Swartswood State Park

Swartswood State Park is a nature reserve in New Jersey containing two glacial lakes, Swartswood Lake and Little Swartswood Lake, spanning 519 acres total. Boating is only allowed with electric motors, keeping the waters quiet and free from fuel-powered noise.

The lake formed over millions of years through natural geological processes involving limestone dissolution and glacial activity. The state of New Jersey purchased the land in 1914 and developed it into a public recreation area.

In the late 1800s, this lake attracted visitors from nearby cities seeking a retreat with the help of carriages, trains, and automobiles. The waters remain central to how people spend their time here, continuing that tradition of seeking rest by the shore.

The park provides 65 tent and trailer campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern holders, with access to flush toilets and shower facilities. These amenities operate from April through October, so plan your visit accordingly.

The lakes formed through a rare combination of limestone dissolution followed by glacial erosion that sculpted the current shape. This geological process created naturally deep basins that remain geologically significant.

Location: Swartswood

Inception: 1914

Website: http://state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/swartswood.html

GPS coordinates: 41.07363,-74.81878

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:02