The view from High Point Monument, at 1,803 feet above sea level, is a spectacular panorama of rich farmland and forest, soft hills and lush valleys in three states. The blue line of the Delaware River divides the verdant ridges of New Jersey from those of Pennsylvania. High Point offers superb trails for hikers and skiers and quiet spots for campers and anglers.

The land for High Point State Park, donated by Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser, was dedicated as a park in 1923. The pleasant landscaping was designed by the Olmsted Brothers of Boston, a prominent landscape architectural firm of that time. The brothers were the sons of the eminent Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

High Point State Park facilities are partially accessible for persons with disabilities. Please contact the park office for further information regarding disability access needs. Text telephone (TT) users, call the New Jersey Relay Service at (800) 852-7899.

Park Hours:  Open daily 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Park Office:  Open daily 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

High Point State Park Saw Mill Lake Map

The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (Department) has been receiving comments and concerns expressed on the construction work underway by Tennessee Gas Co., LLC (TG) on its northeast upgrade project (NEUP).  Portions of the project are within High Point and Ringwood State Parks as well as on other state lands and areas within Sussex, Passaic and Bergen counties.  During the construction period there will be heightened noise level and transporting of heavy equipment to conduct the work.  Any land and/or wildlife disturbance during this period is being carefully monitored by the Department to ensure that TG is following all permit conditions and mitigation measures are fully implemented.  Compliance monitors on site include individuals trained in endangered species identification and relocation.  Additionally, mitigation measures include all areas disturbed must be restored after construction ends. 

The monument was built through the generosity of the Kusers, in honor of all war veterans. Construction was started in 1928 and completed in 1930. At the top of the 220-foot structure, observers have a breathtaking view of the ridges of the Pocono Mountains toward the west, the Catskill Mountains to the north and the Wallkill River Valley in the southeast.

Monument: Open weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend until June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (staff permitting). Open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from June 24 through Labor Day (staff permitting).Open weekends and holidays after Labor Day until Columbus Day (staff and weather permitting) from 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

The park offers a variety of interpretive and educational programs on a year-round basis. Nature hikes, stream walks and talks are conducted by the park naturalist. Please contact the park office for additional program information and to register. Program fees may apply.

Summer Programs 2014 *

Naturalist Programs 2014 *

*To view this form, please download the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat

The spring-fed waters of the 20-acre Lake Marcia are cool and refreshing for swimmers. The beach is protected by lifeguards and there is a bathhouse and food concession adjacent to the beach. Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area. Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach.

Beach: Open daily through Labor Day weekend 10 AM to 6 PM (weather permitting)

Boats may be launched at specific locations at Sawmill Lake and Steenykill Lake. Boating is permitted subject to New Jersey's boating regulations and NJ State Park Service rules. Check with the park office for launch sites. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are required for each boat occupant. Power boats are limited to electric motors only.

Excellent fishing can be found in High Point's lakes and streams, which are well-stocked with trout, large mouth bass and other species. Please refer to Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

State Park Service areas open to hunting for 2014-2015

High Point State Park Hunting map (PDF file)

Special Permit Muzzleloader Regulations 2014

Hunting is permitted in designated areas within the park and is subject to Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

Each November High Point State Park allows hunters to participate in a special deer hunt in a designated area of the park (Deer Management Zone 67). To participate, hunters must purchase a Zone 67 permit from a license agent or via the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Internet license sales site.

At 1,500 feet above sea level, the Atlantic white cedar swamp in Dryden Kuser Natural Area is the highest elevation swamp of its kind in the world. A self-guided trail booklet for those who wish to hike the swamp trail is available at the park office. Endangered species include the three-tooth cinquefoil and Cooper's hawk.

All trails south of Route 23 are open for designated use at all times without a trail pass. Parking is available off of Route 23 at the Appalachian Trail parking lot, park office, or winter use lot located on Park Ridge Road. Refer to "Stokes State Forest/High Point State Park Winter Activities Map" for more information. PLEASE NOTE THE PIPELINE IS NO LONGER A DESIGNATED SNOWMOBILE TRAIL.  Trail condition information is available by calling (973) 875-4800

The Appalachian Trail is open to foot travel only (including snowshoeing) at all times and a trail pass is never required.

