Paddle Board Destinations in New Jersey: The Garden State’s Scenic SUP Escapes
New Jersey may be known for its bustling cities and pop culture references, but it’s also a haven for paddle boarders. With over 127 miles of pristine coastline, lush rivers, and tranquil lakes, the Garden State offers a surprising variety of SUP experiences. Whether you're gliding past wildlife in a national refuge or catching waves in a top-ranked surf town, New Jersey delivers paddle boarding adventures for every skill level.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
- Location: Northwestern New Jersey
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Water Type: River
- Launch Points: Smithfield Beach, Kittatinny Point
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, shuttle service, rentals
- Best Season: Spring to Fall
Description: Paddle through forested mountains and rocky ridges along the Middle Delaware River. This 70,000-acre protected area offers scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and wildlife. Free weekend shuttles make it easy to explore downstream routes.
Ocean City Beach
- Location: Southern New Jersey
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Water Type: Ocean and Bay
- Launch Points: Great Egg Harbor Bay, Ocean City Beach Access
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, rentals, surf shops
- Best Season: Summer
Description: With 8 miles of white sand, Ocean City offers calm bay waters for beginners and surfable waves for advanced paddlers. Paddle through salt marshes teeming with birds and fish, or ride the waves in one of America’s top-ranked surf towns.
Wallkill River
- Location: Northern New Jersey
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Water Type: River
- Launch Points: Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, wildlife viewing
- Best Season: Spring to Fall
Description: A northward-flowing river with diverse habitats including floodplain forests and wetlands. Paddle through a refuge home to over 225 bird species, rare amphibians, and butterflies. Water levels vary, so check with the refuge office before launching.
Pompton Lakes
- Location: Central New Jersey
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Water Type: Lake
- Launch Points: Terhune Memorial Park, Terhune Drive
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, rentals
- Best Season: Summer
Description: A tranquil lake formed by damming the Ramapo River. Surrounded by lush greenery and home to birds, fish, and other wildlife. Ideal for peaceful paddling and nature immersion.
Passaic River
- Location: Northern New Jersey
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Water Type: River
- Launch Points: Two Bridges Road, Lincoln Park
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, wildlife preserve access
- Best Season: Autumn
Description: Paddle through Great Piece Meadows wildlife preserve and enjoy views of hawks, herons, swans, and deer. Once heavily polluted, the river has undergone major cleanups and now offers a mix of urban and natural scenery.
Lake Hopatcong
- Location: Northern New Jersey
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Water Type: Lake
- Launch Points: Lake View Marina, public boat ramps
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, rentals, lakeside restaurants
- Best Season: Midweek in Summer
Description: New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake with 50 miles of shoreline. Explore islands and coves, but avoid weekends due to boat traffic. Check wind conditions before heading out for a smoother experience.
Summary of Paddle Board Locations in New Jersey
New Jersey offers a rich variety of paddle board destinations. Beginners can enjoy calm waters at Pompton Lakes and Zephyr Cove, while intermediate paddlers will love the scenic rivers and expansive lakes like Lake Hopatcong and the Passaic. Advanced adventurers can tackle ocean waves in Ocean City or explore the wild beauty of the Delaware Water Gap. With abundant launch points, seasonal amenities, and diverse landscapes, New Jersey is a paddle boarder’s paradise hiding in plain sight.