Swartswood State Park Guide: Lakes, Trails and Camping in Stillwater

Swartswood State Park is New Jersey’s first state park, and it is still one of the best lake parks in Sussex County: 3,460 acres in Stillwater Township, about five miles west of Newton, wrapped around the 519 acre Swartswood Lake and the smaller 75 acre Little Swartswood Lake. It is open year round for hiking, paddling, fishing and wildlife watching, with a lifeguarded beach in summer and a campground from April through October.

Our team built this guide from the park’s official listings on the state’s NJ Outdoors reservation system and the NJDEP Swartswood trail guide. Below you will find the park’s history, what to do on the lakes, all nine official trails with distances, the campground and shelters with nightly rates, and how to book a site for next season.

Swartswood State Park at a glance

• Address: 1091 East Side Road (County Route 619), Newton, NJ. Mailing address: PO Box 123, Swartswood, NJ 07877
• Phone: (973) 383-5230. Emergencies: 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337) or 911
• Park office hours: daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Size: 3,460 acres, with Swartswood Lake (519 acres) and Little Swartswood Lake (75 acres)
• Open: year round
• Getting there: Route 80 Exit 25 to Route 206 North into Newton, then follow Routes 519, 622 and 619 to the park entrance

New Jersey’s first state park

The state calls Swartswood State Park “New Jersey’s first state park and historic landmark destination.” The park dates to 1914 and 1915, when New Jersey’s Forest Park Reservation Commission bought 544 acres including Swartswood Lake. Earlier state land purchases had focused on timber, but Swartswood was set aside for recreation, which is why it is considered the first true state park. The park has grown in stages since, including the 1976 addition of the Keen’s Mill property. The grist mill there was built by George Keen in 1838, and the Grist Mill Trail starts from its parking area on Route 521.

Swartswood Lake and Little Swartswood Lake

Swartswood Lake is a natural glacial lake and the heart of the park. Little Swartswood Lake sits a short drive or hike away. Both lakes have boat launches, and the park lists a healthy bald eagle population, so sightings over the water are common.

Boating

Canoeing, kayaking, sailing and pedal boating are all allowed. Only electric motors are permitted on the lakes. The park has a dock and seasonal paddle boat rentals, and in 2026 it also offered weekend kayak rentals from August 29 to September 27. Bring a Coast Guard approved life jacket.

Fishing

Both lakes are open to freshwater fishing, and ice fishing is permitted in winter when conditions allow. A New Jersey fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older.

Swimming

Swimming is allowed only at the guarded beach when lifeguards are on duty. In summer that is typically Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but check the state’s swimming schedule for current days and times. The beach area has restrooms, showers, changing areas, a seasonal first aid station and a seasonal food concession. Inner tubes, rafts and other floats are not allowed in the swim area, and pets are prohibited on the beach and in the water.

Swartswood State Park trails

The park has nine official trails, according to the NJDEP Swartswood trail guide. Most are short and easy, which makes this a great family hiking park.

• Duck Pond Trail (black): 1.2 miles, easy, multi use. Starts at the parking area across from the park office on Route 619.
• Spring Lake Trail (red): 2 miles, easy to moderate, multi use. Also starts across from the park office on Route 619.
• Grist Mill Trail (yellow): 1.2 miles, easy, hiking only. Starts at the Keen’s Grist Mill parking area on Route 521.
• Emmons’ Path Trail (orange): 1 mile, easy, hiking only. Starts at the Swartswood canoe launch.
• Willow Crest Trail (teal): 3 miles, moderate, multi use. Starts at the Spring Brook access on Hampton Road. The longest trail in the park.
• Bear Claw Trail (yellow): 0.7 miles, easy to moderate, multi use. Branches off the Duck Pond Trail.
• Limestone Trail (white): 0.5 miles, easy, multi use. Connects the Spring Lake and Duck Pond trails.
• Passage Trail (blue): 0.5 miles, easy, multi use. Off the Spring Lake Trail.
• Sinkhole Trail (green): 0.5 miles, easy, multi use. Off the Spring Lake Trail.

Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Horses are not permitted in the main park area or on the Grist Mill and Emmons’ Path trails. In winter the park supports cross country skiing and snowshoeing when there is snow.

Camping at Swartswood State Park

The campground sits within walking distance of Swartswood Lake. All rates below are per night as listed on NJ Outdoors as of fall 2026, and each reservation includes a standard $5 transaction fee.

Family campsites

There are 65 standard campsites, including 16 pet friendly sites. Each holds up to 6 people and has a fire ring, picnic table and lantern holder, and the campground has flush toilets. Sites are $20 for New Jersey residents and $25 for nonresidents. There are no water, electric or sewer hookups, generators are not permitted, and the sites were designed mainly for tents. The season runs April 1 through October 31.

Shelters

Six cabin style shelters sit on a shaded ridge. Each sleeps up to 4 and has a wood stove, two double bunks, a picnic table, fire ring and lantern holder. They lock with a keypad code sent in your confirmation, and the park lists them as accessible to people with disabilities. Shelters are $48 resident and $60 nonresident, and are open April 1 through October 31, with the park noting they may extend to December 15 if a heated bathroom becomes available. Call the office about late season stays.

Group campsites

Three group sites have pit toilets. Sites A and C hold up to 20 people ($40 resident, $80 nonresident) and Site B holds up to 15 ($30 resident, $60 nonresident).

How to reserve a campsite

All camping is booked through the state’s official NJ Outdoors reservation system. Reservations open up to 11 months in advance, so late fall is a smart time to lock in a summer weekend for next year. A few rules to know:

• The maximum stay is 14 nights, and some sites require a 2 night minimum online.
• You can hold up to 4 reservations in your cart at once.
• Changes and cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before arrival. Campsite cancellations deduct $40 for residents or $50 for nonresidents, or two nights’ fees, whichever is less.
• Check-in is mandatory during office hours. If you arrive after the office closes, go to your site and check in the next morning. Campsites check in and out at noon, and shelters check in at 3 p.m.
• Each campsite includes two vehicles. Extra vehicles park in the visitor lot for $5.

Know before you go

• Fees: Seasonal day use parking fees apply at New Jersey state parks in summer. Our team could not confirm current Swartswood rates, so call (973) 383-5230 or check the NJ State Parks website before a summer visit.
• Picnics: Picnic areas have tables and grills, plus a sand volleyball pit, basketball court, playgrounds and open fields, first come, first served. A group pavilion for up to 80 people can be reserved for a fee.
• Fires: Charcoal fires go in the metal grills provided. Firewood is sold at the park office.
• Bears: Black bears live in the area. Keep food and coolers in your vehicle.
• Rules: No alcohol, smoking or vaping. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Planning a full Sussex County weekend? Pair a morning on the lake with a stop from our guide to where to eat in Newton, or head north for the hikes in our fall foliage hikes roundup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Swartswood called New Jersey’s first state park?

The state bought the lake and surrounding land in 1914 and 1915 specifically for public recreation. Earlier state land purchases were for forestry, so Swartswood is recognized as the first state park.

Can you swim at Swartswood State Park?

Yes, at the guarded beach in summer when lifeguards are on duty, typically Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check the state’s swimming schedule for current days.

Are gas motors allowed on Swartswood Lake?

No. Only electric motors are allowed on Swartswood Lake and Little Swartswood Lake.

When is the Swartswood campground open?

Campsites and shelters are open April 1 through October 31. Reservations open up to 11 months ahead on NJ Outdoors.

Where do you park for the trails?

The Duck Pond and Spring Lake trails start at the parking area across from the park office on Route 619. The Grist Mill Trail starts at the Keen’s Grist Mill lot on Route 521.

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Primary sources for this guide: Swartswood State Park on NJ Outdoors, NJDEP Swartswood State Park trail guide, NJ Outdoors reservation FAQ and NJ State Parks: Swartswood State Park. Park history background: Wikipedia.

Featured photo: Swartswood Lake from the state park beach. Photo by JackTheVicar via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.