Spruce Run Recreation Area, State recreation area in Hunterdon County, United States
Spruce Run Recreation Area is a 1,290-acre park centered around a reservoir with 15 miles of shoreline that supports multiple recreational activities. The grounds include designated camping zones, day-use picnic areas, hiking trails, and access points for boating and fishing along the water.
The reservoir was constructed in 1964 as one of New Jersey's earliest state-managed water supply projects created under the 1958 Water Supply Law. This infrastructure development reflected the state's need to manage growing water demand across the region.
The reservoir is an important gathering place for local anglers who come to fish for bass, catfish, and sunfish throughout the year. The fishing community shapes daily life on the water and reveals how much the area depends on its aquatic resources.
The park provides 67 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings available during the warmer months for overnight stays. Modern bathhouse facilities with showers operate from April through October, so visitors should plan visits accordingly based on when they need full amenities.
The reservoir serves as an emergency backup water source that feeds into the south branch of the Raritan River during drought conditions when natural flows drop too low. This hidden function reveals that the site plays a critical role in regional water management beyond recreation.
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