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
Wildlife viewing and birding near Jersey City
Refuges, lakes and wild areas near Jersey City for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
15places to see wildlife
4 mito the closest
4within 30 miles
Good to know: Early mornings and evenings are best for wildlife; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.
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 - Sandy Hook
19 mi south · National Park Service
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,…
Map of all 15 places
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Within 30 miles (4)
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 - 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
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System that is administered by the Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Birding
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Nature education
- Photography
- Ranger programs
30 to 75 miles (9)
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
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt's time in office, his "Summer White House" was the focus of international attention.
- Biking
- Hiking
- History
- Picnicking
- 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
Weir Farm National Historical Park
Visit the home and studio of America's most beloved Impressionist, J. Alden Weir, and walk in the footsteps of generations of world-class artists.
- Hiking
- History
- Wildlife viewing
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.
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Questions
Where is the closest place for wildlife & birding 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 - Sandy Hook (19 mi).
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.