Ecotourism:  Canoeing and Kayaking, Birding, Hiking, Biking, and Camping

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Coastal Ecotourism Guide of Central New Jersey

This comprehensive guide to eco-friendly recreation in the Barnegat Bay watershed and beyond is FULL of information about NJ Coastal Heritage Trails, biking, birding, canoeing, kayak tours, hiking, fishing, and hunting.   It also includes a great map of eco-tourism sites in Ocean and Monmouth Counties.  To have a copy of this guide sent to you, contact New Jersey Sea Grant Communications, Bldg. #22, Fort Hancock, NJ 07732; tel. 732-872-1300, ext. 18.

Ocean County Parks and Recreation

Find out all you need to know about the parks of the Barnegat Bay watershed, sign-up for an Ocean County Parks & Recreation newsletter, sign up for programs such as guided hikes and walks and “All about Birds,” and get a schedule of upcoming events in Ocean County parks. 

New Jersey State Parks

Click here to find information and maps of parks, forests, and marinas of the shore area.  

The Park Day Organization

This non-profit organization has created an amazing website that allows the user to find detailed information about any park or wildlife management area in the state, all from one easy-to-use location.  Their mission is to promote public awareness of New Jersey’s natural parklands and encourage families to participate in outdoor recreation and leisure activities within New Jersey's natural habitat. 

Cedar Creek Campground

Featuring camping, kayaking, and much more.  

First Bridge Marina and Kayaks

Located in the heart of Great Bay Wildlife Management Area and offers guided kayak nature tours of the lower Barnegat Bay salt marshes.   This site also offers information on fishing, crabbing, bird watching, and kayaking.  

Island Beach State Park

New Jersey’s last significant remnant of a barrier island ecosystem.  The park offers:

  • Naturalist-conducted activities, such as kayak tours of the bay’s salt marshes (Sedge Islands)

  • An interpretive center

  • The Emily deCamp Herbarium

  • A nature center

  • Two bird observation blinds

  • Kayak and canoe launch ramps on the bay side

  • Maritime history

  • Surf fishing

  • Birding

  • Waterfowl hunting access

  • Beach recreation

The park is open all year for an entry fee of $4-$10 dollars per vehicle, depending on the season.  Contact, 732-793-0506 for more information.  

Pineland Preservation Alliance-Adventures

Explore the mysteries and beauty of the Pine Barrens with expert guides from the Pineland Preservation Alliance.  Visit this site to find a schedule of guided tours and adventures! 

Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge 

Where more than 43,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats are actively protected and managed for migratory birds.  Visit this site for maps of the refuge, information on public access, programs, volunteering, and much more.

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