Hours of Operation

Since 1989, Merrill Creek Reservoir (MCR) has granted access to the public to enjoy its tranquil setting, natural environment, and limited low impact recreational activities.

Property Operation Hours

Gates open year-round at 7:00 AM

VERY IMPORTANT: Seasonal gate closure hours are in effect.  Gate closing time between March 16, 2024 and the Saturday (May 25, 2024) before Memorial Day will be 6:30 PM

NOTE: boat ramp closure times are different than property closing times – check white-board at boat ramp for ramp closing times

Entire Property, including all Trails, Parking Areas, and Reservoir Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day

The Visitor’s Center is open Wednesday thru Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM year-round, except for New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The telephone number for the Visitors Center is (908) 454-1213.

Please park in designated parking areas only, as there is no parking permitted anywhere else at MCR, including roadside parking.  Parking along roadsides and other areas at MCR is for authorized vehicles only.

MCR is a privately owned property, please help us to keep MCR safe and secure for all to enjoy by strictly following our new property recreation hours. Thank you.

Please be aware that Parking along Merrill Creek Road prior to the gate opening is prohibited by order of Harmony Township Ordinance 0:17-11. Plan your arrival accordingly.

Additionally, since Merrill Creek Reservoir is private property, anyone on the property before or after property operation hours is considered trespassing and prohibited by order of Harmony Township Ordinance 0:23-7. Please be mindful of our opening and closing hours which do change seasonally. 

Merrill Creek Reservoir is NOT open sunrise to sunset.