Places (3/4)
More: Raritan Bay ...
The map above shows a nice put-in in northern Piscataway. This spot has floating dock, and is convenient to Route 287. The river is tidal at this point, and the flow will depend on that, and the season. If you go upstream from here, you may quickly run out of water! I made it to Bound Brook one day, but only by hiking through the ankle-deep riffles, towing the boat behind me. ( Which is why you should always have a piece of rope with you. Ahem - line! )
More: Raritan River ...
I have marked Lot C on the bay side, which is the best combination of parking and access to the water. This spot is very popular with windsurfers. You could also use Spermacetti Cove to the north. On a very fine day, you could even try the ocean side.
More: Sandy Hook ...
This small lake is about a mile long. The only public launch is at the west end in Stevenson Park, off West Front Street. There is a channel from there to the lake, but good luck finding it - be prepared to run aground. Fortunately, the bottom is firm sand, and a short tow on foot will get you out to deeper water. It is also possible to go a short ways up the creek.
More: Shadow Lake - Middletown ...
Shark River is not really a river, it is more of a saltwater lagoon with an outlet to the sea. The actual inlet would be a very bad place to go, with a lot of boat traffic and sometimes swift tidal current. The lagoon is much better, and I have marked two spots that are easy access and parking - both in public parks. Don't try to use the boat ramp, you might get in trouble.
More: Shark River - Neptune/Belmar ...
The launch point is on the river behind the little strip mall off Route 527 / Old Matawan Rd. I have never had a problem parking here, although I don't think this would be a good place for a large group to show up. Entry can be messy if the water is low.
The river is tidal and brackish at this point. If the tide is high, you can go upstream to the left, under the highway. Pick your way around all the fallen trees and have fun avoiding all the dead-ends, and you can go all the way to the Duhernal Lake dam. The lake itself is off limits.
More: South River - Old Bridge ...