What’s Hoppin’ at Hopatcong: July 2025
- NJDEP
- Jul 2
- 6 min read
Summer has arrived at Hopatcong State Park (HOSP)! Stop in for swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating and more! We're looking forward to seeing you!
Fourth of July: What to Expect at Hopatcong State Park
Here at Hopatcong State Park, the Fourth of July is one of our busiest days. As such, we want to make sure that all visitors are equipped with the necessary information when preparing for a visit on the Fourth and throughout the year!
At HOSP, we want you to have a fun, but safe Fourth of July weekend! By following our Do’s and Don’ts you will be able to help us do just that!
DO arrive early to better your chances of park entry.
We expect to reach our parking lot’s full capacity quickly. Once the park reaches full capacity, we will not be able to let in any more visitors until it is safe to re-open.
It is good practice to call the park prior to arriving to ask about the status of our parking lot’s current capacity.
If you want to receive an e-mail or a text message when HOPS closes/reopens, please follow this link to sign-up for electronic alerts.
DO familiarize yourself with our entry policies.
It is recommended that you arrive at the park with your entire party. If a party member is not with you and the park reaches capacity, they will not be able to enter until the park reopens.
Please be aware that no buses, drop-offs, walk-ins, or deliveries (food, etc.) on weekends and holidays.
If our parking lot is at full capacity, you will not be able to re-enter the park until the gates are re-opened.
DO bring your beach and picnic items
Our concession stand will be open and have food items, bathing suits, beach toys, charcoal, etc. if you forget anything at home
DO follow all lifeguard instructions when in the swimming area. Safety is our number one priority!
DO respect the park by abiding by our ‘Carry In, Carry Out’ policy and taking your trash with you.
DON’Ts
DON’T bring prohibited items
Items like fireworks, confetti cannons, sparklers, balloons, and water balloons
Items like alcohol, cigarettes, and other smoking devices as these are also prohibited in the park.
Please also note that HOSP will still close at the regular time of 8 p.m. and the park will not be open for town firework viewings.
DON’T flush improper items (paper towels, wipes, feminine products, food wrappers, etc.) down the toilets.
With the large crowd numbers, it is important that restrooms are kept in working order and we appreciate you helping us with this matter.
For more information, please contact the Hopatcong State Park office at 973-398-7010.
How to Help Our Turtles
If you’ve explored any of our parks, forests, or historic sites you may have encounter turtles basking on rocks and logs or crawling through fields. Or you might have encountered them trying to cross a road when headed to the grocery store, ballfield or when driving through one of our public lands.
Remember, the best way to help an uninjured turtle cross the road is to place it on the side of the road that it was heading. When you pick up a turtle, make sure you grab the rear end of its shell with both hands. If you can’t figure out what side of the road the turtle was walking towards, move it to the side with the most suitable habitat.
Do not move a turtle away from where you found it.
Turtles often live their lives in a small area. When you move them to a new location, they will try to make their way back to their home and will likely need to cross more roads and be harmed in the process. Please note that baby turtles are not raised by their parents and should also not be moved from their habitat.
If you find an injured turtle, please call your nearest New Jersey Wildlife Rehabilitator. You can check this list for New Jersey Wildlife Rehabilitators (PDF). If you think you have encountered a rare or endangered turtle species, you can report the wildlife siting to NJ Fish and Wildlife.
Visit the NJ Fish and Wildlife website to find out more about our wildlife and other ways you can help!
Invasive Species Removal
Invasive species are organisms brought into areas where they do not naturally exist. They often thrive in their new habitat, and can quickly overwhelm and decimate native species. At
Hopatcong State Park, various invasive species are present that impede on local ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Some invasive plants we have recently removed include:
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.) was first introduced to North America in 1806, cultivated as garden ornaments by 1860, and labeled as an invasive species in 2007 because of the plant’s potential to cause soil toxicity and an increase in tick-borne disease risk.
Japanese Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius) is a species of raspberry, native to Japan, Korea, and China. Japanese Wineberry are categorized as an invasive species due to its rapid and wide-spreading growth that outcompetes native species for room, sunlight, and nutrients.
Water Chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis) are native to Asia and Africa and can grow up to about 5 feet tall. Water Chestnuts have recently been replaced with native species to promote the health of the lake’s local ecosystem.
Alternately, various native species have been planted to counteract the harmful impacts of invasive species. Some of these native species include:
Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) is native to the East Coast and produce flowers that bloom bright white and turn into a deep red in the fall.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is native the Eastern United States and has yellow, orange, and red leaves when mature.
Blackgum or Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) is a native tree to the Appalachian region of the Eastern United States. Its flowers include small, green and white groupings that produce nectar that attracts pollinators.
In the coming weeks, more native species will continue to be planted in an effort to improve ecological health.
For more information, please contact the Hopatcong State Park office at 973-398-7010.
Renovations and Upgrades
Over the winter, Hopatcong State Park made some improvements! We now have 18 brand new picnic tables and grills within our picnicking areas by the lake and on the first level of the hill near the parking lot. The picnicking hill was recently re-graded with a shallower slope to create more accessible picnicking options.
Additionally, construction workers have been hard at work in front of the park office placing a new ramp and staircase that are up to code with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). These two additions at the main office are intended to make access to park resources and staff easier. We hope that these improvements improve all visitors’ experience here at HOSP!
For more information about any of these projects, please contact the Hopatcong State Park office at 973-398-7010.
The Visitor Service Assistants "Rule of the Month"
Here are HOSP we want you to have a memorable and safe visit! Our Visitor Service Assistants (VSAs) are dedicated to ensuring the safety of you and your fellow park-goers. Please take time to make yourself familiar with the rules of any state park that you visit. This month, our VSAs want to highlight one of our park rules:
All pets are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches, swimming waters, all camping and overnight facilities, golf courses, and botanical gardens.” (7:2-2.8 Section (a) of State Park Service Code)
Pets are more than welcome here at HOSP! However, we do ask that you please avoid allowing your pet on the beach, in the swimming area, or in any park buildings. Of course, identified service animals are welcome.
Thank you!
For more information, please contact the Hoptcong State Park office at 973-398-7010.
Holidays: Mark Your Calendars!
July 4: Independence Day
See ‘Fourth of July’ section above
July 5: National Hop-A-Park Day
A day when people are encouraged to visit a state park. Whatever park you decide to attend, take some time to appreciate the nature around you by taking a stroll on a hiking trail, breathing in some fresh air, or dipping your toes in the water!
July 27: National New Jersey Day
A day that celebrates New Jersey’s many contributions to the United States. On this day, you are encouraged to visit one of the many museums and historical sites that depict the state’s rich history!
About Hopatcong State Park
Hopatcong State Park is situated on Lake Hopatcong, the largest lake in New Jersey. The lake is nine miles long, has a 40-mile shoreline, and covers 2,500 acres of water. Hopatcong State Park is located on the southwest side of the Lake Hopatcong and accommodates outdoor recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and boating. We hope you enjoy your visit!
Hopatcong State Park Office
260 Lakeside Blvd, Landing, NJ 07850973-398-7010
The Office is open 7 days a week:
Sunday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
