
Cattus Island County Park
Expansive waterfront park with diverse trails, wetlands boardwalks, and abundant wildlife, offering a peaceful natural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for wildlife viewing

Cattus Island County Park
Best Time
Ideal for wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Expansive waterfront park with diverse trails, wetlands boardwalks, and abundant wildlife, offering a peaceful natural escape.
"A beautiful waterfront park, perfect for anyone looking to unwind and connect with nature."

👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Trails are well-maintained but varied. Opt for sturdy shoes for exploring all the park has to offer .
📸 Wildlife Photography Haven
Bring your camera! Spot herons, egrets, and more. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wetlands Boardwalk
Various points throughout the park
Stroll over serene wetlands, spotting diverse birdlife and native plants. A peaceful escape into nature's embrace.

Barnegat Bay Views
Peninsula trails
Experience breathtaking vistas of Barnegat Bay from the park's scenic overlooks. Perfect for quiet contemplation and photography.

Environmental Nature Center
Near the main entrance
Discover local aquatic life and reptiles up close. An educational and engaging stop, especially for families with children.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Nature Center & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Trails are well-maintained but varied. Opt for sturdy shoes for exploring all the park has to offer.
📸 Wildlife Photography Haven
Bring your camera! Spot herons, egrets, and more. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Nature Center
The environmental center's close-up views of fish and reptiles are a hit with children. A great educational stop.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
While trails are marked, some could be clearer. Pay attention to signage to avoid getting turned around.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
Trails are well-maintained but varied. Opt for sturdy shoes for exploring all the park has to offer.
📸 Wildlife Photography Haven
Bring your camera! Spot herons, egrets, and more. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Nature Center
The environmental center's close-up views of fish and reptiles are a hit with children. A great educational stop.
🗺️ Trail Navigation
While trails are marked, some could be clearer. Pay attention to signage to avoid getting turned around.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cattus Island County Park's natural beauty, well-maintained trails, and abundant wildlife, calling it a peaceful escape from the everyday. The free admission and dog-friendly atmosphere are significant draws, though some suggest trail markings could be clearer. It's a highly recommended spot for nature lovers and families.
"Lovely park, very clean, dog friendly, nice wide trail which is well maintained. Easy walk to the water with tons of wildlife. Blue herons, egrets, chipmunks, plus an obviously haunted tree and mushrooms as big as a dinner plate. 😁"
Courtney L
"Great place, fun close up little fish and reptiles for kids in their environmental center. Nice walking trail over wooden bridge. Playground is nice."
Henry Sand
"Hard to believe you are in Toms River. Great combination of hiking trails, water views and environmental exploration. Trails could be marked a little better so pay attention when you are hiking."
Bill Vulpis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cattus Island County Park is located in Toms River, NJ. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Use GPS navigation to find the main entrance. The park is a well-known local spot, so it's generally easy to find.
Public transportation options to Cattus Island County Park are limited. It's primarily a destination best reached by private vehicle. Check local Ocean County transit schedules for any potential bus routes that might get you close, though a car is recommended for convenience.
There is ample parking available throughout Cattus Island County Park, especially near the main entrance and the nature center. During peak times, parking lots can fill up, but generally, you'll find a spot without much issue.
Yes, you can bike to Cattus Island County Park. The park has paved access roads and trails that are suitable for cycling. It's a pleasant ride through scenic areas, especially if you're coming from nearby neighborhoods.
Many of the main trails and boardwalks at Cattus Island County Park are paved and relatively flat, making them accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The environmental center is also designed for accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cattus Island County Park offers free admission for all visitors. You can enjoy the trails, bay views, and nature center without any cost.
Cattus Island County Park is typically open from dawn to dusk. The nature center may have specific hours, so it's advisable to check the official Ocean County Parks website for the most current information.
No advance booking or tickets are required for Cattus Island County Park as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
Ocean County Parks sometimes hosts special events or guided nature walks at Cattus Island County Park. Check the official county parks calendar for any upcoming activities or programs.
Yes, Cattus Island County Park is dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash at all times. Remember to clean up after your pet.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Cattus Island County Park features a variety of trails, including wide, hard-packed access roads, more rustic loop paths, and boardwalks over wetlands. They range from easy walks to more moderate hikes, offering diverse scenery.
You can spot a variety of wildlife, including blue herons, egrets, chipmunks, fish, and reptiles. The park's diverse habitats make it a great place for birdwatching and observing local fauna.
Yes, there is a nice playground area at Cattus Island County Park, making it a great destination for families with young children.
The environmental nature center at Cattus Island County Park offers close-up views of local fish and reptiles, providing an educational and engaging experience, especially for kids.
Restroom facilities are available at Cattus Island County Park, typically located near the main parking areas and the nature center.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The wetlands boardwalks offer unique perspectives of the marsh ecosystem and birdlife. The trails leading to Barnegat Bay provide stunning water views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for photography due to the soft, golden light. This is also when wildlife is often most active.
You have opportunities to photograph various bird species like herons and egrets, as well as smaller creatures like chipmunks and fish in the nature center.
Look for the unique 'haunted tree' mentioned by visitors, interesting mushrooms, and the diverse plant life along the trails. The interplay of light on the water is also a great subject.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be great for landscape shots of the bay and wetlands. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Cattus Island
Visitors often highlight the well-maintained condition of the trails, ensuring a pleasant walking experience. However, some reviewers suggest that trail markings could be improved, so it's wise to pay attention to signage or carry a map, especially if you plan to explore multiple routes. The trails are a fantastic way to discover the park's hidden gems, from quiet coves to scenic overlooks.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk or a more immersive hike, the trails at Cattus Island County Park provide a wonderful way to experience the local flora and fauna. The combination of forest, marsh, and bay views makes each walk a unique adventure.
Wildlife Encounters and Photography Opportunities
For photographers, the park offers numerous opportunities to capture stunning wildlife shots. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly rewarding, as the soft, natural light enhances the beauty of the landscape and its inhabitants. The wetlands boardwalks provide excellent vantage points for observing and photographing birds in their natural environment without disturbing them. The serene water views of Barnegat Bay also make for picturesque backdrops.
Beyond wildlife, the park's natural beauty extends to its unique flora. Visitors have noted interesting mushrooms and a distinctive 'haunted tree,' adding a touch of intrigue to the landscape. The combination of accessible trails and abundant wildlife makes Cattus Island County Park a rewarding experience for anyone looking to connect with nature and capture its essence through photography.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit