs are permitted but must be leashed (6-foot maximum) and owners must clean up after them. Dogs are generally not permitted in the swimming beach area.
Picnics / Lunches / Eating
Numerous picnic tables are available throughout the park, many with adjacent grills. Several designated picnic groves can be reserved for larger groups. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food. While there isn't a permanent concession stand for daily food sales (except possibly at the beach area in season), vending machines might be available. Lakewood's commercial areas with restaurants are nearby.
Facilities
- Lake Shenandoah with Swimming Beach (seasonal, fee)
- Multiple Playgrounds (including a large main one)
- Tennis Courts (6)
- Pickleball Courts (8)
- Basketball Courts (2)
- Softball Fields (3)
- Soccer Fields (2)
- Sand Volleyball Courts
- Bocce Courts
- Shuffleboard Courts
- Athletic Complex with Track
- Paved and Unpaved Walking/Biking Trails
- Picnic Tables and Grills
- Reservable Picnic Groves
- Restrooms (located strategically throughout the park)
- Ample Parking
- Open Fields
- Fishing Access
- Potential for ice skating on the lake in winter if conditions are safe and officially permitted (check county advisories).
Parking
Ample free parking is available in several large lots throughout the park, serving different activity areas (e.g., near the lake/beach, playgrounds, sports fields). Parking can fill up during peak summer days and major events.
Directions
The main entrance is on Route 88 (Ocean Avenue). The park is well-signed. Once inside, follow park roads to desired areas. The park's large size means some facilities are a considerable walk from others, so parking near your primary destination is advisable.
You may also like...
Related Groups / Organizations
Below are a few groups that we have connected to Ocean County Park. If we are missing any, please let us know
More To Explore in Ocean County Park
Nearby Places
- Ocean County Park (~0 miles)
- 18 Hole Disc Golf Course at Ocean County Park (~0 miles)
- FirstEnergy Park (Jersey Shore BlueClaws) (~1 miles)
- Ocean Lanes (~2 miles)
- Bernard J. Cooke Memorial (~2 miles)
- Brick Skate Park (@Bernard Cooke Park) (~2 miles)
- Metedeconk River (~2 miles)
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park: Lakewood (~2 miles)
- Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum of Georgian Court University (~2 miles)
- Bike Blade & Ball (~2 miles)
- The Ice Palace (~3 miles)
- Deerwood Park (~3 miles)
Looking for more?
Post Comments
Related Content
Photos
Photo Walk-through: 18 Hole Disc Golf at Ocean County Park (2014) - 08/17/2014
These are the pictures used within a photo walk-through of the 18 hole Disc Golf Course located in Ocean County park (Lakewood, NJ).
DetailsBattle at the Beach Disc Golf July 2014, Afternoon Round (set B) - 08/06/2014
On July 5th, Ocean County Disc Golf Course held their very first tournament on the recently completed 18 hole course. The photos found
DetailsBattle at the Beach Disc Golf July 2014, Afternoon Round (set A) - 08/06/2014
On July 5th, Ocean County Disc Golf Course held their very first tournament on the recently completed 18 hole course. The photos found
DetailsBattle at the Beach Disc Golf July 2014, Morning Round (set A) - 07/05/2014
On July 5th, Ocean County Disc Golf Course held their very first tournament on the recently completed 18 hole course. The photos found
DetailsBattle at the Beach Disc Golf July 2014, Morning Round (set B) - 07/05/2014
On July 5th, Ocean County Disc Golf Course held their very first tournament on the recently completed 18 hole course. The photos found
DetailsOcean County Disc Golf Ice Bowl (Video) - 02/10/2014
We put together a short video of all the photos taken during the first annual Ice Bowl at the Disc Golf Course in Ocean County Park. Th
DetailsOcean County Disc Golf Ice Bowl, Round 1 (Morning) - 01/25/2014
On January 25, 2014, the Ocean County Disc Golf group organized their first annual, PDGA sanctioned, in Ocean County Park. The photos
DetailsOcean County Disc Golf Ice Bowl, Round 2 (Afternoon with Snow) - 01/25/2014
On January 25, 2014, the Ocean County Disc Golf group organized their first annual, PDGA sanctioned, in Ocean County Park. The photos
DetailsPhoto Walk-through: 9 Hole Disc Golf at Ocean County Park (2013) - 07/26/2013
These photos are outdated, now that there is an 18 hole course within the park. Please visit the 18 hole photo walk-through instead.
DetailsA quick walk through Ocean County Park (2008) - 07/19/2013
We took a short walk through Ocean County park on August evening. We really enjoy this park, and all the amazing trees!
DetailsOcean County Disc Golf - Temp course - 2013 - 07/19/2013
South Jersey Disc Golf and Ocean County Disc Golf have been working hard for many years to get the approval to add an 18 hole, disc gol
DetailsBlogs
Have you visited the NJ Outdoor Map yet? You should...
We started working on a new site that will help you find new places to explore. It is called the NJOutdoorMap.com
DetailsA Special Time to Stargaze: 2016 Perseids Meteor Shower
This year is setting up to be one of the best years for seeing the Perseids Meteor Shower. With a projected rate of 50 - 150 per hour,
DetailsPhotos from Battle At The Beach Disc Golf Tournament, July 2014
On July 5th, Ocean County Disc Golf Course held their very first tournament on the recently completed 18 hole course. Here are some pho
DetailsMore Places and Groups Please! :)
We would love to add all the great outdoor destinations, groups and events into our powerful search. We just need to know about them! :
DetailsGreat Cause / Event: Ice Bowl at Ocean County Disc Golf Course
On Jan 25, 2014, Ocean County Disc Golf club the South Jersey Disc Golf put on their first annual Ice Bowl at Ocean County park. 52 pla
DetailsQuick Updates for 2014..
Just wanted to share quick update for the new year, a bit of info about the owners of the site, and a note on how you can contribute to
Details
Lakewood, New Jersey 08701
Ocean County