Map(s)
 Road map (1024x720). 41K size.
Scenery 
Excellent; one of the prettiest lakes in NJ. There are at least 3 flooded forest regions, a pair of nesting bald eagles, and some nice trees. Like Round Valley, the water is crystal clear. The southern-most area, near the main dam can be up to 220' deep; deeper than Round Valley. Hugging the shoreline, yields a trip between 5 3/4 and 6 mi.
At about 40 44.035N, 75 3.363W, there is a buoy, indicating the nesting area for the eagles. It is about 0.3 mi from the western shore and makes a 70° angle with the other buoys. Stay clear of this area.
The water temperature, though cool, is warmer than Round Valley.
In spring 2004, the sign to the reservoir should have said, 'Welcome to Cicada City'. They were out in force, being very loud and stinking up the place.
Fees
None. However, during the summer you must sign in. (Park personnel will make sure of it.) Kayaks must be >= 9' in length; inflatable boats must be >= 10' in length.
Directions
Take route 78 west to exit 4 and head north; this is South Main St. (Note: Exit 4 is only available for 78 west-bound.)
When you come to the flashing red light in Stewartsville (this intersection has a 4-way stop sign), make a right onto Washington Street, which soon becomes Stewartsville Road. After passing under the railroad tracks, you will come to route 57. Jog to the right, to pick up Montana Road. (There should be a sign for Merrill Creek.) Follow Montana Road up the hill to a 'T' intersection with Richline Road. Make a left. At the next intersection, make a left onto Fox Farm Road. This will take you to the park. At the park entrance, either go straight to get to the boat launch, or go right to the park office.
Alternative Route: Take rt. 579 to rt. 173. After crossing a narrow bridge (going over railroad tracks), followed by another bridge over the Musconetong River, make a left onto rt. 173. (You will NOT be able to go straight.) In about 0.6 mi, make a right onto South Main St. Follow the above directions.
Alternative Route 2: Take rt. 579 to rt. 173. After crossing a narrow bridge (going over railroad tracks), followed by another bridge over the Musconetong River, make a left onto rt. 173. (You will NOT be able to go straight.) After it crosses over route 78, it becomes route 22. Drive 1.1 mi, until you see route 519. Make a right, and drive 2.7 mi to Fox Farm Rd, and make a right. At the intersection with Allens Mills Rd & Richline Rd, bear right onto Richline Rd. Take a right onto Merrill Creek Rd, and follow that to the end.
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Parking
There is plenty of parking in the main parking lot. But if needed, there is additional parking up the hill, near the port-a-johns.
Distance to the Launch Area
The main parking lot is near the launch ramp, however it is a good idea to unload your boat near the launch ramp.
Restrooms
The restrooms at the park office are nice, while the facilities near the boat launch consist of port-a-johns.
Status of Launch Area
The area to the left of the boat ramp is course gravel; horrible for gelcoats. There is finer gravel to the right of the ramp, but it is like quicksand; no support. This is one of the worst boat launches for fiberglass & kevlar boats.
To the right of the ramp is a gravelly area that a boat can launch from, but it drops off quickly.
Wind Conditions
As with Round Valley, this lake is wide open, with a high area to shoreline ratio. But because of its small size (relative to Round Valley), the winds are not bad.
Power Boats
Electric boats only; no gas boats.
Foliage
Very good, but not as spectacular as Lake Lenape.
Rolling Practice?
The water is certainly clear enough, so this could be a good spot. First, find a sheltered area; there aren't that many.
More Information . . .
For more info about Merrill Creek, go to Merrill Creek Reservoir.
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Road map (1024x720). 41K size.