Jersey Shore Sea Kayak Association – Launch site directory

Driving Directions:

• From Route 80, take exit 25. (Route 206).
• Continue on Route 206 north into Newton, about 12 miles.
• Left at the second traffic light (Route 206 and Spring Street).
• Left at the next light onto CR 519.
• Follow CR 519 for approximately 1/2 mile.
• Left onto CR 622 at Sussex County College sign.
• Follow CR 622 for about 4 1/2 miles.
• Left on CR 619.
• The park entrance is about 1/2 mile south on CR 619.
• Continue for another 1/4 mile south on CR 619, watch for trailer launch entrance on right.

Address:

Swartzwood State Park

Swartzwood, NJ 07877, Sussex County

Land owner: State

GPS Coordinates: L 41^o 04' 20.5" N    Lo 74^o 49' 31.1" W

Water: Fresh

Water type: Lake

Launch area is: Ramp

Launch area surface is: Concrete

Facilities: Porta potti

Launching considerations / restrictions:

If boat launch is congested or parking filled, consider one of the alternate sites listed below.

Note that there are some sharp rocks close to shore as you paddle around. They will do a number on a composite boat, so stay 10 yards away from land.

There are a few buoys marking hazards or shallow water, keep the buoy between you and land. (they're NOT false alarms).

If there is wind, it usually seems to come from northeast, therefore strongest at the southwest side. In these cases, a counter clockwise trip will make the trip easier. If you interested in a workout, go clockwise.

Parking situation:

Parking is very limited. Parking directly to right of ramp is designed for trailer parking. Unload boat, and more parking is available along the entrance road.

Comments:

The main park has your standard NJ state park facilities (picnic, swim, cook-out, toilets, hiking). There is also a campground. Reservations usually needed in summer. While there is an entrance fee for the main park during summer, there is no fee for the boat launch or any of the other alternates listed below. This park offers several Kayak tours throughout the season, including some in the fall.

A paddle around the perimeter of the lake is approximately 5.5 miles. The lake provides an easy, relaxing paddle. Some features include (two small islands, an old grist mill [very southern end of lake], quite a few homes, a summer day camp). The main state park is at the northeastern end.

NOTE: You cannot paddle to Little Swartzwood Lake since there is a gate over the tunnels under CR622 from the marshy inlet that connects the two lakes.

This lake is quite close to Paulinskill Lake. A paddle at one lake in the morning could be followed up with the other lake in the afternoon.

Related Links:

Picture of sign at trailer launch, looking north, so this will be on your right. (pic.jpg 69k)

Picture of parking area at trailer launch (pic.jpg 54k)

Picture of putin at trailer launch (pic.jpg 33k)

NJ State Parks - Swartzwood Lake

TopoZone Topo map

Mapquest street map

Satellite image showing launch site. (Pic.jpg 69k)

Alternate Launch sites:

• Alternate 1 - This is the most "kayak friendly" launch.
• From trailer launch site at top, continue south on CR 619 approx .8 mile.
• Watch for wood rail fence on right with entrance in middle to dirt parking area.
• GPS Coordinates: L 41^o 04' 02.8" N    Lo 74^o 49' 57.1" W
• Picture of entrance looking north, so this will be on your right. (pic.jpg 44k)
• Picture of parking area (pic.jpg 46k)
• Picture of putin (pic.jpg 42k)
• Launch area is beach with sand, dirt, stones. No facilities. Dirt / Grass parking area.

• TopoZone Topo map

• Mapquest street map

• Alternate 2 - There are some rocks and pipes to navigate around to launch here.
• From trailer launch site at top, continue south on CR 619 approx 1 mile.
• Watch for dirt entrance and parking area on right.
• GPS Coordinates: L 00^o 00' 00.0" N    Lo 00^o 00' 00.0" W
• Picture of parking area, will be on your right (pic.jpg 66k)
• Picture of putin (pic.jpg 52k)
• Launch area is beach with sand, dirt, stones. No facilities. Dirt / Grass parking area.

• Alternate 3 - This is a dock launch. There is also a small gravel putin just to left of dock.
• From trailer launch site at top, continue south on CR 619 approx 2 mile.
• Right on CR 612 and follow to end.
• Right on CR 521 and follow approx 1 mile, just past grist mill.
• Watch for gravel entrance and cartop launch sign on right.
• GPS Coordinates: L 41^o 03' 46.2" N    Lo 74^o 51' 09.8" W
• Picture of sign at entrance, will be on your right. (pic.jpg 64k)
• Picture of parking area, will be on your left (pic.jpg 60k)
• Picture of putin (pic.jpg 62k)
• Launch area is dock. Porta Potti. Small gravel parking area.

• TopoZone Topo map

• Mapquest street map

Last Update: 5/5/2005

Copyright © 2008 by Jersey Shore Sea Kayak Association - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No warranties are expressed or implied.