South Green Street

Map(s)

Overview map (637x608), 126K size.

Scenery

1.1 miles SW of First Bridge Marina, this launch area trades wind protection for greenhead protection & restrooms. In the southern part of Little Egg Harbor, north of the Beach Haven inlet, lies a 7 square mile region of composed sedge islands. Garmin's Blue Charts should color more of this area green (intertidial), since depending on the tidal period, it is very easy to get grounded ... even with a kayak. And just at the edge of this area, are heavily-traveled channels for the powerboats. Beautiful area, but not for the casual kayaker.

Check the tide tables, before cruising the marshes, because some of the thorofares (e.g. Jimmies Creek), become mud flats during low tides. Stranded boaters make a great feast for female greenheads.

Fees

None.

Directions

Take route 195 east, to exit 8. At the top of the ramp, turn left. Just beyond the route 195 intersection, turn right onto route 524. Take route 524, 1.6 mi to Sharon Station Road (this is the first intersection). Turn right onto Sharon Station Road, which eventully leads into route 539. (Most maps do NOT show the two roads connecting; Sharon Station Road was diverted, recently, to make the roads connect.) Before reaching route 539, be careful going through the route 526 intersection ... go the posted speed limit, and you will feel it in your lower back. Also watch out for a large pothole near that intersection, on the south-bound side.

Take route 539 to the intersection with route 9, and go straight. Take South Green St to the end & park in the parking lot.

Parking

Good, but try to park near the path to the beach.

Distance to the Launch Area

Close enough to carry your boat. However, if there are strong winds coming off of the water, move your car on the other side of the restrooms to make the loading of the boat easier.

Restrooms

Open from 7:00 to 15:00.

Status of Launch Area

If wind is coming out of the WSW, you might have a problem, otherwise you are fine. There are greenheads in the summer, but not as bad as First Bridge Marina.

Wind Conditions

Given that this is large bay, winds can get very nasty. They are at their meanest, when coming from the east or to the south, since they can build up the waves. And once past the initial launch area, this is one of the most exposed locations on this web site.

Powerboats

The sky is the limit. 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.

Foliage

Do not know. I have not been here in the fall. But given that this is the shore, do not anything.

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.