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Stephens State Park
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Stephens State Park

Mailing Address:
800 Willow Grove St.
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
(908) 852-3790

Size: 805 acres

Fees: No entrance fee.
Link to the Related Fees page

Directions:
Willow Grove Street (Route 604), 2 miles east of Hackettstown or 7.5 miles west of Route 206 on Waterloo Road (Route 604).

Facilities & Activities:

Trails:

  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Biking
  • Mountain biking
 

 

The Musconetcong River, an excellent freshwater fishing spot, flows over and around boulders through Stephens State Park. An easy walking, but rocky path follows the river with places for picnicking in shaded areas.

Less than one mile east along Waterloo Road at Saxton Falls are the remains of one of the Morris Canal’s twenty-three locks and a section of the old canal’s towpath. The original canal was 90 miles in length, stretching from Newark to Phillipsburg, and was used to ship coal and iron across the state. However, the canal could not compete with the development of the Morris and Essex Railroad in the late 1800s, and the canal was eventually abandoned.

Keep Your Park Clean

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.

Waterloo Village

Waterloo Village

Waterloo Village is currently closed for improvements.

Waterloo Village takes the visitor through time from a 400-year old Lenape (Delaware) Indian village to a bustling port along the once prosperous Morris Canal. This early 19th-century restored village contains a working mill complex with gristmills and sawmills, a general store, blacksmith shop and several historic houses.

Park Programs

Stephens State Park invites you to participate in our Interpretive Nature Programs. These programs are sponsored by the park free of charge and attendees meet at the end of the main parking lot at 1:00 pm. In case of inclement weather, you are urged to contact the park office to determine if a program has been cancelled or rescheduled.

Trails

There are six miles of marked trails at Stephens State Park for walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The trail surfaces range from flat to steep and rocky.

A 2-mile section of the Highlands Trail runs the length of Stephens State Park.

Camping

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

Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Campsites:
Forty tent and small trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets are within walking distance. Open April 1 through October 31. $20 per night.

Camping Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Camping Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
Size:740 KB

Fishing

The Musconetcong River provides excellent trout fishing. During the spring the Division of Fish and Wildlife stock the Musconetcong River with brown, rainbow and brook trout.

Hunting

More then 470 acres are open to hunting at Stephens State Park. Fishing and hunting are subject to NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

Boating

Electric motors and gas motors boats are allowed to be on the Musconetcong River. Each person must have on a wearable Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD). Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Picnicking

Picnic sites are available along the scenic Musconetcong River and at the upper picnic area. Tables, charcoal grills and sanitary facilities are provided. Playground equipment and a small open play field are available at the upper picnic area. All picnic facilities are on a first come first serve basis, except for the group picnic shelter which can be reserved. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

For larger groups, we also offer a Group Picnic Shelter. It may be reserved for a fee:

$80.00 per day
April 1st to October 31st
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
50 percent of Fee
• Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.

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Related Links

Waterloo Village
Allamuchy Mountain State Park

FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I obtain a permit for alcohol? No alcohol is permitted in ANY New Jersey State Park. Permits are not available.
Do I need a fishing license? Yes. All visitors have to abide by Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
Do you have cabins? Stephens State Park only provides family campsites.


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Questions regarding our parks and forests can be directed to
Michele Buckley of the State Park Service.

 

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Copyright © State of New Jersey, 1996-2004
Department of Environmental Protection
P. O. Box 402
Trenton, NJ 08625-0402

Last Updated: July 24, 2008

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