Lake Lenape Park West is the activity heart of the Lake Lenape park system — the side with the boathouse, the boat launch ramp, the campgrounds, and the gateway to the federally designated “Wild and Scenic” Great Egg Harbor River. Located at 6303 Old Harding Highway in Hamilton Township, the park protects a major section of the Great Egg Harbor River corridor, one of the most pristine river systems remaining in southern New Jersey.
The lake itself is a widening of the Great Egg Harbor River as it passes through Mays Landing — a large, calm freshwater body surrounded by forest and wetland that supports fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, and some of the finest inland birding in Atlantic County. Over 160 bird species have been recorded here, and the lake is one of the most reliable sites in South Jersey for winter bald eagle viewing. The park is also the primary access point for paddlers exploring the Great Egg Harbor River, which winds through protected pine barrens and cedar swamps for miles in either direction.
For World Cup visitors with camping gear or looking for a full outdoor day beyond the beach circuit, Park West offers something genuinely rare within 20 minutes of a major casino resort city: a working campground directly on a beautiful freshwater lake, with boat access, hiking, birding, and a wild river corridor waiting just downstream.
Activities at Park West
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Boating — Permit Required
Motorized boat launch from the Park West ramp. Boating permit required — obtain at the boathouse or online. No personal watercraft (jet skis). All state regulations apply.
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Kayaking & Canoeing
Multiple accessible water entry points on the lake’s western shore. Calm freshwater ideal for beginners. River access permit ($5/vehicle) opens three additional Great Egg Harbor access points.
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Fishing
Bass, striper (season opens March 1), perch, catfish, and panfish throughout the lake and river. Shore fishing, pier fishing, and boat fishing all available. NJ freshwater license required.
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Swimming
Swimming area on the lake — check with the park for current designated swim zones and lifeguard schedule. Calm freshwater swimming as an alternative to the ocean beaches.
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Hiking & Nature Walks
Trails through the western park’s wooded areas and along the river. The Great Egg Harbor River environs include cedar swamps, pine forest, and wetland meadows accessible on foot.
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Birding
160+ species on the lake system. Bald eagles regular in winter. Herons, osprey, waterfowl, and migrating songbirds throughout the year. The western shore’s wooded buffer is excellent for warbler watching in spring.
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Picnicking
Picnic tables and grills throughout the park. Pavilion reservations available through the county parks office at (609) 625-8219 or in person at the reservation office.
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Playground
Children’s playground on-site with benches for accompanying adults. Adult supervision required per park rules. Report any equipment issues to the nature center or a park ranger.
Camping at Lake Lenape West
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Individual Sites
Tent or pop-up. Picnic table + fire bin. Carry-in/carry-out. Main dumpster at campground entrance.
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Primitive Sites
Picnic table + fire bin. Main parking area. New bathhouse with bathrooms and showers. Max 4 per site.
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Lean-To Shelters
3-sided lean-to, picnic table, fire bin. Carry-in/carry-out. Main parking area with bathhouse access.
Camping season opens April. Reservations required — reserve online or in person at 6303 Old Harding Highway. Cannot be processed by phone. $5 non-refundable processing fee. Max 4 people per site.
🌊 Great Egg Harbor Wild & Scenic River — Gateway Access
The Great Egg Harbor River, which feeds Lake Lenape, holds federal “Wild and Scenic” designation — one of only a handful of rivers in New Jersey to receive this recognition. The river corridor stretches through the Pine Barrens and cedar swamps of South Jersey in one of the most ecologically intact river systems on the East Coast. A $5 vehicle access permit (purchased at the boathouse or online) opens three additional access points: one along the Egg Harbor River, one within the Lake Lenape property, and a third in Estell Manor Park along South River. Paddlers register at the boathouse and leave a contact name and number — strong winds can come up unexpectedly on the lake. The two-hour paddle from upstream to Mays Landing through quiet water, marshes, holly, and cedar is one of the best freshwater paddling experiences in Atlantic County.
📍 Pair with Park East: Lake Lenape Park East (753 Park Rd) is on the opposite shore — the scenic, renovated side with the fishing pier, pickleball courts, Lakeside Manor venue, and best lake views. Many visitors combine both parks in a single day.
See Park East listing →
💚 Free Entry
⛺ Camping — Opens April
⛵ Boathouse & Boat Launch
🌊 Wild & Scenic River Access
🛶 Kayak & Canoe
🎣 Freshwater Fishing
🦅 Winter Bald Eagles
📍 Mays Landing, NJ
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