West Creek

Map(s)

Overview map (637x608), 126K size.

Scenery

Too many mosquitoes ... end of story. I launched here once with Ocean County Parks, and hated it.

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 past the Garden State Parkway.  The first left is Thomas Ave.; take the 2^nd left, which is Parkertown Dr.  Take this to the end, which is the route 9 intersection.  Turn left onto route 9 north.  Turn right onto Dock Road, but NOT the first that you will see almost immediately; the one that you want is about 1 mi north of the intersection.

Make the right onto Dock Road, and proceed between 0.2 & 0.3 mi to the fishing piers, on your left side.  (If you see Coxs Lane on your right, you have gone too far.)  Park next to the piers, or on the grass on the opposite side of the road.

Parking

Limited; comparable to the First Bridge Marina.

Distance to the Launch Area

Close enough to carry your boat. The launch area is a hole in the marsh grass.

Restrooms

Nothing.

Status of Launch Area

THE most sheltered spot for Little Egg Harbor. It is also the worst launch area in NJ for mosquitoes (but I have never been to IBSP in the summer). Having no wind is great for the little blood-suckers. This may be a viable launch area in the cooler months, but it is not worth it when the mosquitoes are out. I'll take my chances with one of the other launch sites.

Wind Conditions

If you plan on going out during a small craft advisery, this is the place to launch from. Winds are the most timid in the creek, but the bay is another story.

Powerboats

Once you hit the open area of Little Egg Harbor, the sky is the limit. But the creek itself is a no-wake zone.

Foliage

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

Rolling Practice?

Go elsewhere. Too shallow & too many mosquitos.