New Jersey · 11 sites
National parks, monuments & historic sites in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to 11 sites managed by the National Park Service. Beyond the big-name parks you'll find 1 national monument and 4 historic sites that most visitors overlook — and that's where some of the best trips hide. Every listing below pulls real, current hours, entrance fees, alerts, and reservation requirements straight from the National Park Service, paired with honest planning notes so you can decide what's actually worth your time.
11
Total NPS sites
0
National Parks
1
National Monuments
4
Historic sites
National Monuments in New Jersey
National Monuments protect a single landmark, landscape, or archaeological feature. New Jersey has 1 — usually cheaper, quieter, and faster to visit than a full park.
Historic Sites & Memorials in New Jersey
Battlefields, memorials, and places where American history happened. Most are free, take a few hours, and reward visitors who do a little reading first.
Morristown National Historical Park
National Historical Park · NJ
Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park
National Historical Park · NJ
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
National Historical Park · NJ
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail
National Historic Trail · MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA, DC
Seashores, Recreation Areas & Preserves in New Jersey
Seashores, lakeshores, recreation areas, preserves, and scenic rivers — public lands built for time outside rather than a checklist visit.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area · NJ, PA
Gateway National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area · NY, NJ
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail · CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV
Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
National Wild and Scenic River · PA, NJ
Other Public Lands in New Jersey
Additional NPS-managed sites in New Jersey.
Frequently asked questions about New Jersey's parks
How many national parks are in New Jersey?
- New Jersey doesn't have a designated "National Park," but the National Park Service still manages 11 sites here — including monuments, historic sites, and memorials worth visiting.
What's the difference between a national park, monument, and historic site in New Jersey?
- A National Park is established by Congress to protect a large landscape with multiple resources — think Yellowstone or Acadia. A National Monument is created by presidential proclamation to protect a specific landmark or feature and is usually smaller. A National Historic Site preserves a single place tied to American history. All three are managed by the National Park Service, but they vary widely in size, fees, and what there is to do.
Which national monuments are in New Jersey?
- New Jersey has 1 national monument: Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument.
Are there historic sites worth visiting in New Jersey?
- Yes — New Jersey has 4 NPS-managed historic sites, memorials, or battlefields. The most-visited include Morristown, Paterson Great Falls, and Thomas Edison. Most are free or have a low entrance fee and can be done in a half-day.
Do I need a reservation to visit parks in New Jersey?
- It depends on the site. A handful of marquee national parks now require timed-entry reservations during peak season, and most campgrounds book out months ahead on Recreation.gov. Monuments and historic sites almost never require reservations. Check the individual park page for the current rules before you go — we keep it synced daily.
When is the best time to visit New Jersey's national parks?
- Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) generally offer the best mix of weather, lower crowds, and full access. Summer is the busiest by far at every marquee park. Winter cuts crowds dramatically but closes roads and facilities at higher elevations.
Is the America the Beautiful pass worth it for New Jersey?
- If you'll visit more than three fee-charging sites in a year — anywhere in the U.S., not just New Jersey — the $80 annual America the Beautiful pass pays for itself. It covers entrance fees at every NPS site and most federal recreation lands. Seniors (62+), active military, fourth-graders, and people with permanent disabilities qualify for free or discounted versions.
Keep exploring
Browse parks in other states or jump back to the full directory.