(Visitor Center) 311 Windeler Road, Howell, NJ
(732) 919-0996
(Environmental Center) 331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell, NJ
(732) 751-9453

Spend a peaceful day fishing, kayaking, or traveling the trail at this beautiful spot in southern Monmouth County.

Park features:
   ·1204 acres of land and water
   ·fishing
   ·5-mile perimeter 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 Reservoir is part of 1,200 acres that include woods and wetlands, a 5-mile perimeter trail, fishing and boating areas, and a Visitor Center. There is also an Environmental Center.

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 $40 seasonal. 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 can rent either rowboats (1-hr $10.28 or 4-hrs $28.97); electric motor powered rowboats (4-hrs $39.25); or kayaks (1-hr single person $12.15 or 1-hr double person $16.82). Prices do not include tax. Motor boat rentals begin April 1st - October 31st and kayak rentals May 1st - October 31st.

BOAT TOURS
Also from the Visitor Center, boats tours are offered Memorial Day weekend through September on Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. 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 $4.67 for adults and $2.80 for children 12 and under and individual tickets are purchased at the Visitor Center.

Group tours can be arranged in advance for Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. For more information or to arrange a group tour, 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 updated 1/08)

Trails
The gravel perimeter trail has panoramic views of the Reservoir and provides a great trail experience for all users.
(5 mile trail)

Park Map (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. Turn right onto Windeler Rd. Continue 1.5 miles to the Reservoir Area on left. · State Hwy. 9 south from Freehold to Georgia Tavern Rd. Use Jughandle to turn left onto Georgia Tavern Rd. Proceed on Georgia Tavern Rd. for 0.3 mile. Turn right onto Windeler Rd. Continue 1.5 miles to the Reservoir Area on left.