Watergate Recreation Area: A Natural Oasis

Watergate Recreation Area presents a tranquil retreat within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Located in Hardwick Township, New Jersey, this area has a rich history of transformation. Originally farmland in the early 1800s, settlers manipulated the land by installing ditches to drain wetlands for agricultural use. Van Campens Brook was diverted to create more farmable land, reinforced by the construction of the Columbia-Walpack Turnpike. In the mid-1900s, George Busch converted the farmland into a vacation property, excavating ponds and building small dams across Van Campens Brook. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers later acquired the land with plans for the Tocks Island Dam, which was ultimately never built. The National Park Service then managed it as a recreation site, maintaining a mowed lawn and adding a bandshell. In recent years, the area has undergone a wetlands restoration project, completed in February 2023, to restore the natural function of Van Campens Brook. Dams and ponds were removed, and the area was returned to its natural topography, with native seeds, shrubs, and trees planted. Today, visitors can explore well-maintained trails, enjoy picnics, and observe diverse flora and fauna. The park is open year-round, offering seasonal exploration from vibrant autumn foliage to serene winter landscapes.