Estell Manor Park

There's more to do in Estell Manor Park than you might expect. Scroll through the list of "Things to Do at Estell Manor Park" for more information.

Estell Manor Park is located 3.5 miles south of Mays Landing on Route 50. It is bordered by the Great Egg Harbor River / South River to the east and by Route 50 to the west. In all, it is about 1700 acres large. This is Atlantic County Park System's most popular park and the Division of Parks and Recreation headquarters.

History

After the Native Americans, this was land owned by the Estell family and was the site of a glassworks in the 1800's, then became the site of a munitions plant during World War I. After 70 years, the forest has reclaimed this area, and is now home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals. Visit our Historic Sites in Atlantic County to learn more.

Warren E. Fox Nature Center

The Warren E. Fox Nature Center is located within Estell Manor Park. This is the headquarters for environmental education within the Atlantic County park system and is also the information office. The center has environmental displays, maps and brochures, restroom facilities, and is the location to obtain your cancellation stamps for the Passport To Your National Parks Program. Visit Warren E. Fox Nature Center for more information and operating hours.

Things to Do at Estell Manor Park

Trails

The Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor has about 27 miles of trails stretching through a variety of habitats. Most of the trails are constructed of compacted dirt or sand and can sometimes become wet and muddy. The dirt trails invite hiking, biking, walking, jogging. Equestrian riding is also available in the North End of the park.

See the Estell Manor Park Trail System page for more details.

Swamp Trail Boardwalk

The Swamp Trail Boardwalk is a 1.8 mile fully accessible, elevated wooden nature trail that crosses some of the most beautiful areas of the Park. It starts directly behind the Nature Center and goes all the way to Artesian Well Road.

Along the way you will see streams, a cedar swamp, coastal forest, ruins of the Bethlehem Loading Company, and two bump outs that take you right to magnificent views of South River. There is also a boardwalk extension that leads to Oak Ridge Trail.

Bikes/horses are not permitted on the Swamp Trail.

Picnics

We have stationed grills and picnic tables which are perfect for small gatherings. These areas function under a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. There are also three sheltered pavilions perfect for larger gatherings; however, they need to be reserved in advance either online on the reservation page or in person.  Call the reservation office 609-625-8219 with any questions.

Biking

Mountain bike trails are located in the north end of the park. This trail is a single track, advanced bikeway and is frequently maintained by the organization JORBA (Jersey Off Road Bicycle Association).

Casual biking would be better served on any of the other multipurpose trails in the park or on the paved Purple Heart Drive. Please take a closer look at our North End Trail Map and our Estell Manor Park Trail Map on the Estell Manor Park Trail System page for more details. Bikes are not permitted on the Swamp Trail Boardwalk.

Boating

You can set your canoe / kayak off at the floating dock on Stephen's Creek or at the South River. You may launch your boat into the South River from the North End of the park.  These waters are tidal and you need to purchase a vehicle access permit either ON-LINE or in person. Call the reservation office at 609-625-8219 with any questions at 609-625-8219.

Fishing

You can fish off the floating dock or on the South River. No license is needed, unless you fish in one of the freshwater ponds.

Camping

See Camping Information for information and fees.

Softball / Soccer Fields

The park also has a soccer field and softball field which can be used on a ‘first come, first served’ basis; however, groups may also reserve the fields for a particular function. To inquire about their availability, contact the Park System Reservation Office (609) 625-8219.

Orienteering

Signs for this activity are permanently installed at Estell Manor for the beginners and intermediate patrons. Be sure to download your map and instructions from the Estell Manor Park Trail System page before heading out.

• Orienteering Guide

Cross-Country Skiing

Most of our trails convert to cross-country skiing when it snows. Trail maps are available online on the Estell Manor Park Trail System page or on the Warren E. Fox Nature Center page.

Nature Study

The park offers excellent opportunities for bird watching, wildlife watching, plant identifying, ecosystem studying, and just plain enjoying. Some sightings may include bald eagles, otters, red foxes, beavers, yellow-bellied sapsucker, swamp pink, and many others. There are many different habitats within the Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor, which create such a diverse selection of plant and wildlife.

Photography

Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor offers excellent photo opportunities. See previous descriptions.

Hunting

Only shotgun hunting is allowed in this park and is restricted to the North End on state-mandated shotgun hunting days. Signs are posted to notify patrons of these dates that are also included in the online Hunt Calendar found on the Deer Management Zone (DMZ) 61 page.

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