National Parks of New York Harbor
4 mi south · National Park Service
These 12 sites preserve more than 400 years of American history! We invite you to explore the past and investigate its relevance in our lives today.
Outdoors
Fishing near Jersey City
Lakes, rivers and recreation areas near Jersey City where fishing is allowed, closest first.
18places to fish
4 mito the closest
5within 30 miles
Good to know: Anyone 16 or older generally needs a state fishing license; seasons, limits and special rules vary by water. New Jersey license information ↗
Closest picks
Camp Gateway - Staten Island
8 mi south · National Park Service
This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years.
Camp Gateway- Brooklyn Ny
12 mi southeast · National Park Service
There's no other campground in the world where a family can sleep under the stars, tour the Statue of Liberty, watch a Broadway musical and kayak in one of the world's premier bird migration sanctuaries-all in one trip.
Map of all 18 places
Map of 18 places loads as you scroll.
Within 30 miles (5)
National Parks of New York Harbor
These 12 sites preserve more than 400 years of American history! We invite you to explore the past and investigate its relevance in our lives today.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Paddling
- Picnicking
Camp Gateway - Staten Island
This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Evening Programs
- Fishing
- Guided Interpretive Walks
- Hiking
Camp Gateway- Brooklyn Ny
There's no other campground in the world where a family can sleep under the stars, tour the Statue of Liberty, watch a Broadway musical and kayak in one of the world's premier bird migration sanctuaries-all in one trip.
- Archery
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Ranger programs
- Star Gazing
Gateway National Recreation Area
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for millions of visitors every year.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Swimming
Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook
Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping,…
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Cultural Activities
- Evening Programs
- Fishing
30 to 75 miles (11)
Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge
The Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge was donated to the Service by the Town of Oyster Bay in 1968 as a habitat for migratory birds, particularly wintering waterfowl.
- Birding
- Boating
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Photography
- Ranger programs
- Wildlife viewing
Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge
Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge was acquired in 1967 as a donation from the Eberstadt family, who maintained the land as a garden estate.
- Beach
- Birding
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Ranger programs
- Wildlife viewing
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge manages over 6,000 acres in Sussex County, New Jersey and Orange County, New York. We strive to manage quality habitat for wildlife while providing outdoor recreation for the public.
- Boating
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge, located in Islip on the south shore of Long Island, consists of 209 acres bordering the Great South Bay, and is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by Fire Island.
- Fishing
- Hunting
Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
The Delaware River, the largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States, runs past forests, farmlands and villages. It also links some of the most densely populated regions in America.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
Alosa Campsites
The Alosa Campsites are boat-in only sites located on the west (Pennsylvanian) shore of the Delaware River near Bushkill, Pennsylvania. The side of the river with the campsites will be on your right while traveling downstream.
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history, and striking scenery along 40 miles of…
- Biking
- Boating
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
Fire Island National Seashore
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and…
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hunting
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1947, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge protects 2,550 acres on the south shore of Long Island.
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hunting
Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge
Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, which protects 597 acres in Ulster County, NY, was established in July 1999 to support grassland-dependent migratory birds and wintering raptors.
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is located within the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut. Its 536 acres provide excellent recreation opportunities and a chance to escape from the growing suburbia surrounding the park.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
75 miles and farther (2)
Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters
Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters are located along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut.
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Kayaking
Indian Hollow
With abundant wildlife, lush scenery and waterfront views, Indian Hollow Group Campground, located at the Knightville Dam and Reservoir, offers groups and clubs a recreational oasis.
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Mountain Biking
- Star Gazing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Jersey City. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Jersey City
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Visit The Liberty Science Center
An activity Short shared by Strides & Scenes.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Water’s Soul in Jersey City
An activity Short shared by NJ.com.
Watch on YouTube ↗Around Jersey City
More outdoors near Jersey City
Questions
Where is the closest place for fishing near Jersey City?
National Parks of New York Harbor (National Park Service), about 4 miles south of Jersey City as the crow flies. Next are Camp Gateway - Staten Island (8 mi) and Camp Gateway- Brooklyn Ny (12 mi).
Do I need a fishing license near Jersey City?
Yes, anglers 16 and older generally need a New Jersey fishing license from the state wildlife agency. Rules, seasons and limits vary by water.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.