Best Places to Row in New Jersey

New Jersey has a mix of tidal rivers and inland lakes used by clubs and universities. Always contact a local club before launching, as access, tides and rules differ between waters. This guide describes the main options and how to choose between a river and a lake.

The Raritan River

The Raritan runs through New Brunswick, where Rutgers University rows from the Class of 1914 Boathouse. The lower river is tidal, so currents and water levels affect conditions. Ask a club about the stretches best suited to your boat. On a tidal river, check tide times so you do not start with the stream against you and finish tired.

The Delaware River

The Delaware forms much of the state’s western border. Delaware River Rowing Club rows on a protected stretch at Burlington, though it is a working river with currents and traffic. Beginners should go with an experienced club.

Lake Carnegie

Near Princeton, Lake Carnegie is a long, narrow lake paid for by Andrew Carnegie and dedicated in 1906 so that Princeton’s crews had a proper place to row. The sheltered water suits training and racing.

Mercer Lake

Mercer Lake in Mercer County Park was designed with rowing events in mind and has hosted US Olympic Team Trials and NCAA championships. The Finn M. W. Caspersen Rowing Center serves Mercer Junior Rowing Club and the Peddie, Lawrenceville and Hun school crews. It is a good option for flat-water training.

Cooper River

In Camden County, Cooper River Park is another venue used by clubs and school crews, with regattas such as the Knecht Cup and Dad Vail on the Camden County Boathouse calendar. Only clubs on the river can store shells at the boathouse, though an annual public lottery offers space for single and double boats.

River or lake?

	Tidal river	Lake
Water	Moves with the tide and flow	Still
Traffic	Commercial and recreational	Mostly rowing and park users
Difficulty	Higher; needs local knowledge	Lower; better for learning
Course	Natural, with bends	Often marked, straight
Best for	Experienced crews, distance rows	Beginners, racing, technique work

If you are learning, a lake is usually easier. Rivers reward experience: you learn to read currents, steer around bends and judge the tide. Harbours are another option, as our guide to the best places to row in Los Angeles shows.

Seasons and conditions

Spring and autumn bring cold water, so dress for the water temperature rather than the air. Summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms, so come off the water if a storm threatens. Heavy rain raises river levels and carries debris, so check conditions after wet weather. Winter ice and low light limit outdoor rowing.

Planning your first outing

Start by finding the nearest club or university boathouse and asking three questions: do you take guests or beginners, what water do you row on, and what are the launch and safety rules. Many clubs run learn-to-row programmes in spring and summer, which is the easiest way in. If you are still choosing a sport, our comparison of rowing vs canoeing may help. If you are travelling with your own boat, ask about trailer access and storage, since parking and launch ramps can be limited, especially on regatta weekends.

On the day, arrive early. Mornings are usually calmer, with less wind and boat traffic. Walk the launch area first and look at the water: note the current, where other boats are heading and any debris. If you are on a tidal river, agree a turn-around point so you are not caught by a changing stream. Carry water and sun protection, and have a plan for what to do if the weather turns.

What a regatta weekend is like

Lakes such as Mercer and Carnegie, and parks such as Cooper River, often host regattas and head races, which draw crews from schools, universities and clubs. Roads and car parks fill up, courses have their own traffic rules and officials will brief crews on the pattern. If you plan to spectate, expect crowds and take your own seating and water. If you plan to race, read the notice of race carefully for entry, weigh-in and boat-check rules.

Tips

• Check tide times for tidal rivers.
• Contact clubs for guest access and safety rules.
• Wear a buoyancy aid and dress for the water temperature.
• Watch for boat traffic and debris after heavy rain.
• Learn where the nearest landing is in case you need to get out in a hurry.

See how to choose the best rowing location, the 16 best rivers to row on in the USA and rowing clubs in the USA. More are in the clubs hub.