The Manasquan Reservoir is a 1200 acre site that is over half water. There is a visitor’s center, an environmental center, a playground, 2 trails, boat ramp, and boat rentals. Swimming is not allowed, but you can ice skate in the winter.

The visitor’s center houses the restrooms, vending machines, and a second level observation deck. While a bait shop is open 9 months of the year, fishing licenses are not available there. The reservoir is stocked with a variety of fish and fishing is permitted year-round, with a license required for those 16 and older.

The boating area is also at the visitor’s center. The boat ramp (fee) is open March through November for boats with electric motors, sailboats, kayaks, and canoes (at least 8' in length). Every person in the boat must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. Don’t have your own boat??? You can rent a rowboat or kayak, if you are at least 16. Rowboats are $11 for 1 hr / $31 for 4 hrs; kayaks are $13 / hr for a single person or $18 /hr for a double. With a NJ boating safety certificate, an electric motor powered rowboat is available at 4 hrs for $42 between April 1^st and October 31^st. The kayak rentals start May 1^st. Boat tours originate at the visitor’s center.

The environmental center is open daily from 10am-5:00pm and until 8:30pm Friday, offering exhibits and a wildlife observation area.

The longer 5 mile trail is flat and has benches and restrooms and benches along the way.  Plan 1-2 hours for this easy hike with spectacular views of the reservoir.

Free nature programs at the environmental center are offered on weekends. Call (732) 751-9453 for more information.

Cost: free

Boats tours, on a 36-foot pontoon boat, run from Memorial Day weekend through September on Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. It’s “first come, first served”. The tour takes 40 minutes, sailing around the Reservoir. Bald eagles and other wildlife are sometimes seen. Tickets can be purchased at the VisitorCenter.

Cost: $5 for adults / $3 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center.

Dogs on a six foot leash are allowed on the five mile perimeter trail that circles the Manasquan Reservoir. They are also allowed to accompany you in a rowboat on the water (call to double check).  Rowboats may be rented at the park.

The 1.1 mile Cove Trail is a nature trail which runs along the lake shore by the Environmental Center.

The 5.1 mile gravel Perimeter Trail loops around the reservoir with an even surface. Mileposts are marked on the trail. Be aware, horses also use this trail.

Hours: Summer 6am - 8:30p, but vary by season

Admission: none

Seasonal and daily boat launch passes are available at the cost of $5 daily or $40 seasonal.

Boat tours: $5 for adults / $3 for children 12 and under.

Boat rentals: rowboats - $11 for 1 hr / $31 for 4 hrs

                     kayaks - $13 / hr single ; $18 /hr double

                     electric motor powered rowboat - 4 hrs / $42

Handicap accessible: yes

Dog-friendly: yes

Directions: Garden State Parkway to Exit 98, Interstate 195 west. Proceed on I-195 west to Exit 28B, Rt. 9 north-Freehold. Stay in right lane when entering Rt. 9 north. At first traffic light, turn right onto Georgia Tavern Road. Follow Georgia Tavern Road for 0.3 mile. Continue straight for Environmental Center on right or turn right onto Windeler Rd. and continue 1.5 miles to the Visitor Center Reservoir Area on left.