Here’s Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Picnic at Liberty State Park
Experience a picture-perfect picnic at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, where the Manhattan skyline and waterfront views create an unforgettable backdrop.
Picnicking at Liberty State Park offers a spectacular outdoor dining experience that goes far beyond a simple meal.
The park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban landscape, making your picnic even more special.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that will connect you with the vibrant environment of Jersey City and New York’s stunning waterfront.
Picnic Highlights:
- Breathtaking Unparalleled Panoramic Urban Landscape Views: Spread your blanket with a backdrop of New York City’s iconic skyline
- Spacious Picnic Areas: Multiple designated spots with ample space for groups and families
- Clean, Well-Maintained Grounds: Manicured lawns and clean picnic zones
Free Public Access: No additional fees for picnicking beyond park entry - Awesome Historical Signifigance: The park’s rich history, from its past as a major transportation hub to its role in the September 11, 2001 events, adds depth and meaning to your visit.
- Family-Friendly Environment: With nearby playgrounds, climbing structures, and open spaces, Liberty State Park caters to visitors of all ages, making it an ideal spot for a fun and memorable family outing.
- Access to Attractions: The park’s proximity to popular attractions like the Liberty Science Center and easy access to ferries for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island allows you to combine your picnic with educational and engaging activities.
Picnic Tips
- Arrive early to secure the best locations
- Bring a lightweight, portable picnic set
- Pack trash bags to keep the area clean
- Consider the park’s rules (see below for complete park rules and regulations) about bringing food and beverages
Nearby Amenities
- Restrooms
- Parking facilities
- Walking paths
- Childresn’s Playgrounds
- Cool historical monuments nearby
Overall, a picnic at Liberty State Park offers a one-of-a-kind experience, blending natural beauty, urban convenience, and historical significance, ensuring a memorable day for all visitors.
Liberty State Park Picnic Area General Rules and Regulations (Courtesy of the NJ DEP)
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, Liberty State Park has established guidelines regarding items and activities within the park premises:
1. Alcohol is strictly prohibited
2. The park asks that there is no solicitation of any kind
3. Balloons, stages, tents, and additional tables are not permitted, as they can obstruct pathways and impede park operations.
4. Animal entertainment, inflatables (e.g., bouncy houses), dunk tanks, and similar amusements or rides are not allowed to preserve the park’s peaceful atmosphere and protect its natural environment.
5. Please note that propane grills, wood fires, generators, and access to electrical outlets are not permitted within Liberty State Park.
6. The park asks that visitors havining picnic parties refrain from hiring DJs or playing live music. Enjoy radios at a low volume, and be mindful of fellow park visitors. We thank visitors in advance for contributing to a peaceful atmosphere for everyone.
7. Pedestrian access only to picnic sites; vehicles are not permitted. Utilize designated loading zones for unloading supplies. Park vehicles in designated parking spots to ensure safety and accessibility.
8. Refrain from using nails, screws, staples, glue, or tape for hanging signage or decorations.
9. Hammocks are not permitted within the picnic areas.
10. To maintain the park’s natural beauty and preserve its structures, markings of any kind, such as chalk, paint, or other substances, are strictly prohibited on roads, paths, walkways, trees, buildings, furniture, and other structures.
11. Rentals are for day use only, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the reserved date. Set-up and breakdown must occur within the rental period.
12. All signage, decorations, and banners must be hung at a safe height and removed after the event.
13. Properly dispose of all trash, litter, and hot coals in designated receptacles located throughout the park.
14. Please note that wedding receptions and ceremonies are not permitted within Liberty State Park. If you’re interested in hosting a wedding event, consider contacting the Special Events Department at 201-915-3400, Ext. 104 or by email.
15. Groups that have an attendance larger than 20 people must make a reservation. Groups larger than 20 people without a permit may be fined or asked to leave, so it’s essential to secure a permit in advance.
16. For events such as ticketed concerts, sporting events, fundraisers, walkathons, car shows, and other similar activities, a Special Use Permit is required. To obtain more information and apply for a permit, please contact the Special Use Permitting Department via email at [email protected] or by phone at 201-915-3400, Ext. 104.
Small / Large Group Information
Small Groups – 20 People or Less. There is no permit required and no fees.
Picnic Guidelines for Small Groups at Liberty State Park:
For groups of 20 people or fewer, no reservation is required to enjoy a delightful picnic at Liberty State Park. Keep these guidelines in mind to make the most of your visit:
- Up to two first-come, first-serve brown-painted picnic tables are available on a shared basis in designated areas.
- Nearby grills outside of Open Air Group Picnic Sites can be used by small groups on a first-come, first-served basis.
- You may also picnic on the grassy areas with your own blankets and camping chairs, creating a cozy and flexible setup.
- A maximum of one sunshade or canopy, no larger than 10′ x 10′, is allowed per group to provide relief from the sun’s rays.
- Small groups are welcome to bring their own charcoal grills for cooking.
- Please dispose of spent coal in designated “Hot Coal” bins to keep the park clean and safe.
All visitors are responsible for following the general park rules listed below and other regulations of the New Jersey State Park Service, which are posted throughout the park and available online.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a pleasant and enjoyable picnic experience for everyone at Liberty State Park.
Open- Air Group Picnic Areas – 20-50 people. A permit is required but there is still noe fee 🙂
Liberty State Park offers seven open-air group picnic areas that can be reserved for your next gathering. These spacious areas are equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for groups of 20 to 50 people.
Reservations are required and can be made annually starting on the second Monday of January for dates from April 1st to October 31st (excluding July 4th).
Open-Air Group Picnis Area Information and Application
Liberty State Park Picnic Pavillion Rentals
Rental Picnic Pavilions – Permit Required – Fee Applies.
Planning an outdoor event? Look no further than the two Picnic Pavilions at Liberty State Park: Pavilion A and Pavilion B. Located on Pavilion Field, these reservable spaces provide an excellent setting for various group activities and celebrations.
Each pavilion comes equipped with:
Charcoal grills
Picnic tables (8 ft.)
Standard 110v electrical outlets
Access to open lawn space
Nearby restroom facilities
Parking lot with 88 regular and 4 ADA-accessible spaces
The Pavilions are available for reservation from April 1st to October 31st (excluding July 4th), with applications accepted starting the second Monday of January each year. Pavilion A can accommodate up to 120 people, while Pavilion B is suitable for groups of up to 80. Note that only one Pavilion can be reserved per group.
Fees are as follows:
Pavilion A: $200 for NJ residents; $250 for non-residents
Pavilion B: $150 for NJ residents; $200 for non-residents
Please remember that all park visitors must adhere to the general park rules and regulations, including proper disposal of trash, no markings on park structures, and proper usage of designated parking spaces.
For information about special events requiring permits, contact the Special Use Permitting Department at 201-915-3400, Ext. 104, or email [email protected].
Picnic Pavillion Information and Application
For more information or to make a reservation, please contact the park office at: Phone: 201-915-3400, Ext.101 or E-mail: [email protected]
Other Liberty State Park Resourses
See our complete all-encompassing guide of things to do at Liberty State Park
Here are 17 unforgettable activities that you must keep in your back pocket when visiting!
We have compiled some of the most beautiful Liberty State Park photos of all time
Make sure when visiting that you check out the Empty Sky Memorial
