Fort Mott State Park
Fort Mott State Park is in Salem County, 25 minutes south of the town of Salem. Fort Mott is located along the Delaware River and possesses beach areas where you can hike and learn about the site's historic buildings and the fort, which was constructed to defend the Delaware River's shipping lanes during the Civil War. There are interpretive trails available.
Fort Mott State Park
454 Fort Mott Road
Pennsville, NJ 08070
856-935-3218
state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/fortmott.html
Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area
If fishing and swimming from a beach along a creek is what you have in mind, Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area is southeast of Salem. It is divided into three areas: north, central and south. The region is governed by the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Department, and fishing, swimming, biking, boating and picnicking is permitted. Visitors must bring their snacks and drinks; no stands or shops exist at the park. The park doesn't have restrooms either.
Mad Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area
Stowneck Road & Frog Ocean Road
Salem, NJ 08079
forevergreennj.com
Parvin State Park
Parvin State Park is located in Salem County about 25 minutes from the community of Salem. The park covers 1,952 acres and has a small lake where canoeing, kayaking, boating, swimming and fishing are permitted. A campground is available for those wishing to camp and a few nights. Neither alcohol nor pets are allowed. Thundergust Lake and Mud Run are in the park, but no swimming is allowed in these lakes. Swimming is allowed from the swimming beach on Parvin Lake. A small kiosk with beach novelties for sale is near the life guard towers at the beach.
Parvin State Park
989 Centerton Road
Pittsgrove, NJ 08318
856-358-2300
state.nj.us
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
