The brisk blue waters of Round Valley Reservoir attract swimmers, boaters, fishermen, picnickers and campers to its scenic shore.  The Round Valley Reservoir swimming area was created by the construction of an earth dam across a narrow waterway on the west side of the reservoir, separating it from the main part of the reservoir.  The deepest lake in New Jersey at 180 feet, the reservoir covers over 2,000 acres and has a water capacity of 55 billion gallons. It is well stocked with lake trout.
Round Valley is one of the few parks that offers wilderness camping.  The campsites on the eastern side of the reservoir are accessible only by hiking or boating as the campers' parking lot is three miles away from the nearest site, accessible by a steep and rugged trail.  Cross-country skiers and sledding enthusiasts congregate at Round Valley in the winter months.

Camping in the Recreation Area

The Recreation Area offers 85 wilderness family campsites with fire rings, drinking water and pit toilets within walking distance.  Although there is no trailer or vehicle access, campsites are a three to six mile hike from the parking lot, include a swimming area and may be reached by boat, canoe, or backpacking.  Each family site accommodates up to 6 people.  Open from April 1 through October 31, each site rents for $17 per night.  Campers must check-in at the park office by 4:00 p.m.

There are also group wilderness campsites.  These eight sites each have a fire ring with running water and pit toilets within walking distance.  Each group site accommodates up to 25 people and is open from April 1 through October 31 at a rate of $25 per night.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Highlights of Round Valley Recreation Area

Trails at Round Valley consist of three that are marked:  The Cushetunk Trail, which accesses the campsites and the Pine Tree Trail and the Family Hiking and Biking Trail. All trails are accessed from the South Parking Lot within the Day-use Area.  These trails are open throughout the year.  Visitors should plan their trail activities so that they will be out of the park by closing and are reminded to stay on the path as wandering off dedicated paths causes erosion, damage to vegetation and may, in some areas, result in trespassing onto private property.  Fires are not permitted along the trails and pets must be leashed at all times.  The pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. Drinking water is available along the lower service road located in the campground.

The nine-mile Cushetunk Trail and the three-mile lower service road are multi-use trails that pass through open and heavily wooded areas.  The Cushetunk trail surface is rugged, rocky and steep in places that makes it more suitable for experienced hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.  Users must follow the same trail back as it ends at the Water Supply Authority's Restricted Area and therefore, has no outlet.

The Pine Tree Trail is approximately a one mile loop and the Family Hiking and Biking Trail is 1/2 mile loop.  Both pass through pinewoods and are ideal for young children, birdwatchers, and seniors.  The Pine Tree Trail connects the day-use area with Division of Fish and Wildlife property. There is a fourth unmarked water trail that is approximately 1 1/2 miles.  You can access it from the camper’s boat launch area. There are no trails that completely circle the reservoir. Be aware of the park hours, so that you plan your hiking or biking trip accordingly. Please be sure to be out of the park before it closes.

Fishing is permitted in the Round Valley Reservoir.  There are 19 species of fish inhabiting the Reservoir, including largemouth and smallmouth bass.  Rainbow and brown trout are stocked annually and lake trout are abundant.  The Division of Fish and Wildlife manages the reservoir as a trophy lake.  Anglers must follow the posted special fishing regulations that apply and Fishing is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.  Fishing is prohibited in the swimming area and a valid NJ fishing license is required.

Hunting for waterfowl is permitted at Round Valley Recreation Area on a seasonal basis. Waterfowl hunting is permitted by boat only and hunting is subject to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.

Picnicking is available at three picnic areas within the recreation area.  Two are located on tree-shaded grassy spots at each end of the beach, and the third is on a hill overlooking the reservoir and park.  At each picnic area the visitor will find tables and grills, restrooms, and playgrounds.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Boating is assessable at the public boat launch which is located north of the day use area, and is regulated by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.  Sailboats, canoes, kayaks, motor boats (up to 10 horsepower) and three chambered inflatable vessels are permitted on the reservoir and must be registered through Motor Vehicle if over 12 feet in length.  NJ Boating Rules & Regulations pertain to Round Valley Reservoir at all times.  Each person must have on a wearable Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD).  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

A parking permit must be obtained through the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to access the reservoir at the public boat launch, or a copy of your fishing, hunting or trapping license must be placed on the dash board of your vehicle.

