Outdoors
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Princeton where swimming is allowed on public land.
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
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,…
39 mi northeast · National Park Service
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.
42 mi east · National Park Service
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.
Map of 6 places loads as you scroll.
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,…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook (National Park Service), about 36 miles east of Princeton as the crow flies. Next are National Parks of New York Harbor (39 mi) and Gateway National Recreation Area (42 mi).
Based on Princeton’s average highs, June–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.