Formerly known as Lebanon State Forest, visitors are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. Today's forested acres are a strong contrast to the barren, cleared land that existed in the 1800s.  The Lebanon Glass Works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate.

Today, hikers can follow the sandy trails and roads that crisscross the forest, sometimes passing near the remains of stone or brick structures or where large depressions indicate the location of what was once a bustling town.  Pure, iron-rich streams flow through acres of swampy land covered with dense stands of Atlantic white cedar.

Camping in the Forest

There are 79 tent and trailer sites located in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.  Each site has a fire ring and picnic table with flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities within easy walking distance.  The campsites are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $20 per night.

In the spring 2010, the forest will be opening some pet-friendly campsites.

Byrne State Forest has three group sites with a total capacity of 100.  Fire rings, picnic tables, water, and flush toilets are available on these sites which are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $30 per night.

 
Three cabins are also available, each furnished with a fireplace, two double-deck bunks, kitchens with running water, electric stoves, refrigerators, half-baths, a toilet and basin and electricity throughout.   There are outdoor campfire rings and picnic tables at each site with showers available at the main camping area.  The cabins can accommodate four people and with prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated.  The cabins are located on the shore of Pakim Pond.  Showers are available at camping area.  Open from April 1 through October 31, these units rent for $45 per night or $315 per week.

In addition the forest provides three yurts.  A yurt is a circular tent built on a wood frame, featuring a Plexiglas skylight.  Each yurt has a lockable wood door, window screens and flaps, and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. The yurts are open from April 1 through October 31, are accessible to persons with disabilities and rent for $30 per night.

Alcohol is and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Highlights of Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

“Homeowner Firewood Program” is a program to help you keep warm this winter by cutting your own firewood in designated areas of the park.  Available at seven state parks and forests statewide for $20 a cord while supplies last.  Homeowners are responsible for cutting and removing their own firewood.  Advance reservations are required and can be made for any two consecutive days.

Whitesbog Village was an active 19th and 20th-century cranberry and blueberry producing community.  This company town was founded in the 1870s by Joseph J. White.  The commercial high-bush blueberry was developed here by Elizabeth White. Once a thriving town and one of the largest cranberry farms in the state, the now silent village is an example of the changes in agriculture in this state.  The site is undergoing restoration and is leased to the Whitesbog Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of the village.  For more information on the village and events sponsored by the Trust, call (609) 893-4646 (609) 893-4646.

Cedar Swamp Natural Area (735 acres) contains many of the forest communities represented in the New Jersey Pine Barrens and may be observed along the trails through the natural area.  These include upland pine-oak and oak-pine forest, pitch pine lowland forest and Atlantic white cedar swamp.  The natural area supports the federally threatened swamp pink and other endangered plant species.

Trails in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest cover more than 25 miles and are well marked. The various trails and loops provide challenges ranging from long single track hiking trails to a trail accessible for people with disabilities.  The Batona Trail is designed for hiking, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing (weather permitting).  The Mount Misery Trail allows visitors the additional option of mountain biking, and the Cranberry Trail allows for access by wheelchairs in addition to all the other uses listed above.

The Batona Trail is almost 50 miles in length and links Brendan T. Byrne, Wharton, and Bass River State Forests.  This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the New Jersey State Park Service and the Batona Hiking Club.
Other trails intersect with the Batona Trail to provide loops of about 6 miles and 14 miles for day hikes.  Loops of about 2 miles at the forest office and one mile at Pakim Pond provide short easy hikes with wide pathways which avoid contact with vegetation that may harbor ticks or other insect pests.

All of the trails allow the visitor to enjoy the scenery and biological diversity of the Pine Barrens.  Whether you want to spend an hour or an afternoon hiking – the trails at Brendan Byrne provide unlimited opportunities for fitness and relaxation.

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 215
New Lisbon, NJ 08064
 (609) 726-1191 (609) 726-1191
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 53’ 27.66” N 74° 34' 46.63" W
Size: 36,647 acres
Fees: No entrance fee.

Directions:
From the NJ Turnpike, take exit 7 and follow Route 206 south to Route 38 east, to second traffic light, then turn onto Magnolia Road (Route 644). Follow Magnolia Road until you come to the Four-Mile Circle. From the circle take Route 72 east, at mile marker 1 make a left. There is a forest entrance sign on your left as you turn in. Take the first right and the office is on the left

Tags: campground, nj campgrounds