Allaire State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Allaire State Park is a unique state park located in eastern New Jersey, only a short distance from the beautiful Atlantic Coast. The park is primarily known for the historic 19th-century Allaire Village, which is an old iron-making town that history buffs frequently explore. The park also features the Pine Creek Railroad, where visitors can take a ride and enjoy the sights of the area. If you're more interested in traditional outdoor recreation, Allaire State Park also provides superb opportunities for activities like hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, bird-watching, camping and many other pastimes. While you're exploring the park, you'll want to check out cool attractions like the on-site museum and interpretive nature center. If you've got the little ones with you, they can have some fun at the playground while you enjoy a relaxing picnic.
Nearby Cities
Toms River, NJ
Lakewood, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Freehold, NJ
Spring 40-70 F
Summer 65-84 F
Fall 39-65 F
Winter 26-45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Allaire State Park
Campground Accommodations
Allaire State Park Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 30 feet
Other amenities: Showers, visitor center, drinking water, campsite tables, fire rings, fire pit, available firewood, restrooms with flush toilets, recycling center, bathhouse, campground host, grills, picnic tables
Surf and Stream Campground
Located about 25 minutes from the State Park in Toms River, NJ, Surf and Stream Campground is a family-friendly campground in a great location. It’s not only nearby Allaire State Park, but many of the popular beaches along the New Jersey shore. There are plenty of amenities and activities both nearby and on-site, so everyone is sure to enjoy themselves! Rates begin at $40 a night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: free TV, full-size swimming pool, picnic area, playground, mini golf, bocce, volleyball, weekend events and much more.
Cedar Creek Campground
If you love experiencing nature alongside the water, Cedar Creek Campground is the perfect choice for your next trip! Enjoy bike trails, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and much more, right from the campgrounds. Rates start at $60 a night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: no
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: canoe and kayak rental, direct access to Barnegat Branch Rail Trail, Olympic size swimming pool with slides, camp store and gift shop, Cedar Creek Café and Snack Bar, playground, basketball court, indoor lodge with lending library and board games.
What to Do at
Allaire State Park
The most popular activity at Allaire State Park is to browse the historic Allaire Village, which was originally known as the Howell Works back in the early 1800s. There are many buildings to explore in the historic village today, including a general store, blacksmith shop, carpenter shop, church and several others. Many visitors also choose to take a ride on the Pine Creek Railroad or explore the park's on-site museum, which is open seasonally and for occasional events.
If you're looking to be more active, you could explore the park's network of scenic nature trails, which are suitable for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Wildlife enthusiasts can spend time observing the park's local birds and other wildlife, and the nearby Manasquan River offers good opportunities for fishing and kayaking.
Inside Allaire State Park
Whether you love history or nature, there is something to peak your interest inside Allaire State Park! Known for the Historic Allaire Village, there is plenty of history to take in as well as a network of trails, a river to explore and much more.
Historic Allaire Village – One of the most popular things to do inside the State Park, Historic Allaire Village, once known as Howell Works in the early 19th century, was a thriving industrial community that produced cast iron and pig. Today, some buildings remain, including a general store, blacksmith shop, carpenter’s shop, manager’s shop, foreman’s house and a church.
A workers’ row house building is home to the Visitor Center and Museum, which features exhibits on the 19th-century bog and iron industry and the owner of the original village, James P. Allaire.
Seasonal Events – The Historic Allaire Village also offers more than 80 programs and events annually, thanks to the Allaire Village Inc. nonprofit corporation. Events include living history events, antique shows, arts and craft shows, flea markets and much more.
Trails – With a network of five marked trails and unmarked trails winding through the park, there are many opportunities to enjoy nature by hiking, running, biking and even horseback riding. There are several easy trails, some moderate and a one moderate/difficult, so there is something for everyone and all fitness levels!
Water Activities – Enjoy the Manasquan River in a variety of ways, including canoeing and fresh water fishing. The River is annually stocked with trout, offering excellent opportunities for anglers to make a catch.
Fishing
Allaire State Park is located very close to the Manasquan River, which is stocked with trout every year. Before casting your fishing line, make sure that you're aware of New Jersey's Fish and Wildlife Laws.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a popular activity at Allaire State Park. With the many historic buildings in Allaire Village, there are lots of unique places to find hidden caches. There may also be caches to find throughout the park's many nature trails.
Nature Watching
Allaire State Park offers excellent bird-watching opportunities. During your visit, you should watch the skies and treetops for red-bellied woodpeckers, blue jays, mourning doves, ruby-throated hummingbirds, Carolina chickadees, Canada geese, osprey, snowy egret, great blue herons, green herons, bald eagles, barred owls and many other interesting bird species. Some of the other local wildlife species in the park include wood turtles, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons and white-tailed deer.
Stargazing
If you choose to camp overnight at Allaire State Park, you should have the chance for some memorable stargazing. The park is known as one of the premier stargazing destinations in New Jersey.
Flora and Fauna
Allaire State Park is home to a wide variety of unique plants. The park features over 200 species of wildflowers, trees, shrubs and other plants. To see some of the park's more unique vegetation, you'll want to check out the floodplain of the Manasquan River, which offers a great habitat for many plants that aren't typically found in New Jersey.
Hiking
The network of trails that winds through Allaire State Park features several excellent hiking routes. In addition to the several miles of marked trails, there are also a few unmarked trails for bold adventurers to explore. Most of the area's hiking trails are of moderate difficulty.
Boating
If you're looking to spend a day out on the water, one great option is to take a kayak or canoe out on the Manasquan River. The river is generally very gentle, making it a great destination for a relaxing day of boating.
Biking
There are quite a few trails in Allaire State Park that are popular for mountain biking. The area includes single-track trails, forest roads and river routes, most of which are moderately challenging to navigate. While biking the park's trails, be sure to watch out for hikers, horseback riders and fellow mountain bikers.
How to Get to
Allaire State Park
Allaire State Park is located at 4265 Atlantic Ave., Wall Township, NJ 07727.
To reach Allaire State Park from Toms River, head north on US-9 N/Garden State Parkway, and follow it until you come to Lakewood-Allenwood Road. Turn left, and this road will take you to the park, which will be on your right.
Entering Allaire State Park
For all New Jersey state parks, the entry fee is $5 for residents and $7 for nonresidents. There is also a $5 fee to enter the historic Allaire Village, but it is free for children under the age of 4. There are several accessible parking lots at Allaire State Park, including a large gravel lot located at Hospital Road.
Allaire State Park New Jersey Resident : $5.0
Allaire State Park Non-resident : $7.0
Allaire State Park offers a diverse variety of recreational activities for visitors. Whether you prefer more educational activities or getting active in the sunshine, this popular park will have something wonderful to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Allaire State Park
Most people enjoy visiting Allaire State Park during the summer. During these months, the weather will be warm and pleasant for most recreational activities. However, the winter is a great time to visit if you're planning on cross-country skiing.
Some of the species most commonly spotted in the park include white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, wood turtles, bald eagles, great blue herons, Canada geese, osprey, turkey vultures and a variety of songbirds.
Although they aren't designated RV campsites, the campground at Allaire State Park features 45 campsites that can accommodate both tents and RVs.
You can make reservations for the campsites online or by calling the park office, and there may be a nominal fee. The park's campsites are open between April 1 and December 15.
Allaire State Park is a pet-friendly park, and your dogs can even come with you to explore parts of the historic village. However, you cannot bring your pets into any of the park's buildings. You must also keep your pets leashed at all times and clean up after them during your visit.