Picnic Areas
Information on this page current as of March 25, 2010
Picnickers can be accommodated at all of our developed areas, but restrictions may be in place, and space may be limited. Picnickers are encouraged to make use of the park’s riverfront picnic areas (described below).
Tables and parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak season, late May–mid-July, picnic areas may close as early as midday due to overcrowding.
Barbecues are permitted only in our four major riverfront picnic areas.
Riverfront picnic areas, listed south to north (with approx. distance north of the George Washington Bridge)—click each for a full description:
Ross Dock Picnic Area (0.5 mi.) “First Picnic Area”
Englewood Picnic Area (2 mi.) “Second Picnic Area”
Undercliff Picnic Area (3 mi.)
Alpine Picnic Area (7 mi.)Only a limited number of grills are provided in these picnic areas. Those wishing to barbecue are advised to bring their own self-contained grills and fuel (charcoal). Ground fires are not permitted anywhere within the NJ Section. Coals must be properly extinguished before disposal in one of the red trashcans (marked “hot coals”) provided for that purpose. Grilling on tables is prohibited.
For groups of more than 25, company picnics, weddings, charity fundraisers, or if a group plans to have regulated activities or equipment, a permit may be needed. To determine if your group needs a permit, check our Group Use & Picnic Policy for 2010, please click here (.pdf file, 3 pages) or call 201 768-1360.
Find additional information and a permit form by clicking here.
Ross Dock Picnic Area “First Picnic Area”
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
201 768-1360 (general information)Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. From May through October, a parking fee may be in effect. Click to check current hours of Picnic Area operation (posted on our home page).
Site Description
A large scenic riverfront picnic area with access to Hazard’s Dock Boat Ramp, and with access to our trail system and Henry Hudson Drive, car-top boat launching, fishing and crabbing, restrooms, vending machines and refreshments (in season), public phone, and large playground.
top of page (general picnic & barbeque information)
Englewood Picnic Area “Second Picnic Area” (Englewood Boat Basin, Bloomer’s Beach)
Base of Dyckman Hill Road
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
201 768-1360 (picnic area information)
201 943-6030/568-1328 (boat basin)Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. May through October, a parking fee may be in effect. Click to check current hours of Picnic Area operation (posted on our home page). For information about the boat basin, please call J. M. Englewood Marina, LLC, for hours: 201 943-6030/568-1328.
Site Description
A scenic riverfront picnic area (with adjacent boat basin) with access for fishing and crabbing, beach for car-top boat launching (canoe and kayak), access to our trail system and Henry Hudson Drive, restrooms, water, vending machines and refreshment stand (in season), small playground, some barbeque grills (visitors are permitted to bring their own grills), and public phone.
top of page (general picnic & barbeque information)
Undercliff Picnic Area
Henry Hudson Drive, 0.5 mile north of the Englewood Area
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
201 768-1360 (general information)Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours, to hikers and cyclists. (Note: Henry Hudson Drive is closed in winter.) Open some weekend afternoons during summer season for limited car and motorcycle parking. Click to check current hours of Picnic Area operation (posted on our home page).
Site Description
A scenic riverfront picnic area, with access to our trail system and Henry Hudson Drive. Facilities are not available at this site.
top of page (general picnic & barbeque information)
Alpine Picnic Area (Alpine Boat Basin, Alpine Pavilion, Kearney House)
Base of Alpine Approach Rd.
Alpine, NJ 07620
201 768-1360 (general information, slip rentals)
201 784-2264 (boat basin)Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. (Access road may be closed in winter.) May–October, a parking fee may be in effect on weekends and holidays. The boat basin is open May through October. The Kearney House is open weekends and holidays, 12 to 5 pm, May through October, no fee. Click to check current hours of Picnic Area operation (posted on our home page).
Site Description
A scenic riverfront picnic area (with adjacent boat basin) with beach for car-top boat launching (canoe and kayak), access for fishing and crabbing, access to our trail system and Henry Hudson Drive, restrooms, water, some grills (visitors are permitted to bring their own grills), vending machines, and public phone.
At Alpine Picnic Area:
Alpine Pavilion, an open-air stone picnic pavilion built in 1934 by the Civil Works Administration (available for rental).
The historic (c. 1761) Kearney House.
2010 Area Information & Fee Schedule (.pdf file, 4 pages)
