Centuries before the discovery of America by the Europeans the Lenape Indians lived and hunted in the area we call Parvin State Park. “The People”, as the Lenape called themselves, depended on the Muddy Run for fresh drinking water and perhaps some fishing. There’s no doubt The People enjoyed life along this river that is one of the major tributaries of the Maurice River and drains the land in the Elmer-Centerton area.
In 1676 John Fenwick presumed he purchased all the land in Salem and Cumberland county from the Lenape though they had no concept of anyone actually owning the land, and it is this writers guess that only a few Indians were involved with "this sale" and they didn’t claim to own the land to begin with. Nevertheless this is the beginning of legal title to this land. In 1796 Elemuel Parvin purchased 2900 acres known as the Stoneyhill Tract (the name was due to a large resource of gravel which was later used to build roads in this area). The Parvin State Park area was included in the tract.
In 1783 a dam was constructed that created Parvin Lake, altogether six dams were built on the Muddy Run to create the man made lakes in this area. Click here for a more detailed history of Parvin State Park, written by Herbert G. Wegner.
In 1930 New Jersey purchased 900 acres of land and the 100 acre lake and dedicated Parvin as a State Park.. The park is set in a beautiful forested area with camping, swimming, picnicking, canoe rentals, forest roads, hiking trails and an 8 mile paved bike trail. There are benches and scenic views around the lake with flowering trees and open fields. This is a great place to spend a day or camp for a weekend, there are also log cabins for rent and several recreation areas.
Click here for a nice blog on birding Parvin State Park
Please visit the Parvin State Park Appreciation Committee for photos, slideshows and a complete history of Parvin State Park.