Spruce Run Recreation Area

Spruce Run Recreation Area At A Glance...

New Jersey's third largest reservoir, behind Round Valley and Wanaque.
1,290 acres of water and roughly 15 miles of shoreline.
A 10 horsepower limit keeps it quiet enough to paddle a kayak or canoe across.
The Highlands Trail runs through the park.
It was one of the first water supply reservoirs the state built and operated itself.
Todays Sunrise: 6:43 am, Sunset: 7:03 pm
New Jersey Skylands Region Hunterdon County

About Spruce Run Recreation Area

Spruce Run Recreation Area sits in the rolling hills of Hunterdon County, built around New Jersey's third largest reservoir after Round Valley and Wanaque. The reservoir covers 1,290 acres and has about 15 miles of shoreline.

It was one of the first water supply facilities the state built and operated, and it still works as one. The recreation area wrapped around it is mainly a boating and fishing park, with a boat launch, a car-top launch, seasonal boat rentals and a 10 horsepower limit on the water that keeps it calm enough for paddling.

On land there are six picnic areas with tables, charcoal grills and restrooms, a playground, and the Highlands Trail passing through, so there is walking and hiking beyond the shoreline. Spruce Run Campground is a separate area within the park and has its own page here; it runs from April to October rather than year round.

One thing to know before you go: the designated swimming beach is closed and has not opened for the 2025 or 2026 seasons.

Activities:
- Fishing
- Hiking
  Walking really
- Jogging / Running
- Paddling - Kayak, Canoe, row boat
- Playing in the playground
- Swimming
- Picnicking
- Walking
Amenities:
- Restrooms/Bathrooms
- Beach
- Boat launch
- Parking Lot(s)
- Boat launch - Car Top Only
- Picnic / Sitting Area
- Benches
- Grills / Firering
- Picnic shelter(s)
- Picnic tables
- Playground
Camping:
- 0-0 All Campgrounds and RV parks
Trails:
- Fitness Trail
- Flat / Easy
- Walking Paths
Park Type:
- State Parks
- Playground
- Recreation
Rules/Regulations:
- Alcohol Not Permitted
- Must be Leashed

Contact / Location

Primary Address:

Get Directions 68 Van Syckles Road,
Clinton, New Jersey 08809

Contact:

Things to See & Do

The reservoir is the reason to come. There is a boat launch that takes trailered boats and a separate car-top launch, with boat rentals available in season. Motors are capped at 10 horsepower, which makes it a good flatwater paddle rather than a ski lake.

Fishing is freshwater and well established, with largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, yellow perch and carp among the species taken.

The Highlands Trail runs through the park for walking and hiking. There is a playground, and six picnic areas spread around the grounds.

There is also a campground, covered on its own page: Spruce Run Campground.

Picnics / Lunches / Eating

Six picnic areas, each with tables, charcoal grills and restrooms nearby.

There are also picnic shelters. Bring your own food; there is no reliable year-round concession.

Admission & Guidelines

Entrance fees apply in season, generally Memorial Day to Labor Day: around $5 per car on weekdays and $10 per car at weekends. Entry is free from Labor Day through Memorial Day. An annual New Jersey state park pass covers all state parks.

Pets must always be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the owner's control, and owners are asked to clean up after them. Pets and alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the campground, and quiet hours there run from 10pm to 6am.

Boats on the reservoir are limited to 10 horsepower or less. Freshwater fishing requires a current New Jersey fishing license.

The designated swimming beach is closed.

Hours / Season of Operation

New Jersey DEP does not publish separate opening hours for the recreation area itself.

The entrance fee season runs Memorial Day to Labor Day. Entry is free the rest of the year.

Directions

68 Van Syckles Road, Clinton. The park is off Route 31 north of Clinton, close to Interstate 78.

The campground and the main day-use area are reached from different points within the park, so it is worth knowing which one you want before you arrive.