Cape May Point State Park
4.8(4.8K)google
4.5(39)yelp
Hiking TrailBird WatchingScenic LookoutFamilyOutdoorPhotography SpotOcean ViewFreeBeachWetlandBirds
Overview
Cape May Point State Park is a 244 acres (0.99 km2) state park located in Lower Township, New Jersey, with a Cape May Point postal address. The park offers walking, hiking and nature trails as well as beaches, an exhibit gallery, a ranger office and is the site of the Cape May Light. The park is operated and maintained by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry.
Practical Info
Mon8:00 AM 8:00 PM
Tue8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wed8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thu8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sat8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sun8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeMid-September through October transforms this coastal sanctuary into a world-class autumn masterpiece, globally competitive for migratory hawk and monarch butterfly tracking. Hiking out to the wooden Hawk Watch Platform between 7:00 AM and 9:32 AM on a crisp morning is essential; sunrise rays lift the morning mist off the freshwater marshes as thousands of raptors take flight.
Getting ThereTucked inside the southern apex of Cape May County at Light House Ave, Cape May Point. Access the property seamlessly via driving; follow Sunset Blvd west from the historic district and turn left onto Lighthouse Avenue straight into the park boundaries. Admission is free, and the state site operates an enormous, free paved surface parking lot.
Travel Tips
- Park trails (e.g., Red Trail) traverse extensive freshwater marshes and sand dunes; high-density insect swarms require wearing external DEET repellant and sticking strictly to the boardwalk planks.
- Park entry and standard staging lots are free, but scrambling on coastal sand dunes is a federal crime; seasonal Piping Plover nesting zones are strictly fenced and off-limits to all foot traffic.
- The coastal shoreline lacks active lifeguard staffing; under New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulations, entering the water for swimming or surfing is banned 24/7.
Reviews
Positive
- Boasts immaculately planned boardwalk nature trails looping through freshwater marshes, coastal forests, and sand dunes.
- World-renowned as a highway for bird migration and autumn monarch butterflies, remaining beautifully peaceful and non-commercialized.
- Zero entry or parking fees, yet it provides a high-quality nature center, informative species placards, and spacious picnic pavilions.
- Excellent location; the park grounds directly connect to the iconic Cape May Lighthouse and a beach housing a WWII concrete bunker ruin.
Heads up
- The marshes and wooded trails swarm with heavy mosquitoes and greenhead flies; visiting without strong repellent leads to nasty bites.
- The trails are mostly exposed to the direct sun with little tree canopy, making midday walks roasting without mid-way water refills.
- To protect local wildlife nesting, dogs are strictly forbidden on most nature trails, which disappoints families traveling with pets.
- During peak migration seasons or holiday weekends, the parking lot fills up early in the morning, leading to traffic jams at the entrance.