TheEdisonTower

Outdoors

Wildlife viewing and birding near Edison

Refuges, lakes and wild areas near Edison for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

14places to see wildlife
17 mito the closest
4within 30 miles

Good to know: Early mornings and evenings are best for wildlife; bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance.

Closest picks

1

Camp Gateway - Staten Island

17 mi northeast · National Park Service

This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years.

2

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

18 mi northwest · Fish and Wildlife Service

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System that is administered by the Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

3

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

19 mi east · National Park Service

Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping,…

Map of all 14 places

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Within 30 miles (4)

17 mi northeast · National Park Service · Campground

Camp Gateway - Staten Island

This campground boasts a spectacular view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the longest vehicle suspension span in the United States. When it opened in 1964, it was the longest span in the world for 17 years.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Evening Programs
  • Fishing
  • Guided Interpretive Walks
  • Hiking

18 mi northwest · Fish and Wildlife Service

Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is one of more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System that is administered by the Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

  • Birding
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Nature education
  • Photography
  • Ranger programs

19 mi east · National Park Service · Campground

Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook

Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping,…

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Cultural Activities
  • Evening Programs
  • Fishing

19 mi northeast · National Park Service

National Parks of New York Harbor

These 12 sites preserve more than 400 years of American history! We invite you to explore the past and investigate its relevance in our lives today.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Paddling
  • Picnicking

30 to 75 miles (8)

49 mi north · Fish and Wildlife Service

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge manages over 6,000 acres in Sussex County, New Jersey and Orange County, New York. We strive to manage quality habitat for wildlife while providing outdoor recreation for the public.

  • Boating
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Photography
  • Wildlife viewing

52 mi northeast · Fish and Wildlife Service

Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge was donated to the Service by the Town of Oyster Bay in 1968 as a habitat for migratory birds, particularly wintering waterfowl.

  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Non-Motorized Boating
  • Photography
  • Ranger programs
  • Wildlife viewing

52 mi northeast · National Park Service

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt's time in office, his "Summer White House" was the focus of international attention.

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Picnicking
  • Wildlife viewing

56 mi northeast · Fish and Wildlife Service

Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge

Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge was acquired in 1967 as a donation from the Eberstadt family, who maintained the land as a garden estate.

  • Beach
  • Birding
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Ranger programs
  • Wildlife viewing

64 mi southwest · Fish and Wildlife Service

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

The John Heinz NWR at Tinicum is located in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania about 1 mile from Philadelphia International Airport.

  • Archery
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Hunting
  • Nature education
  • Non-Motorized Boating
  • Paddling
  • Ranger programs

64 mi southwest · National Park Service

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Refuge. Resolve. Renewal. Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the winter of 1777-1778.

  • Biking
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Wildlife viewing

70 mi northeast · National Park Service

Weir Farm National Historical Park

Visit the home and studio of America's most beloved Impressionist, J. Alden Weir, and walk in the footsteps of generations of world-class artists.

  • Hiking
  • History
  • Wildlife viewing

72 mi east · National Park Service

Fire Island National Seashore

Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and…

  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Hunting
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife viewing

75 miles and farther (2)

97 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area

Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is located within the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut. Its 536 acres provide excellent recreation opportunities and a chance to escape from the growing suburbia surrounding the park.

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking

105 mi northeast · US Army Corps of Engineers · Campground

Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters

Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters are located along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut.

  • Biking
  • Birding
  • Camping
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Kayaking

Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Edison. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.

Get outside around Edison

The Edison Memorial Tower video thumbnail

THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT

The Edison Memorial Tower

The light-bulb-topped Edison Memorial Tower at the Menlo Park site. A Short shared by Jersey Jobaws.

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More outdoors near Edison

Questions

Where is the closest place for wildlife & birding near Edison?

Camp Gateway - Staten Island (National Park Service), about 17 miles northeast of Edison as the crow flies. Next are Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (18 mi) and Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook (19 mi).

Who manages these places?

Federal agencies including National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.

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