Scenic Cape May Point State Park is located in Cape May at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, only 45 minutes from Atlantic City and 2 hours from Philadelphia. The park’s 244 acres consist of freshwater marshland, ponds, forest and a beach.
Visitors to this historic New Jersey state park enjoy exploring the trails, the famous Cape May Lighthouse and ‘The Bunker’, a World War II Gun Battery. Birdwatching is also popular at this park since it is in the natural flightpath for many migratory birds.
Activities
Discover all that this beautiful park has to offer during your visit: Check out the exhibit gallery, learn about wildlife as you take part in one of the nature programs put on by the park rangers, hike, birdwatch, picnic and more.
If you’re not afraid of heights, experience the breathtaking panoramic view of the Cape May peninsula area by climbing the 199 steps to the top of the 157 ft lighthouse. Then explore the historic gun battery left over from when the park was used as a military base and the Harbor Defense Project of 1942.
Here are some of the many activities that Cape May Point State Park has to offer:
Hiking at Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point State Park has 3 trails that wind throughout the forested areas, along the shoreline and past the dunes, ponds and marshland. Each of the 3 trails offers visitors amazing views of nature and wildlife. Observation platforms are ideal for birdwatchers of all ages.
Here’s a bit more about each of the trails at Cape May Point State Park:
- Duck Pond Trail – An easy 0.5 mile trail that leads through a pretty woodland area and out to the ponds (Lighthouse Pond West and East). The trail consists of a boardwalk that is easily accessible to all. During the warmer months expect to see wildflowers, butterflies and different types of waterfowl as you make your way towards the water edge.
- Monarch Trail – An easy 1.2 mile loop that flows through the center of the park. This trail consists of a boardwalk part of the way as you cross over the marshlands. Monarch butterflies are a common sight during the early fall and can be seen among the colorful wildflowers. The trail extends down to the beach area where you can see the World War II Gun Battery.
- Plover Trail – Another easy trail, this one at 1.5 miles in length. It loops around the ponds and beach dunes and offers the visitor a longer walk than the other two trails.
Fishing at Cape May Point State Park
Fish along the shoreline for striped bass, bluefish, flounder, weakfish and tautog.
Birding at Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point State Park is an excellent place to birdwatch. Waterfowl such as ducks, herons and gulls are commonly seen throughout the park.
And since it’s on the migratory pathway for many species, you can expect to see countless varieties of both migrating and native birds. The fall brings large numbers of migrating birds such as hawks (you may see hundreds of them as they pass over during the fall), eagles, falcons, bats and more.
Plus the area inside and around the park is a protected resting and feeding area for migrating birds and monarch butterflies.
Nature and Wildlife at Cape May Point State Park
Since most of the park is inside of the Cape May Point Natural Area you’ll be sure to see many signs of wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, rabbits, foxes, raccoons, waterfowl, snakes, butterflies and turtles.
Pets at Cape May Point State Park
Pets are allowed at Cape May Point State Park but must be leashed (no longer than 6’), supervised at all times and cleaned up after. Pets are not allowed on trails and are not allowed in the beach area between April 1 and September 15th each year.
Camping near Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point State Park is strictly a day park and does not provide overnight accommodations. The Jersey Cape, on the other hand, contains around 50 campgrounds and some 15,000 camp sites!
You’re sure to find something nearby whether you’re looking to camp in a tent, RV or stay in a cabin. There are also plenty of hotels and resorts near the beach and shopping, dining and entertainment.
Here are a few of the more popular campgrounds near Cape May Point State Park:
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Depot Travel Park – 800 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ 08204
Family campground with 240 tent and RV sites only a mile from the beach. -
Acorn Campground – 419 Route 47 South, Green Creek, NJ 08219
Three hundred and thirty three large shaded campsites with full hookups and pull through sites located only 20 minutes from Cape May Point State Park. This family campground is pet friendly and has 2 swimming pools, trails, fishing ponds, 2 playgrounds, a game room, a convenience store and more. -
Beachcomber Camping Resort – 462 Seashore Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204
Family owned camping resort with cabins, TeePees, Tiny Houses, and tent and RV sites.
Park Location
Cape May Point State Park
303 County Hwy 629
Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 609.884.2159
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video with some drone footage of Cape May Point State Park:
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