Somerset County Park Commission offers permits for groups of 20 or more who wish to reserve a group picnic area in three parks. Please allow a minimum of two to four weeks when scheduling use of facilities. Please note that individuals and organizations requesting a permit must agree that while using the facilities made available by the Somerset County Park Commission that will not discriminate in any manner against any person by reason of race, color, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or religious or political affiliation. To apply for a picnic permit, please call 908 722-1200 ext. 225

Colonial Park
Colonial Park, located in Franklin Township, offers a spectacular variety of features and activities for park visitors. Acquired in 1965, this 680 acre facility includes scenic frontage on both the historic Delaware and Raritan Canal and the Millstone River. Recreation facilities, prize-winning horticultural displays, and pristine natural areas are spaced amid the broad lawns and ponds of this diverse Somerset County park. Located within Colonial Park is Spooky Brook Golf Course; an 18 hole championship course which offers a wide open layout with spacious fairways and greens.

Colonial Park offers two picnic areas available by reservation to groups of 20 people or more. The Knob Hill picnic area can accommodate up to 150 people, and is located just off the main park drive near a playground and other family recreation facilities. The Pine Grove picnic area can accommodate up to 250 people, and is adjacent to a softball field. Additional picnic tables and grills are located throughout the park for use on a casual basis. The Morgan Pellowski playground features innovative, barrier free equipment.

Duke Island Park
Duke Island Park, located in Bridgewater Township, is a site of rich natural beauty which offers varied recreational experiences. Truly an "island" park, it is traversed by the historic Raritan Power Canal. The Somerset County Park Commission acquired this 340 acre site in 1958, and has developed it to provide a wide variety of active and passive recreational opportunities and special events for park visitors.

Duke Island Park offers five picnic areas, available by reservation for groups of 20 people or more. Each of these picnic groves has at least 12 tables and 8 grills. A larger picnic area, which features a pavilion and a softball field, can accommodate groups up to 200 people. Additional picnic tables line the picturesque river trail, and are available on a casual basis. Among these is a fully accessible area, with a paved path, concrete patio, and tables which accommodate wheelchair seating. A playground is located in the park adjacent to play and casual use picnic areas. It features innovative, barrier free equipment.

North Branch Park
North Branch Park, located in Bridgewater Township, is the home of the Somerset County Park Commission administrative offices. This 189 acre park, acquired in 1961, offers nearly a mile of frontage along the North Branch of the Raritan River. In addition to being the host location of the annual 4H Fair, the park is used extensively for major exhibits, shows, and fairs.

North Branch Park offers two picnic areas, available by reservation for corporations and family groups of 20 people or more. Brook Grove, located near one of the softball fields, contains at least 14 tables and grills, and has a children's playground nearby. River Grove, adjacent to a large playing field, has 8 tables and 12 grills. A pavilion is located on the fairgrounds, and may be reserved for group use. A number of picnic tables are located along the river, and are available on a casual basis.

  E-mail the Recreation Dept. with any questions or comments