Where to Find Fossils in New Jersey: 44 Mapped Sites
New Jersey has 44 documented sites where fossils have been reported, and the best-known are Manasquan, Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park, and Mullica Hill. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there. 3 of the 44 sites are on public-access land.
Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology
Fossils Map: New Jersey
All 44 fossils sites in New Jersey. Click a pin for the full site report.
Where Fossils Are Found in New Jersey
Fossils live in sedimentary rock — limestone, shale, and sandstone. Fresh exposures are everything: roadcuts, creek banks after storms, quarry spoil, and eroding badlands beat weathered outcrop every time.
The richest reported sites in New Jersey: Manasquan, Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park, Mullica Hill, 6 miles northwest of Freehold [AMNH + YPM], AMNH 22569.
Of the 44 sites, 3 are public access. Check each site report for current land status before you go.
All Fossils Sites in New Jersey
- Manasquan — Public Access
- Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park — Public Access
- Mullica Hill — Public Access
- 6 miles northwest of Freehold [AMNH + YPM] — Other
- AMNH 22569 — Other
- AMNH 22633 — Other
- AMNH 39538 — Other
- AMNH 39580 — Other
- Atlantic City well bore (unknown depths) - Kirkwood Formation — Other
- Beers' Hill, deep cut along Keyport and Holmdel turnpike — Other
- Bluff east of Atlantic Highlands (Clark collection) — Other
- Brandywine Lighthouse well, 45-82 ft [Cape May Fm] — Other
- Brigantine well (625-651 ft) - Kirkwood Formation — Other
- Cambridge Crossing Executive Park (Marshalltown Fm.) — Other
- Camden — Other
- Cape May Courthouse (520 ft) - Kirkwood Formation — Other
- Cream Ridge Marl Company pit (Hornerstown Fm.) — Other
- Hudson River Tunnel — Other
- Jablonski & Raup Locality 23 — Other
- Lenola — Other
- Long Beach — Other
- M 156 — Other
- M 511 — Other
- M 773 — Other
- Millville Well (unknown depths) - Kirkwood Formation — Other
- Near Blackwood — Other
- New Jersey amber, White Oaks Pit (Old Crossman's Clay Pits) — Other
- Pemberton Marl Company pit (Hornerstown) — Other
- R1011C — Other
- R1190A — Other
- R1190J — Other
- Rancocas Creek, near Vincentown - Vincentown Fm — Other
- Sea Isle City Well (600-700 ft) - Kirkwood Formation — Other
- Spring Hill Creek, Hedding [Merchantville Fm] — Other
- Tinton Falls — Other
- Toms River — Other
- USGS D9715, Oschwald's clay pit [Merchantville Fm] — Other
- USGS Mesozoic 29584, Fisher Brick Company clay pit — Other
- USNM 23785 — Other
- Wenonah sand, near Marlborough and near Crawford Corner — Other
- West Jersey Marl Company's Pit, Barnsboro (Navesink) — Other
- West Jersey Marl Company's Pit, Barnsboro (New Egypt) — Other
- Whaling Survey — Other
- Whaling Survey — Other
How to Identify Fossils
Look for biological structure the rock around it lacks: shell curves and growth lines, the spongy honeycomb interior of bone, leaf veins, ribbed corals, or the segmented symmetry of a trilobite. Fossils usually contrast with their matrix in color or density. Bone that has mineralized feels heavier than fresh bone and often shows a polished brown-black surface.
Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find fossils in New Jersey?
New Jersey has 44 mapped sites where fossils have been reported. The best-known are Manasquan, Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park, and Mullica Hill. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.
How many fossils sites are mapped in New Jersey?
We have 44 documented fossils sites in New Jersey, compiled from community submissions and published locality records and reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.
Is it legal to collect fossils in New Jersey?
Casual collecting is generally allowed on BLM and National Forest land for personal, non-commercial use — the standard BLM limit is 25 lbs per day plus one specimen. National parks, monuments, and many state parks prohibit collecting, and private land always requires the owner's permission. Check the site report for each location and verify current land status before you dig.
How do I identify fossil?
Look for biological structure the rock around it lacks: shell curves and growth lines, the spongy honeycomb interior of bone, leaf veins, ribbed corals, or the segmented symmetry of a trilobite. Fossils usually contrast with their matrix in color or density. Bone that has mineralized feels heavier than fresh bone and often shows a polished brown-black surface.
What should I bring to collect fossils?
The basics: a rock hammer, safety glasses, gloves, a bucket or padded bag for specimens, and a GPS app with the coordinates from this page. Add a spray bottle — wetting a stone makes color and banding far easier to judge in the field.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.
Fossils in Nearby States
Data: Paleobiology Database, community submissions — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.