More Things To Do
New Jersey Family Vacations
Connect with nature on the outdoor deck or swim a few laps in the luminous indoor pool; Dolce Basking Ridge offers bountiful recreational activities. Play some tennis, work out in the fitness center, or clear your mind on the hiking trails around our property. If golf is your favorite pastime, we will gladly reserve a tee time for you or your group at a nearby challenging course.
PICNICKING: The park has several picnic areas along the hill overlooking the parking lot. At each picnic area, visitors will find grills and tables. There is a small picnic shelter and playground located on the hill. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
BOATING: Lake Hopatcong provides an excellent opportunity for any type of boating, ranging from canoes to large motor boats, sailboats, sailboards and jet skis. Boats are available for rent at many private marinas around the lake. Boating is subject to New Jersey Boating Regulations and Marine Law. There is a boat ramp available at Hopatcong State Park. Boating is open seven days a week depending on parking availability. There is a boat ramp with parking available at Lake Musconetcong. This site is open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. $10.00/launch - Daily
* Fees charged at Hopatcong State Park on Saturdays and Sundays only, from April 1 through the Sunday before Memorial Day; and from the first Saturday after Labor Day through October 31.
HIKING & BIKING: The Somerset County Park Commission offers many miles of trails throughout its park system, many of which meander through pristine, picturesque settings. The trails give hikers a chance to seek solitude, watch wildlife, and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you are by yourself or with family and friends, taking a leisurely stroll or jogging for your health, the Somerset County Park Commission has the trail for you. Just click on one of the parks below for further information.
The Somerset County parks offer bikers many trails for biking recreation. Whether you are a novice or expert, using a mountain bike or a ten-speed, bring out your helmet and bike! Mountain Biking has grown tremendously during the past decade. Additionally, the need to find places where mountain biking is permitted has also grown. Washington Valley Park and the Sourland Mountain Preserve are two of the hottest mountain biking locations in New Jersey, and offer miles of trails for different skill levels. If you like to ride on pavement, then Duke Island Park and Colonial Park are the places for you. Natirar Park has Trail Loop #1 (1.8 mile) and Trail Loop #2 (1.3 mile) which loop winds through the Far Hills portion of the 491-acre estate. All five locations offer leisurely rides through the parks where the whole family can enjoy the great outdoors.
SWIMMING: Swimming is permitted at Hopatcong State Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty. There is a bathhouse complex containing restrooms, showers, changing areas, a first aid room and concession where food and beach supplies are available for purchase. Grilling is limited to the picnic areas only. Grills are not permitted on the lawn areas. There are two sand volleyball courts and a playground near the beachfront. For safety reasons, inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the bathing area.
FISHING AND HUNTING: Both Lake Hopatcong and Lake Musconetcong offer excellent year-round fishing. During the spring the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife stocks both lakes with brown, rainbow and brook trout. Warm water species commonly caught are large mouth bass, sunfish, catfish, perch and pickerel. During the winter months, both lakes provide excellent ice fishing for perch and pickerel. Fishing is subject to New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations. This park has been designated a NO HUNTING area.
CANOEING AND KAYAKING: The Somerset County Park Commission offers a variety of canoeing and kayaking opportunities to stimulate awareness and understanding of the environment, build an appreciation of New Jersey waterways, and promote interest in canoeing and kayaking. Trips will run unless dangerous or threatening weather occurs. All canoeing and kayaking programs are designed for adults and families. Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment, at their own risk; however, there is no reduction in price. Attendance at introductory programs is required prior to participating in canoe or kayak trips. A person may register for his/her own household only.
HORSEBACK RIDDING: Lord Stirling Stable offers a full complement of riding activities for riders of most ages and abilities. The Stable is located at 256 South Maple Avenue in Basking Ridge, and the office is open daily from 9am to 5pm or may be reached by calling 908 766-5955. Riders may also call the activity hotline at 908 766-5955 ext. 32. All riders are required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved riding helmet and shoes or boots with hard, smooth soles and a moderate and definite heel. The "sneaker" type riding shoe is also approved. Helmets and boots may be rented for $3 each. All riders must be at least 9 years of age and under 240 pounds. Somerset County residents are required to show some proof of residency.
- Introductory rides
- Lead line pony rides
- Pony parties
- Group trail rides and hayrides
- Fall and winter riding lessons
- Beginner trail rides
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING: Cross-country skiing is available at Quail Brook Golf Course located on Elizabeth Avenue in Franklin Township (732 560-9199) from 8am - 4pm. Cross-country skiing is also available on the trails at the Environmental Education Center (EEC) located on Lord Stirling Road in Basking Ridge (908 766-2489) from 9am - 5pm. Skiers may not use the trails solo, so please come with a partner. Please call the phone numbers listed next to each facility for additional information. The Environmental Education Center has several miles of trails suitable for cross-country skiing when weather conditions permit. The trails are mostly level and wide, making this beautifully rustic area particularly suitable for beginners or novice skiers. Please bring you own ski equipment. Our facility is open every day from 9am-5pm (except on certain holidays). No single skiers allowed, so please come with a partner or friends. Skiing is only allowed when there is more than four inches of snow on the trails and only on those areas identified for skiing - watch for new signage on our trails!
SAND VOLLEYBALL and MULTI PURPOSE COURTS (TENNIS, BASKETBALL AND TEAMBUILDING): Courts are available to all Dolce Basking Ridge guests 7 days a week.
