Turtles, Frogs & Snakes

Turtles love to Conga !

American Bullfrog

Frogs are seldom seen during the day, but easily discovered at night by their eye shine. In fact, it can be disturbing to see just how many of them there are around.


Eastern Painted Turtle

You'll find these medium-sized turtles in any body of water. You will often find them sunning themselves on any convenient perch, watching you. Get too close, and they drop into the water. Rarely, you may encounter a released pet that is tame.


Common Watersnake

This is one of the most common snakes in NJ, inhabiting freshwater streams, ponds, lakes, swamps, marshes, and bogs throughout the state. This snake will likely retreat from you, but if you have to push your luck, this bad-tempered critter can give you a nasty non-venomous bite, and is likely to hold on for quite a while. All snakes are good swimmers, but this one actually likes the water.


Swimming River
( 40.33481, -74.10058 )

  1. Navesink River - Claypit Creek ( 40.39367, -74.02062 )
  2. Navesink River - Fair Haven ( 40.36647, -74.04204 )
  3. Navesink River - Red Bank ( 40.35212, -74.06980 )
  4. Navesink River - Rumson (E) ( 40.37649, -73.99990 )
  5. Navesink River - Rumson (W) ( 40.37650, -74.01310 )
  6. Shadow Lake - Middletown ( 40.34698, -74.10476 )
  7. Swimming River - Middletown ( 40.34831, -74.08318 )
  8. Swimming River - Red Bank ( 40.33838, -74.08815 )

The Swimming River is an extension of the Navesink. On the map above, you can see the main put-in is at the upper-right in the new (2015) county park. You need to check in at the ranger's hut; there is a ramp fee of $7 per vessel, including kayaks and canoes. The park also has a strict closing time, at which the gates are locked. For details, see the county's page here:

  • https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?ID=4545