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Shark River — Rockhounding in Monmouth County, New Jersey

Updated July 2026

Shark River is named for the fossil shark teeth found where it cuts middle Eocene marine beds, notably the Shark River and Manasquan formations, roughly 45 million years old. A basal quartz sand layer yields shark and ray teeth, while the glauconitic marl above carries molds of clams and other shells. It sits inside a Monmouth County park, so collecting is done through the park's programs or on the exposed gravel bars. Reported finds include shark teeth, fossils. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Shark River photos

Public image records connected to this spot or its reported material.

1 photo

Map showing Shark River in Monmouth County, New Jersey

Quick details

Access
Public area
Nearest road
West Dianne Drive
Postcode
07753

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Shark River

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Shark River.

Across the state line from Shark River

Shark River is close enough to the New Jersey border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Shark River FAQ

Why is Shark River one of the best rockhounding spots in New Jersey?+
Shark River is named for the fossil shark teeth found where it cuts middle Eocene marine beds, notably the Shark River and Manasquan formations, roughly 45 million years old. A basal quartz sand layer yields shark and ray teeth, while the glauconitic marl above carries molds of clams and other shells. It sits inside a Monmouth County park, so collecting is done through the park's programs or on the exposed gravel bars.
Where is Shark River?+
Shark River is in Monmouth County, New Jersey, at 40.20023, -74.07277. Nearest road: West Dianne Drive.
What rocks and minerals can you find at Shark River?+
Shark River is reported to produce Shark Teeth, Fossils.
Is collecting allowed at Shark River?+
Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
How do I get to Shark River?+
Open the directions link to navigate to 40.20023, -74.07277 in Google Maps. The nearest road is West Dianne Drive.

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