Allaire State Park

History and nature combine in this picturesque park.

Allaire State Park is a perfect family camping park that offers a variety of recreational and cultural activities. Fans of nature, history and even trains find something of interest in this 3,199-acre park.

Open year round, the Nature Interpretive Center offers exhibits on the natural features and creatures of the area. A full-time interpreter leads nature walks daily during the summer and special programs by appointment.

Allaire Village offers a glimpse into a thriving 19th-century iron-making town. The restored buildings, including a church, general store, bakery and blacksmith shop, are staffed by interpreters in historic dress during the summer and during weekends in spring and fall.

Allaire Village Inc., a non-profit organization, sponsors more than 40 special programs annually, including living history events, craft shows and flea markets.

The Visitor Center and Museum features permanent exhibits interpreting the production of the bog iron furnace and life in a 19th-century village. Special programs are offered throughout the year.

The Pine Creek Railroad provides an example of rail travel during the height of the steam era in the United States. The live-steam, narrow-gauge trains are operated by the New Jersey Museum of Transportation.

The Manasquan River, which winds through the park, attracts anglers, kayakers and canoeists. The river's floodplain provides habitat for a variety of wildflowers, trees, and other plants as well as birds and other wildlife.

Hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers enjoy the many trails which run through the park.

The campground includes 45 sites, four yurts and six wooden shelters. No hook-ups are provided but a dump station is available seasonally.