See attached "Winter Activities Map" for more information.

To the south, the Appalachian Trail follows a rocky ridge which offers many scenic views of the valleys and mountains surrounding the area. To the north, the trail drops off the ridge through hemlock gorges into former agricultural fields with a view of the surrounding countryside and the High Point Monument in the distance.

The Dryden Kuser Natural Area includes a distinctive bog, locally called the Cedar Swamp. The Cedar Swamp Trail makes a one and a half mile loop around the bog. The trail guide described the spring-summer vegetation and other features of the bog and the surrounding area. The descriptions in the guide correspond to numbered posts on the trail. As you enjoy the natural beauty of this area, please remember to leave it undisturbed for future visitors.

Winter months find cross-country skiers on the 15 km of groomed trails in the park. Cross-country skis and other winter sports equipment are available for rent. A blazing fire, hot soup and other hearty food greet visitors at the center on Lake Marcia. For information, call (973) 702-1222; www.xcskihighpoint.com.

The Department of Environmental Protection, State Park Service is pleased to announce through ReserveAmerica our new reservation system for all overnight facilities within the New Jersey State Parks and Forests. Reservations are now available online or through the ReserveAmerica call center.

Online reservations can be made 7 days per week/24 hours a day at ReserveAmerica. To make a reservation through the call center, please contact ReserveAmerica at 1-855-607-3075 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday from April 1st through October 31st. Beginning November 1st through March 31st, hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. 

We anticipate our visitors will be pleased with our new streamlined reservation system as it provides greater flexibility in searching and reserving available overnight facilities. 

For forms and information on booking a campsite visit our: reservations page

Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Beginning January 1, 2014, a transaction fee of $5 will be charged for all walk-in overnight reservations.

Campsites: 50 tent sites (no trailers) along Sawmill Lake with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets are within walking distance. Open April 1 through October 31. New Jersey Residents: $20 per night; Non-Residents: $25 per night

Group campsites: Two group campsites, accommodate 25 and 35 people each. Drinking water, pit toilets. Open May 15 through October 15. New Jersey Residents: $3 per person, per night; Non-Residents: $5 per person, per night. We highly recommend that group leaders carefully estimate their group size so not to over estimate as refunds cannot be made later.

Cabins: Two cabins each with furnished living room with a woodstove; three bedrooms -one room with double bed, two rooms with twin beds; kitchen with hot and cold running water, electric stove, refrigerator; bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink. Electricity. Cabins are located on eastern shore of Steenykill Lake. Each accommodates six people. With prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated. Cabins are open from May 15 to October 15. New Jersey Residents: $75 per night; $525 per week
Non-Residents: $85 per night; $595 per week.

Group cabin: Living room with woodstove, full kitchen, two bunkrooms with double bunks, bathrooms, showers. Accommodates up to 28 people. Open May 15 through October 15. New Jersey Residents: $175 per night; Two-night minimum; Non-Residents: $185 per night; Two-night minimum

Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
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Special Use Permit Application Package

A Special Use Permit is utilized to accommodate a specific activity or event being conducted over a short duration. There are two types of special use permits: Non-Commercial and Commercial and fees are based on NJ residency and Non-residents.  A completed application must be submitted to the park/forest area where the activity or event is being held at least 90 days prior to the event. If the special use or event is extremely large or complex, at least one-year’s prior notice is recommended.

Several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the park. For larger groups, we also offer three reservable picnic shelters that can accommodate up to 75 people each. In addition, group picnic Shelter #1 has playground equipment and Shelter #2 offers play fields and playground equipment. These areas may be reserved for a fee:

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• Friends of High Point State Park
• High Point Cross Country Ski Center
• Sussex County Weather
• Appalachian Trail Conference
• New York - New Jersey Trail Conference
• NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife (information regarding fishing and hunting)
• Lusscroft Farm - Heritage & Agriculture Association, Inc.

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