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Shelter Cove Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 358 Google reviews · Running trail in Toms River, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shelter Cove Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Cozy beach with a playground plus basketball and baseball fields, and lifeguards in summer.
What runners say about Shelter Cove Park
“The band was great,beach was clean,restrooms were fine, shuttle service ran constantly.”
“Was a beautiful day an very relaxing ,clean an everyone was friendly.”
“My dogs love running around here and it's so peaceful and lots of activities are held here.”
I love this park it's fenced in with a few areas that have holes/ access to a trail in the opposite direction of the beach. My dogs love running around here and it's so peaceful and lots of activities are held here.
Such a serene place to watch the sunrise or sunset! I love taking photos of the clouds the sky the water..just the scenery in general. I will eventually get a good camera. Great place to walk and explore. It is a safe place. I have seen patrol come through. The soccer fields and the playground are great for kids.
Trail conditions & character
“I go here frequently for the views and for some peace and just to clear my head.”
“The parking lot is huge and they do lock up the park after dusk :( there is a baseball field, basketball court and multiple soccer fields!”
“There were 2 volleyball nets set up, a parking lot, and convenient bathroom on site which I didn't use so I cannot describe it.”
“My dogs love running around here and it's so peaceful and lots of activities are held here.”
“My dogs love running around here and it's so peaceful and lots of activities are held here.”
Plan your run at Shelter Cove Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitetomsrivertownship.com
- Phone+1 732-341-1000 ext. 8415
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–7:35 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | 8 am–7 pm |
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