Cattus Island County Park — Attraction in Toms River

What can I tell you this is a little Hidden Gem of a park snuggled away Along Barnegat Bay in Toms River. There's a really nice Educational Center redone after Hurricane Sandy which has some reptiles fish and other animal taxidermy. It's all free. Huge parking lot very easy to get in and out. Plenty of outhouses located strategically around the park let alone bathrooms at the educational center. Right outside the educational center there is also a butterfly sanctuary but don't think you're getting go in late fall or winter and see them this is a seasonal thing. There's multiple bird feeders and a watch platform to overlook the grass Flats Salt Flats where you may see egrets Ospreys or even a bald eagle. There is a pathway that takes you out onto the bay itself there is sand beaches. There is multiple walking trails in the park itself they go through but I can call Pine Barrens lots of pine trees and such. You might need to spray some liquid off for a potential tick or two in those areas. Lots of people walk their dogs here as well. There are no vending machines or eateries or anyting in the park itself just keep that in mind bring your snacks. There are multiple garbage cans I recycle cans around the park it's itself as well. And lastly there is a youngin Park area with swings and slides climbing things they call it the treehouse where there's picnic bench tables around as well. I hope this helps you out...

I was not in the right time - which is winter. In the summer, or spring, there are BILLIONS of TICKS and DEER FLIES. I found on myself at least 20(!) ticks, and on my friend even more. The deer flies are terrible! Terrible! They are like flying ticks. They don't let go! I had on my head and around at least 300 deer flies - AT ALL TIMES! and they bite... Not too painful, but a pinch. And they DON'T LET GO! THEY'RE OUT FOR BLOOD!

those nasty deer flies ruined my day, and week there...

It's not the parks fault, they put big signs to beware of deer flies (I was wondering why, until I found out #fafo) and also signs to beware of ticks.

But it's just a problem worth warning people about...

Anyways, deer flies... Those devils... Worst of the worst and that park is...

Cattus Island Park is 530 acres nestled between Silver Bay and Barnegat Bay and has 7 miles of trails. I walked the main trail which is a dirt and gravel path down to an isolated beach overlooking Silver Bay. The view walking this path was so beautiful as was walking on the boardwalk path. It was a bit of a challenge getting to the beach because the flies were relentless. There was a sign at the entrance to the park stating the fly season specifically referring to the Horse Fly and the Deer Fly is June through August so if you plan on coming during this time frame, just be prepared. I hope to come here again in the Fall so I can go on the Hidden Beach Trail. Fun Fact: There are Osprey Nest Platforms throughout the park that were built by the...