Swimming is permitted at Round Valley in the Day-use Area only from Memorial Day through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty and swimming is not allowed in the main reservoir.  Visitors will find a beach complex containing changing areas, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station, and a concession building where food and beach supplies are available for purchase.  Grilling is prohibited along the beachfront.  There are two playgrounds and volleyball nets on the beachfront.  Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area.  Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted.  Pets are prohibited on the beach.

Scuba and Skin Diving is available at Round Valley.  Water clarity and rich aquatic life make the Reservoir one of the best freshwater lakes in New Jersey for scuba and skin diving.  Diving is permitted from April 1st through October 31st depending on water conditions.  Scuba divers must be certified and all divers are required to register at the area office, have a dive buddy, inflatable vest and a dive flag.  Divers must check-in prior to, and checkout after, each dive.

Mailing Address:
1220 Lebanon-Stanton Road Lebanon, NJ 08833-3115
 (908) 236-6355 (908) 236-6355
GPS Coordinates
DMS 40° 37’ 21.93” N 74° 51' 18.13" W
Size: 3,684 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
$ 5.00
weekdays
$10.00
weekends
$ 2.00
walk-in/bicycle

Directions:
Take I-78 west to exit 20 A to Route 22 west, follows signs to the park.
Take I-78 east to exit 18 (Route 22 east), follow signs to the park
 

Tags: camping in nj, nj campgrounds

The Atlantic City North Family campground is a great one to stay at. It is in the Pinebarrens area  of New Jersey, which means the views are simply spectacular. This is a great area to camp in if you want to see the best that New Jersey has to offer as far as scenery. The campground is also in a prime location with relation to other Shore area hot spots. The Atlantic City campground is only a 15 minute drive from Long Beach Island. This is great if you also want to spend some time hitting the sand. Of course swimming, surfing, and snorkeling are all popular pastimes in the Long Beach area. If you want to save some money, the campground also offers free Long Beach Island passes during peak season. Besides the proximity to Long Beach Island, the Atlantic City campground is close to its namesake as well. It is only 30 minutes drive from all of the fun and excitement of Atlantic City. You can camp in the Pinebarrens and yet be only a short drive away from the novelty and action on the Boardwalk. Even better, the Atlantic City North campground offers a free van service to and from Atlantic City provided you are staying two nights at the campground. This is helpful if you’re driving a large RV or trailer that you want to be able to leave at the campground instead of having to deal with parking in the Boardwalk area.

The Atlantic City North Family Campground is reasonably priced with rates starting at $25/night for tent camping and going up to $35/night for a site equipped with water, electric, and sewer hookups. Obviously this is much cheaper than a hotel in the same area and you get to be closer to nature and the beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for great views without being too far away from the action then the Atlantic City campground might be just the place for you.

For More Info: Atlantic City North Family Campground

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Hidden in the southwestern part of the state, Parvin State Park is a park as varied as its wildlife.  Situated on the edge of the Pine Barrens, the park not only has pine forests typical to the area but also a swamp hardwood forest.  Spring bursts out in bright colors and rich fragrances with blossoming dogwood, laurel, holly, magnolia, wild azalea and over 200 kinds of flowering plants.  Thundergust Lake, Parvin Lake and Muddy Run are popular for fishing and boating with swimming is allowed in Parvin Lake only.

The park has sheltered many throughout the years.  It served as home for the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1941, as a summer camp for the children of displaced Japanese Americans in 1943, a POW camp for German prisoners in 1944 and temporary housing for the Kalmycks who fled their homelands in Eastern Europe in 1952.

Camping in the Park

Parvin State Park has 56 tent and trailer sites available.  Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, lantern hooks and a playground nearby.  Six people and two vehicles are permitted per site.  Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities can be found within easy walking distance.  There are also facilities available for individuals with disabilities.  A trailer sanitary station is located in the park.  Located on the south shore of Parvin Lake, the park is open from April 1 through October 31 at a charge of $20 per night.

The park plans to have Pet Friendly Campsites available in the spring of 2010

Four group sites are provided with a capacity of 25 people per site for a total capacity of 100 campers.  Flush toilets, water, fire rings, picnic tables, one shelter are located near the group sites.  Located on south shore of Parvin Lake, these sites are open April 1 through October 31 at a charge of $25 per night per site.

