Beginners take heart. The easy trails, kid-oriented activities and nearby civilization in this New Jersey State Park make for a stress-free family adventure.
advertisementSeason: Open all year. Summers can be hot, but spring and fall are comfortable. However, there is more happening in nearby Allaire Village during the summer than during other months.
advertisementAllaire State Park is forested with stands of pine and oak trees and has lovely grassy meadows bisected by the trout-rich waters of the Manasquan River. Campers enjoy easy hiking trails and canoeing and fishing on the river. (No swimming or wading is allowed though.) This is a good campground for beginning campers because it is close to civilization and has plenty of kid-oriented activities, such as a steam locomotive ride and hands-on nature exhibits.
advertisementFamily-Friendly Highlights & Tips
advertisementFamilies especially like the yurts: circular tents built on wood frames with wood floors, deck, and Plexiglas skylights. Each has a lockable wood door, window screens, and two double-deck bunks. They sleep up to four people.
advertisementThe Pine Creek Railroad's steam engine takes passengers on a ten-minute circuit through the park for a small fee. Children under 3 ride free. Call 732-938-5524 for information.
advertisementThere is a stroller-friendly trail in nearby Allaire Village as well as a four-mile paved bike trail (the Manasquan Bikeway) just outside the park.
advertisementSwimming and wading are not allowed, but canoes can be rented in nearby towns.
advertisementFrom April through October, families can make an excursion to Six Flags Great Adventure, just 15 minutes away, in Jackson, New Jersey (732-928-1821).
advertisementDuring the summer, families will enjoy Belmar Beach, which is just 15 minutes away by car.