A Guide to Manahawkin, NJ Parks

​​Manahawkin, N.J., blends coastal charm with an inviting outdoor lifestyle that locals appreciate year-round. Just minutes from Long Beach Island, the area’s parks offer the perfect balance between wooded trails, lakefront scenery, and open recreation spaces. Whether you’re looking for a quiet walk near the water, a place to enjoy a tennis match, or a peaceful spot to unwind beneath tall pines, Manahawkin’s park system delivers plenty of ways to enjoy time outside.

Exploring these parks also gives you a clearer picture of what makes Manahawkin special. The diversity of these settings highlights the town’s commitment to open space and its easygoing rhythm of life along the Jersey Shore.

A. Paul King County Park sits on 48 acres along Manahawkin Lake. The park combines open fields, shaded areas, and waterfront views, making it a distinct outdoor setting. It features a large playground, basketball court, horseshoe pits, and picnic areas with tables under pine trees. The pavilion and open lawns allow group gatherings or quiet afternoons near the water.

The lake access is one of its strongest features, which offers a shoreline for fishing and swimming in designated seasons. The blend of tree-lined spaces and open lake views gives the park an appealing balance between active recreation and calm leisure.

Manahawkin Lake Park lies along Route 9 and North Lakeshore Drive, with a layout centered around the lake. Walking trails, playground equipment, and grassy areas provide room for outdoor movement. Its bike path, pavilion, and picnic tables make it easy for visitors to enjoy extended stays.

The park’s proximity to the water gives it a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can sit near the lake or stroll around the perimeter. The surrounding lawns remain well-maintained, and the space is structured for easy access from the main road. Manahawkin Lake Park offers a direct connection to the township’s natural setting and serves as a convenient recreation site.

Mill Creek Park on Mill Creek Road is known for its wide range of sports facilities. These include tennis courts, bocce courts, shuffleboard areas, horseshoe pits, and basketball courts. The walking track and playground also contribute to the park's appeal for those looking to stay active.

The park is designed so that multiple activities can take place simultaneously without feeling crowded. Visitors often come for a casual game or for organized sports events. With a balance of open and shaded areas, Mill Creek Park has become a mainstay for recreational play in the Manahawkin region.

Heritage Park, located on West Bay Avenue just west of Route 9, combines open space with historical significance. It features restored structures such as an eighteenth-century stone store and a historic train station building. The lawn surrounding these buildings provides room to walk and relax.

The setting emphasizes Stafford Township’s early development while offering a green place for the community. Heritage Park differs from other parks because it connects local history with public space.

Ocean Acres Lake Park, located along Buccaneer Lane, serves as a central park for the Ocean Acres neighborhood of Manahawkin. The park offers tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, and picnic shelters. Restrooms and parking are available on site, supporting more extended visits.

Its residential location makes it a comfortable place for everyday recreation. The combination of shaded areas and open lawns gives it a welcoming layout that fits naturally within the neighborhood.

The Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area covers about 1,600 acres and is characterized by its wetlands, woodlands, and marsh environments. The area supports many plant species, including sweetgum, red maple, and black gum trees.

Unlike other Manahawkin NJ parks, this site emphasizes natural preservation over built amenities. Visitors can walk along dirt paths, observe birds and wildlife, and experience a quieter outdoor setting. The area’s conservation purpose offers a contrasting outdoor experience within the same township.

Beach Avenue Park offers a smaller but practical recreation space in the Manahawkin community. Facilities include horseshoe pits, basketball courts, and open lawns. A local memorial adds a reflective aspect to the park’s layout.

Although compact, it provides a convenient stop for quick recreation or outdoor relaxation. The park’s location within residential streets makes it easy to reach on foot or by bicycle. Beach Avenue Park complements the township’s larger parks by meeting everyday needs for space and outdoor activity.

Nautilus Park, situated in Stafford Township, expands the range of green spaces accessible to Manahawkin residents. The park covers over 30 acres and includes walking paths and open fields. It appeals to visitors who prefer open surroundings and less structured recreation.

Because of its scale, Nautilus Park provides room for running, casual exercise, or simply spending time outdoors without the crowds that sometimes gather in more central parks. Its inclusion within the regional park network reinforces the area’s commitment to maintaining diverse public green spaces.

Manahawkin and the surrounding Stafford Township maintain a network of parks that reflect different purposes and landscapes. From sports-focused parks like Mill Creek Park to the preserved natural terrain of the Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area, each offers distinct settings for outdoor activity.

If the lifestyle, open space, and coastal charm of Manahawkin appeal to you, it might be time to make this community your home. The Beach House Group | SERHANT specializes in helping clients find homes that capture the best of shore living — from lakefront properties to neighborhoods near these scenic parks. Reach out to The Beach House Group | SERHANT today to explore current listings and discover the Manahawkin home that fits your vision of coastal living.