The park contains 18 cabins each with a furnished living room with a fireplace or wood burning stove.  Each cabin has an outdoor campfire ring, two bedrooms to accommodate 4 people, a kitchen with running water, electric stove and refrigerator.  The cabin bathrooms each have a sink, toilet and shower.  There is electricity and a brick patio with a table and grill.  Two of the cabins are accessible for persons with disabilities and offer accommodations for 6 people.  A playground is available nearby.  The cabins are located on the north shore of Thundergust Lake and are open from April 1 through October 31.
Four-bunk cabins: $45 per night, $315 per week. Six-bunk cabins: $65 per night, $455 per week.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Highlights of Parvin State Park

Parvin Natural Area (465 acres) is situated at the edge of the New Jersey Pine Barrens and combines many of the characteristics and species of southern New Jersey and the Pine Barrens.  Several trails run through the hardwood and Atlantic white cedar swamps, pitch pine lowlands and upland pine and oak forests.  Parvin is home to the state-threatened barred owl and the endangered swamp pink.

Swimming is available at the lifeguard staffed swimming beach operated at Parvin Grove, which is located on Parvin Lake.  Parking areas, bathhouse, first-aid station, canoe rental and a concession offering refreshment, novelties and beach supplies are all conveniently located nearby.  Picnic Groves with tables, grills and playgrounds are located on either side of the beach with swimming available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area.  Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted.  Pets are prohibited on the beach.

Picnicking is available at several picnic areas in the park with table and grills available.  For larger groups, there are two picnic areas at Thundergust Lake which can accommodate 100 people per pavilion, have flush toilets, water, grills, picnic tables and activity and ball fields available.  These large group picnic areas must be reserved.

Group picnicking reservations are required for weekday events.  A party of 20 or more people constitutes a group.  They may be reserved for a fee:
$80.00 per day
Open 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.

Mailing Address:
701 Almond Road
Pittsgrove, NJ 08318-3928
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 30’ 15.27” N 75° 07' 50.33" W
Size: 1,952 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
N/A
weekdays
N/A
weekends
$ 2.00
walk-in
*3 years of age and under free

Directions:
From Route 55 north or south, take exit 35 and follow signs to the park. The Park is located between Centerton and Vineland on Route 540 (Almond Road).
 

Tags: camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is the place to be if you have kids or pets. The campground describes itself as a pet friendly resort with many planned activities to ensure that none of their guests will have time to be bored. They feature a heated swimming pool, go carts, and a stocked fishing pond. These are great activities to do if you have small kids and just aren’t up for any more sightseeing. The heated pool in particular is one of my favorite things about this campground. Spending some time in the pool is a great way for kids to burn off some extra energy while the adults relax after a long day. There are also many scheduled activities such as hay rides and games in the game room.

If you travel in an RV, the campground also provides full hookups as well as a laundry area and dump station. Jellystone Park also has the option for its guests to rent cabins or trailers, for those who want to camp but don’t want to bring the tent with them. No matter what your camping style is from primitive to modern, Jellystone Park has something to make sure that you get exactly the experience that you’re looking for.

Jellystone Park is a campground with just about anything you could want on site. They pride themselves on making sure all of their guests are happy. The base rate is $40/night for a campsite, and more for renting a cabin or trailer. Given all of the amenities on site, this could turn out to be a good deal if you use the swimming pool and other facilities. The Jellystone Park campground has won the Pinnacle Club Award in every year since 1998, meaning that it has a long history of fun times and quality service. Many families enjoy camping here so much that they return to the park year after year to keep making new memories.
 

For More Info: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Jenny Jump State Forest is located in Warren County along the stunning rolling terrain of Jenny Jump Mountain Range.  Panoramic vistas of the Highlands and the Kittatinny Mountains and Valley to the west, and scenic views of the Great Meadows in the east dramatically greet the visitor who climbs the narrow path leading to the top of Jenny Jump Mountain.  Rocky outcroppings and boulders line the trail – evidence that great glaciers once covered what is now known as Jenny Jump State Forest.

These Glaciers receded from Jenny Jump Mountain near the end of the Wisconsin Ice Age, about 21,000 years ago.  Exceeding a mile in thickness, the ice advanced southward from Canada, gouging out valleys and rocks from mountain tops, incorporating sediment, boulders and debris into its mass.  Much of this debris was carried by the glacier or transported by melting water to the edge of the ice where it was deposited in huge ridges known as moraines.  The dramatic effects of this can still be seen in Jenny Jump State Forest.

