Visitor Center    
311 Windeler Road, Howell 07731
(732) 919-0996
Environmental Center    
331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell 07731
(732) 751-9453
Park Brochure & Map

PLEASE NOTE:  Large group (over 50 people) gatherings are not available at this site. Please see Picnic Areas for nearby county Park System facilities where large groups can be accommodated.  Swimming is not permitted.

Spend a day fishing, boating, or walking the trail at this beautiful spot in southern 
Monmouth County. Now the most visited site in the Monmouth County Park System, over 1 million visitors come to the Manasquan Reservoir each year.

Park features:

• 1204 acres of land and water
• fishing
• 5-mile perimeter trail
• 1-mile nature trail
• playground
• ice-skating
• kayak and rowboat rentals

The Manasquan Reservoir is a source of water for municipalities and utilities. The Reservoir is also a natural setting for recreational activities and outdoor pursuits. The 770-acre Reservoir is part of a larger 1,204 acre site that include woods and wetlands, a 5-mile perimeter trail, fishing and boating areas, and a Visitor Center. There is also an Environmental Center.

About the Reservoir   
The reservoir is an important part of the water supply in Monmouth County. Water from the Manasquan River enters and exits the reservoir through the inlet/outlet tower in the front of the main dam. With a 4 billion gallon water capacity and a maximum depth of 40', the reservoir can supply up to 30 million gallons of water a day.

Visitor Center   
This Center is the site of all boating activities at the reservoir and features a boat rental area, bait shop, vending machines, restrooms, fireplace and program activity rooms. The bait shop is closed December thru February. The second level observation deck offer spectacular views of the site. 

Fishing
The Reservoir is open year round for fishing and is stocked with large and small-mouth bass, hybrid striped bass, tiger muskie, bullhead catfish and panfish species. A State fishing licenses is required for anglers age 16 and over. A license can be purchased at any local fishing supply/bait shop or by visiting the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife website. 
Fishing licenses are NOT available for purchase at the Manasquan Reservoir.

Boating
The boat ramp is open for the season March 1 through November 30. Seasonal and daily boat launch passes are available at the cost of $5 daily or $45 seasonal. All vessels must be launced from the east ramp at the Visitor Center. Boating is a great way to explore this site, take advantage of the fishing opportunities, or simply relax. Boats with electric motors, sailboats, kayaks, and canoes (at least 8' in length) are permitted on the Reservoir. All persons boating on the Manasquan Reservoir shall wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved type I, II, III hybrid inflatable, or V personal flotation device in serviceable conditions. New Jersey State Boating laws and Park System rules and regulations are in effect on the water.

Boat Rentals
At the Visitor Center, park patrons ages 16 and older can rent either rowboats (1-hr $11.50 or 4-hrs $32.50); electric motor powered rowboats (4-hrs $44); or kayaks (1-hr single person $13.50 or 1-hr double person $19). Prices include tax. A $10.00 deposit is required for 1 hour rental; $20.00 deposit required for 4 hour rental. Motor boat rentals begin April 1st - October 31st and kayak rentals Memorial Day weekend - October 31st. Operation of an electric motorboat requires a NJ boating safety certificate.

Boat Tours
Also from the Visitor Center, boats tours are offered Memorial Day weekend through September on Saturdays and Sundays at  2pm, 3pm, and 4pm; and at 2pm on Wednesdays. The 40-minute tour takes visitors around the Reservoir and includes discussion of its history, use as a water source, and wildlife habitat. Look for osprey, great blue herons, bald eagles and more. Visitors are invited to bring binoculars for up-close observation of the abundant wildlife that call the Reservoir home.

Tours are conducted on a 36-foot pontoon boat, which provides a stable platform and seats up to 30 people. All passengers will be provided with life preservers, which must be worn. Tours are offered on a first come, first served basis. The cost is $5.25 for adults and $3.25 for children 12 and under and individual tickets are purchased at the Visitor Center.

For Group Boat Tours, please call the Environmental Center at (732) 751-9453.

For all other questions or general information regarding the Manasquan Reservoir, please call Visitor Center at (732) 919-0996.

(Prices as of 1/10)

Trails   
The 5.1 mile gravel Perimeter Trail offers panoramic views of the Reservoir and provides a great trail experience for all users.  This trail loops all the way around the reservoir and has a fairly even, well-maintained surface and is designated as a MODERATE trail due to its length. Mileposts are marked on the trail.

An additional 1.1 mile Cove Trail is a scenic nature trail which explores the lakeshore around the Environmental Center and is open to pedestrains only.

Park Map with Trails (pdf)

Click on map to enlarge & print.

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. 
• State Hwy. 9 south from Freehold to Georgia Tavern Rd. Use Jughandle to turn left onto Georgia Tavern Rd. Proceed as above.