Thompson Park Natural Spring, Jamesburg, NJ 08831

## Overview Thompson Park in Jamesburg, New Jersey, is home to a natural spring that has long been a draw for locals and visitors seeking fresh water in Middlesex County. Situated within the expansive Thompson Park — a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and outdoor recreation — this public drinking spring offers a refreshing stop amid the park's wooded trails and open meadows. Thompson Park itself encompasses over 600 acres of preserved land in the Jamesburg area, with a mix of forests, fields, and historic structures. The park is managed by the Middlesex County Parks system and has been a beloved community green space for decades. The natural spring within the park has historically been used as a drinking water source by park visitors, though water quality can vary with seasonal conditions. ## Directions 1. From the New Jersey Turnpike, take Exit 8A and head south on Cranbury–South River Road toward Jamesburg. 2. Follow signs toward Jamesburg and turn onto Forsgate Drive or Perrineville Road, heading toward Thompson Park. 3. Look for the park entrance near **1 Forge Street, Jamesburg, NJ 08831**. 4. Once inside the park, follow the main park road and look for signage or ask at the park office for the location of the natural spring. 5. GPS coordinates: **40.3366, -74.4337** — these can be entered into a navigation app to get close to the spring's location within the park. *Note: The park has multiple entrances and trail networks. The spring may require a short walk from the nearest parking area.* ## What to Expect Visitors to the Thompson Park Natural Spring will find a public drinking spring set within the scenic grounds of one of Middlesex County's largest parks. The spring has been reported to produce clear, cool water, and has historically been used by hikers and locals as a water source. As with any natural spring, water quality is not guaranteed and conditions may change seasonally. The surrounding park offers well-maintained trails, open fields, and wooded areas — making a visit to the spring a great addition to a day of hiking or exploring. The park is open year-round, though spring flow may vary depending on recent rainfall and the time of year. Parking is available within the park, and the grounds are generally accessible for visitors of all ages. Thompson Park is also known for its dog-friendly trails and family-friendly atmosphere, so the spring visit can easily be combined with a longer outing in the park.