Explore National Parks Near Me in New Jersey

Have you ever wondered is there a national park near me in New Jersey? Have you ever googled national parks near me? The National Park Service maintains 9 National Parks as well as other protected areas in New Jersey to explore, learn, and enjoy the outdoors! Consider this your guide to national parks in New Jersey.

National Park Service admission fees

• Fees vary, but there are free admission days at National Parks (mainly holidays and National Public Lands Day).
• Below we share details about the US National Park Pass that can help visitors save on admission passes to National Parks across the country.
• Free for the military.
• With the “Every Kid in a Park” initiative, otherwise known as the 4th grade National Park Pass, all 4th graders get free admission to all National Parks.

Explore this list of National Parks in New Jersey

National Parks in New Jersey – National Parks near me in North Jersey

Ellis Island National Park

• Take the ferry from Jersey City, Hudson County to Ellis Island National Park. There is no entrance fee to the island and museum, but various ferry fees apply as well as fees for advanced tours. Visit the hall where 12 million immigrants entered on their way to an American life. Learn more on the National Park Service website.
• View a National Parks Map for Ellis Island National Park at the National Park Service website.

Delaware Water Gap National Park

• At the Delaware Water Gap in Warren County, New Jersey there is no entrance fee but amenity fees may apply from April – October. Mountains, streams, and the 1000-foot deep water gap are available for outdoor fun. Learn more on the National Park Service website.
• View a National Parks Map for the Delaware Water Gap National Park at the National Park Service website.

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

• Thomas Edison Historical Park in West Orange, Essex County, New Jersey allows visitors to explore Thomas Edison’s home and laboratory.  The entrance fee of $15 is valid for seven days (credit or debit only). Children and teenagers 16 years old and under enter free. Learn more on the National Park Service website.
• View a National Parks Map for Thomas Edison National Historical Park at the National Park Service website.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

• Paterson Great Falls in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey has no entrance fee. View the majestic falls and explore the Great Falls Historic District Cultural Center. Learn about Jenn and her boys’ experience earning Junior Ranger badges in this blog post, Earning Paterson Great Falls Junior Ranger Badges. Or learn more on the National Park Service website.
• View a National Parks Map for Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park at the National Park Service website.

Morristown National Historical Park

• Morristown National Historical Park – Morristown, Morris County.  No fees to enter. Encompasses the sites of George Washington’s winter encampment from 1779-1780. Explore trails, museums, and the Ford Mansion. Learn more on the National Park Service website.
• View a National Parks Map for Morristown National Historical Park at the National Park Service website.

National Parks in New Jersey – National Parks near me in Central Jersey

Gateway National Recreation Area

• For Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook, Monmouth County there are parking fees in the summer only. There are no entrance fees. Beach, bird watching, nature trails, Fort Hancock, and the Sandy Hook lighthouse await! Learn more on the National Park Service website.
• View a National Parks Map for Gateway National Recreation Area at the National Park Service website.

National Parks in New Jersey – National Parks near me in South Jersey

At this time there are no ‘official’ National Parks near me in South Jersey. :( There are some non park areas that are maintained by the National Park Service.

Non National Parks, near me, maintained by the National Park Service

• Washington – Rochambeau Trail. Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Union, Middlesex, Mercer, No fees. The trail preserves the march of the American-French allied forces in 1781-1783.
• Appalachian Trail – Sussex and Warren Counties. No fees. The trail extends more than 2000 miles through 14 states.
• New Jersey Pinelands Reserve – No fees. Biosphere reserve: 0ver a million acres over 56 communities.

Save Money on Your Visit to National Parks with the US National Park Pass

While most of the National Parks near me and you in New Jersey have no admission fee, that’s not the case for all National Parks. Save money on those National Park visits with the US National Park Pass.

What is the National Park Pass?

First things first, the National Park Pass, also goes by the name of America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.

The pass covers entrance fees at lands managed by the National Park Service and US Fish & Wildlife Service and also standard amenity fees (day use fees) at lands managed by the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers.

Who is included on the National Park Pass?

If entering a National Park or land managed by the National Park Service, where admission is charged per car, the pass covers the pass owner and everyone in a personal vehicle.

If entering a National Park or land managed by the National Park Service, where admission is charged per person, the pass covers the pass owner and up to three additional adults (16 and over). Children ages 15 or under are admitted free.

Where can I buy a National Park Pass near me?

View the  list of all federal recreation sites where the passes are issued, including national parks. The National Park Pass can also be purchased online. Visit the USGS Online Store for detailed information about how to purchase a pass online.

4 Places to buy a National Park Pass near me in New Jersey?

• Edison National Historical Park
• Edwin B. Forsythe NWR
• Gateway National Recreation Area – Sandy Hook
• Morristown National Historical Park

How much does the National Park Pass cost?

• The National Park Pass is $80 per pass.
• There is no charge for current US military members and their dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force, as well as Reserve and National Guard members.
• US citizens or permanent residents ages 62 or over can get a lifetime Senior Pass for $80.
• US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities can apply for a fee lifetime Access Pass.
• Volunteers with 250 service hours with federal agencies that participate in the Interagency Pass Program can apply for a free annual Volunteer Pass.

National Parks by State

Outside of New Jersey, there are a great number of National Parks all across the country. Coming soon we share guides to National Parks by state from other hyperlocal bloggers across the country.

• California’s Yosemite National Park – Vacation Inspiration: Yosemite with Little Kids
• National Parks of Minnesota

Make the Most of your National Park Visit

You’ve made the trek out to explore a National Park. Whether you are visiting a National Park in New Jersey, near New Jersey, or elsewhere make sure you and the kids are having as much fun as possible.

Check out the Junior Ranger program for added educational fun and engaging activities while visiting your National Park! It’s a free way to be fully immersed in the experience and earn a free souvenir while making incredible memories.

Which New Jersey National Park will you visit?

For more fun New Jersey day trip ideas see our reviews of New Jersey Parks and Playgrounds, and our listing of New Jersey State Parks.