Map(s)SceneryBest place to launch from to explore the northern part of Little Egg Harbor. Inadvertently visited this area, after launching from Parker Cove, which is roughly 5 mi away (depending on your route). Depending on wind conditions & boat traffic, it is possible to make it to LBI. Head east, then at the Mill Creek Thorofare, head north to the route 72 bridge.FeesNone.DirectionsTake route 195 east, to exit 8. Bare to the right; this puts you on route 524 south. In a few seconds, after passing the gas station on your right, make a left onto the route 526 bypass. Make a left at the stop sign & take route 526 to the traffic light. Turn right onto Sharon Station Road, which eventully leads into route 539.Take route 539 to the intersection with route 72, turn left toward the LBI. Take route 9 south, 1 mi to Cedar Run Dock Road, and make the left. Take the road all the way to the end, where you will find parking. |
ParkingFair amount of parking on the asphalt lot, with one or two spots on the grass.Distance to the Launch AreaYou have to remove your boat, while on the asphalt parking lot, then carry it over the eel grass to the water. Borderline kayak cart territory. There are not many, but watch the greenheads.RestroomsNothing. Consider using the restrooms at nearby Paul A. King Park, on route 166, near the route 9 - 72 intersection.Status of Launch AreaTo the west of the fishing dock, is a sandy to fine gravel launch area, which is nice and shallow. Shielded from most wind directions, making an easy launch. (Totally shielded from N & NE winds.) This is a great launch point in the northern part of the bay, providing great access to the marshes south of Barnegat Bay. Because of its openess, this parking area is THE worst for getting your boat on and off the car on a windy day. (Best to go with a buddy.)Wind ConditionsThe parking area is bad enough, and given that this is large bay, winds can get very nasty. They are at their meanest, when coming from the east, since they can build up the waves.PowerboatsOnce past the immediate launch area, this is THE most wide-open part of Little Egg Harbor; the sky is the limit for horsepower. Powerboats & jet skis abound. Stay out of the channels, indicated by red & green markers. If ever there was a place to go out in groups, this it; multiple kayaks have greater visibility than lone ones.FoliageDo not know. I have not been here in the fall. But given that this is the shore, do not expect much.Rolling Practice?Little Egg Harbor is huge, and includes a lot of boat traffic. Some of the coves & marshes may be okay. Best Bet: Consider the in-land lakes. The area, in particular is too open. |