Allaire State Park Reviews Summary

Accessibility & Location

Pros:

• "There is also a paved bike path that joins with a much longer one - can be done in segments."
• "This park has a massive amount of history and literally has the nicest people working at each spot like the general store."
• "We arrived earlier in the day and there was ample parking in the lot by the village."
• "There is plenty of parking and restrooms."

Cons:

• "Being pretty much surrounded by busy roads makes for just ok stay."
• "Getting there off the highway took a couple of attempts, signage is poor."
• "The only caveat is that the exit off of route 34 to get there is a very abrupt and a sharp turn."
• "It's positioned close to a freeway, so there is a bit of noise pollution."

Camping & Accommodation

Pros:

• "Not a huge campground, but it's got a playground, cabins to rent, the bathrooms are clean, and even when crowded, it's still quiet!"
• "Really nice State Park campground..spaces are generous and surrounded by trees for the most part."
• "Nice camp ground close to home. We own a 32 ft trailer and had no issues coming in and parking."
• "Great cabins for a great price."

Cons:

• "The toilets and washing areas were dirty, unhygienic."
• "Very disappointed with the arrangements there. No running water, no restroom just few pots potty."
• "One bathhouse for 55 sites is difficult."
• "The site doesn't have electric or water hook-ups."

Recreational Activities

Pros:

• "There are also some great geocaching."
• "All the train staff were friendly and we got two loops on the track."
• "Fun for the whole family."
• "The industrial village was very educational."

Cons:

• "Went on a Friday they were closed although advertising to be open."
• "Most of it was closed due to covid restrictions."
• "The Halloween event was very disappointing. No activities as in the past yet more expensive."
• "Terrible experience the train ride was the worst experience same loop 4 times."

Nature & Trails

Pros:

• "The spots are very spread out, so you don't hear anyone in other spots."
• "Trails on the other side of the park wrap around all kinds of terrain."
• "There are several trails, including some that aren't commonly used so they're a bit quieter than the popular Allaire Village area."
• "Beautiful NJ state Park."

Cons:

• "Camping with the sounds of the parkway, smoke from campfires so you can't breathe and smoking cigarettes and talking loud into the wee hours is not my idea of communing with nature."
• "Trails are not marked properly...totally not maintained infra."
• "Too many people biking the white route on narrow and poorly marked trails."
• "The trail marking is, to put it mildly, poor! Don't come here expecting a well marked trail!"

Staff & Services

Pros:

• "There was someone (employee/volunteer?) in every building to provide information about their area (blacksmith, carpenter, etc.)."
• "The staff is super friendly and helpful."
• "The staff is great especially the young ladies... they maintained their composure and handled it nicely."
• "The buildings are well maintained, and the 'actors' that I have interacted with were very engaging and knowledgeable."

Cons:

• "State Park police patrolling every 30 or 45 minutes running plates spying on people trying to find anything to make contact with you."
• "The other man there was clueless to what he was doing or to any safety rules at all."
• "Went to a wedding at the church here and the lady that was dress like the 1800's... She did not even smile and was very impolite."
• "Unfortunately, the state of NJ is in a catch-22: 'We're don't have enough visitors, to have everything open.'"

Facilities & Cleanliness

Pros:

• "Clean and uncluttered."
• "The Santa they had was exceptional and friendly. It was not a rushed experience."
• "The park is very clean!!"
• "Public restrooms are a plus as well!"

Cons:

• "The once beautiful pavilion where our family had such a wonderful time was tired and run down looking."
• "The portable toilets at Southern Allaire State Park are so disgusted I am sure they are a health hazard."
• "The showers need daily cleaning... but the water was warm... bonus."
• "The women's bathroom is the worst & needs regular cleaning!!"

Wildlife & Environment

Pros:

• "My family always enjoys Allaire. We went during their car show, which is always a special treat."
• "Many diverse walking trails that include peat forests, streams, bogs, and ponds."
• "Beautiful trails and lots of daffodils in the woods in Spring."
• "Pets also love this place for sure!!"