Stow Creek
New Jersey’s Bald Eagle Haven — Nature Preserve and Creek Landing, Bald Eagle Viewing Platform, Boat Launch on Stow Creek, Kayaking, Birding, Wetlands and Forests, Cumberland County Southern New Jersey
Stow Creek State Park is a nature-focused state park in Cumberland County, southern New Jersey, centered on the tidal Stow Creek as it winds toward Delaware Bay. The park features a public boat launch and floating dock at Stow Creek Landing, a dedicated bald eagle viewing platform with interpretive signage, tidal creek access for kayaking and canoeing, excellent birding in wetland and forest habitats, and a quiet wilderness experience in one of New Jersey’s most rural and least-developed regions.
Bald Eagle Viewing
Stow Creek is renowned as one of New Jersey’s premier bald eagle viewing locations. The park features a dedicated eagle viewing platform that provides a safe, non-intrusive vantage point for observing active bald eagle nesting activity. Interpretive signage explains New Jersey’s remarkable bald eagle restoration program — from near-extinction in the 1970s to a recovering population today. Bald eagles can be spotted year-round, with winter and early spring (nesting season) offering the best viewing opportunities. Eagles are often seen perched in tall trees along the creek or soaring overhead.
Water Access and Paddling
The Stow Creek Landing features a concrete boat ramp and floating dock providing access to the tidal creek. The facility accommodates kayaks, canoes, and small motorized boats. Paddling Stow Creek offers an immersive experience through tidal marshlands and forested bottomlands — a landscape that feels remarkably wild for the densely populated Northeast. There is typically no launch fee.
Nature and Wildlife
Beyond bald eagles, the Stow Creek corridor supports ospreys, great blue herons, various hawks, waterfowl, white-tailed deer, river otters, and a rich variety of songbirds. The mix of tidal marsh, hardwood forest, and open fields creates diverse habitats. Nearby Wildlife Management Areas including Mad Horse Creek and Gumtree Corner offer additional exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see bald eagles?
Winter and early spring (nesting season) offer the best viewing, though eagles are present year-round.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, access to Stow Creek State Park is free. Open dawn to dusk daily.
