Manasquan Reservoir

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Scenery

The flooded forest area, in the west, is the most interesting part of the lake.  This region has several ospray nests, and one roped-off area has an eagle's nest.  Watch out for the shallows directly across from the marina.  The area around the dam tower is buoy'ed off, NE of the marina; stay away.  There is a walking trail on the northern & western sections, where I saw joggers, bikes, and mostly walkers.  Saw a bench, with a sandy strip, along the walking trail.  Much of the lake has submerged obstacles near the shore, so be careful!

Ran into a few row boats, a tour boat, and other kayaks. The fishermen (boat & land-based) dominate in the morning, while the kayakers come out in the afternoon.

Fees

$5 per boat per day.  Pay at the marina, to the west of the boat ramp.  As with Lake Lenape, you should check in after completing your paddle.

Hours of Operation

6:00 → dusk, from Oct to Nov; 7:00 → dusk in March & November.

Directions

Take route 195 east, exiting at 28B.  This is route 9 north.  At the first light, make a right onto Georgia Tavern Road.  Proceed about 0.4 mi to Windeler Road, making a right.  (The left is Frederick Avenue.)  Continue until you see the reservoir entrance on the left.  (If you reach the Old Tavern Road - Oak Glen Road intersection, you have gone too far.)  Follow the signs to the boat launch.

Parking

There is plenty of parking, but in the summer, many of lots are nearly full.

Distance to the Launch Area

It is a 1 min walk from the parking area.

Restrooms

There are restrooms at the marina.

Status of Launch Area

Concrete boat ramp.  The worst lake for gelcoats.  Some kayakers use the boardwalk area, which has a ramp down to a very shallow (less than a foot of water), sandy area.

The park officials at the marina, when asked, said that only the concrete boat should be used.  By the same token, many kayakers were launching from there.  MUCH better than the boat ramp for gelcoats, but use it at your own peril.

Best spot is a sandy area to the west of the closed west boat ramp.  Some rocks to dodge, after launching, but has the advantage that cars can get very close to unload.

Stay away from the sandy strip to the east of the boat ramp, on the other side of the bushes.  Normally, fisherman hog it up.  But even if they didn't, use a different area.  The nearby rocks will scar a gelcoat.

Wind Conditions

Larger than Merrill Creek and not as many trees, but the winds are not as bad, except for the worst of days.  The marina area is worst part; unless you like a challenge.

Power Boats

Gas-powered boats are around, but only electric motors are allowed.

Foliage

Not bad, but there are better locations.

Rolling Practice?

The water stinks of water fowl droppings in western section.  While the eastern section is not bad, there are better locations.

More information . . .

For more info about Manasquan Reservoir, go to Manasquan Reservoir.