Outdoors
Lakes, rivers and recreation areas near Princeton where fishing is allowed, closest first.
Good to know: Anyone 16 or older generally needs a state fishing license; seasons, limits and special rules vary by water. New Jersey license information ↗
17 mi west · National Park Service
The Delaware River, the largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States, runs past forests, farmlands and villages. It also links some of the most densely populated regions in America.
36 mi east · National Park Service
Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping,…
36 mi northeast · National Park Service
This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years.
Map of 16 places loads as you scroll.
The Delaware River, the largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States, runs past forests, farmlands and villages. It also links some of the most densely populated regions in America.
Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping,…
This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years.
These 12 sites preserve more than 400 years of American history! We invite you to explore the past and investigate its relevance in our lives today.
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for millions of visitors every year.
There's no other campground in the world where a family can sleep under the stars, tour the Statue of Liberty, watch a Broadway musical and kayak in one of the world's premier bird migration sanctuaries-all in one trip.
The John Heinz NWR at Tinicum is located in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania about 1 mile from Philadelphia International Airport.
The Alosa Campsites are boat-in only sites located on the west (Pennsylvanian) shore of the Delaware River near Bushkill, Pennsylvania. The side of the river with the campsites will be on your right while traveling downstream.
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history, and striking scenery along 40 miles of…
The Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve, at Mullica River and Great Bay, is the only reserve in the national system to be named after an individual.
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge manages over 6,000 acres in Sussex County, New Jersey and Orange County, New York. We strive to manage quality habitat for wildlife while providing outdoor recreation for the public.
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley.
Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge was originally two distinct refuges: Brigantine and Barnegat. They were established in 1939 and 1967 respectively, to protect tidal wetland and shallow bay habitat for migratory water birds.
Established in 1974, Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is located in Pennsville, NJ (Salem County) along the Delaware River estuary just north of the Salem River.
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is located within the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut. Its 536 acres provide excellent recreation opportunities and a chance to escape from the growing suburbia surrounding the park.
Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters are located along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Princeton. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity Short shared by Elizabeth Walk.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity Short shared by Papali Dash.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River (National Park Service), about 17 miles west of Princeton as the crow flies. Next are Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook (36 mi) and Camp Gateway - Staten Island (36 mi).
Yes, anglers 16 and older generally need a New Jersey fishing license from the state wildlife agency. Rules, seasons and limits vary by water.
Federal agencies including National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.