Fort
Mott was part of a coastal defense system designed
for the Delaware River in the late 1800s. The
fortifications seen today at Fort Mott were
erected in 1896 in anticipation of the Spanish-American
War. Today, visitors can wander through the
old batteries following interpretive signs with
detailed descriptions of the fort. Just beyond
the fortifications is the Delaware River. The
shoreline offers good spots for walking and
picnicking. The NJ
Coastal Heritage Trail Welcome Center accommodates
displays defining Fort Mott’s place in
history and the environment.
Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep the parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Please bring a biodegradable bag with you when visiting to take your trash home. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.
Visit https://njparksandforests.org/sps_covid.html and follow www.facebook.com/newjerseystateparks for the most recent information on park operations — some amenities may not be available due to COVID-19.
Open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fort Mott State Park Area Map
Fort Mott was part of a three-fort
defense system designed for the Delaware River
during the post Civil War modernization period.
The other two forts in the system were Fort
Delaware on Pea Patch Island and Fort DuPont
in Delaware City, Delaware. Original plans for
Fort Mott specified eleven gun emplacements
with twenty guns and a mortar battery with six
emplacements. Construction was started in 1872;
however, only two of the gun emplacements and
two magazines in the mortar battery were completed
by 1876 when all work stopped.
Fort Mott, along with Fort
Delaware and Fort DuPont, became obsolete as
the principal defensive installation on the
Delaware River with the construction of Fort
Saulsbury, near Milford, Delaware, shortly after
World War I.
Troops were regularly stationed at
Fort Mott from 1897 to 1922. The federal government maintained
a caretaking detachment at the fort from 1922 to 1943. New
Jersey acquired the military reservation as a historic site
and State park in 1947. The park was opened to the public
on June 24, 1951.
Check out Fort Mott State Park on Jersey Matters
Fort Mott State Park provides educational and fun events that are family oriented. All events sponsored by the park are free to the public. For more information on programs currently available at the park, call (856) 935-3218.
Photos from OPERATION SEARCH LIGHT
The Ferry Service at Fort Mott has concluded for the season.
Special Use Permit Application |
Special Use Permit Application Package
A Special Use Permit is utilized to accommodate a specific activity or event being conducted over a short duration. There are two types of special use permits: Non-Commercial and Commercial and fees are based on NJ residency and Non-residents. A completed application must be submitted to the park/forest area where the activity or event is being held at least 90 days prior to the event. If the special use or event is extremely large or complex, at least one-year’s prior notice is recommended.
Located around the corner from Fort Mott State Park, and built in 1734, the Hancock House is an important tangible link to understanding the History of Salem County and our Nation’s struggle for independence. It was the home of a prominent Salem County family and is an excellent example of English Quaker patterned end wall brick houses associated with the lower Delaware Valley and southwestern New Jersey. It was also the scene of a British- led massacre during the Revolutionary War.
The Park staff offer a variety of historical and natural interpretive programs and tours throughout the year. Contact the park office for a schedule of programs and to register. Program fees may apply.
An easy Nature Interpretive Trail can be
found within the Park that is excellent for beginners. The
trail is accessible for persons with disabilities.
Fort Mott offers picnic areas, picnic tables
and shelters. For larger groups, we also offer the Group Picnic
Area. It holds a capacity of 100 people, provides shelter,
playfields and playground equipment. It may be reserved for
a fee:
New Jersey Resident $80
per day
Non-Resident $90
per day
|
Year round |
50
percent of Fee |
Group
Picnic Cancellation Fee |
• Groups of 20 or more people shall
reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance.
Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized
by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are
handled by the individual park area offices.
Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation form* downloadable here. Payment in full of the appropriate group picnicking fee must accompany this application.
*To view this form, please download the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat
back
• Delaware
River and Bay Authority - Delaware City-Salem Ferry Service
• Coast Defense Study
Group, Inc.
• Hancock House
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