Camping in the Forest

There are twenty-two tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables located in Jenny Jump State Forest.  Showers and toilets are within walking distance. The camping facilities are open from April 1 through October 31 and rent for $20 per night.

In addition there are two group sites available with a capacity of 25 campers at one site and 40 at the second site.  Fire rings, picnic tables and pit toilets are located on these sites.  Open from April 1 through October 31 one site rents for $25 per night – Capacity 25 campers and the other for $40 per night – Capacity 40 campers.

The forest website also lists eight shelters although from the description they sounded more like cabins.  I suggest checking with the park office for complete information regarding these sites. 

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Highlights of Jenny Jump State Forest

UACNJ Observatory is located in Jenny Jump State Forest. The United Astronomy Clubs of NJ (UACNJ) leases property from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and in 1995 completed the Greenwood Observatory.  The UACNJ provides public programs on Saturday evenings from April through October, 8:00 to 10:00 pm, at which an astronomy presentation is followed by an observing session, weather permitting.

Trails in Jenny Jump State Forest offer eleven miles for hiking and three miles for hiking/mountain biking all with magnificent views of the mountains and scenic Mountain Lake.  The Summit Trail, at an elevation of 1,090 feet, offers a view of the Delaware Water Gap and the Pequest Valley.

Fishing, Boating and Canoeing is available and there is a car-top boat launch at Ghost Lake which provides access to excellent largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish fishing and additional access to Mountain Lake is available for shore line fishing.  The Division of Fish and Wildlife stock trout at Beaver Brook four times during the spring trout season.

Hunting is permitted in designated areas within the forest and is subject to the Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.  The forest contains a favorable habitat for deer, turkey and small game and therefore offers an excellent hunting opportunity for the sportsman.

Picnicking is provided in a small picnic available in a quiet, shaded area of the park. Tables and grills are provided for the patrons.  Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Bear Alert!!  Jenny Jump State Forest has frequent sightings of black bears.  An educational brochure is available at the forest office.

Location:
Warren County
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 150
Hope, NJ 07844
DMS 40 54 79.30” N    74 55 32.10”W
Size: 4,324 acres
Fees: No entrance fee.

Directions:
Take Route 80 to exit 12 to Hope. Turn onto Route 519 north at blinking light. At third right, turn onto Shiloh Road. Approximately 1 mile, turn right onto State Park Road.
 

Tags: camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Winding River Campground is located on the Egg Harbor River, which makes it a great place to be if you love to stay close to the water. The campground prides itself on secluded campsites, which means you won’t feel like you are sitting right on top of your neighbor. Its location by the river makes it a prime spot for water-based activities. Visitors can canoe, kayak or tube down the river.  Of course if you don’t have the equipment for your chosen activity the campground will gladly rent it to you. You can also boat or fish on the river, or just set up a chair nearby and enjoy the breeze coming off of the water. There is also a heated swimming pool and a game room with planned activities for times when the weather just isn’t conducive to being out on the river.

If your tastes run towards a bit more action, don’t worry. The Winding River Campground is located close to the Sands Hotel and Casino. This makes it an ideal location if you want to be able to to get in a few hands of poker in between kayaking and fishing. The park is also close to Storybook Land which is a great place to go with younger kids. Storybook Land is a lot of fun and there are many rides and attractions based on different classic storybook scenes and characters.

The Winding River Campground has an online reservation system, making it easy to reserve your site days or even weeks before you arrive. This takes the stress out of wondering if the campground will be full if you arrive during a peak time. They do require a 2 or 3 day stay on weekends and holidays so be sure to figure that into your travel plans.

For More Info: Winding River Campground

Tags: campground, camping new jersey, nj campgrounds

Holly Acres RV Park is a great place to be if you want to be close to where the action is while still keeping the peaceful aspects of camping out in the wilderness. It is located on 40 acres of forest which gives visitors the chance to feel like they’re getting away from it all. There is a park nearby where people can ride bikes, swim, or watch the ducks in the pond.  There is also a large swimming pool and a kiddie pool, along with horseshoes and shuffleboard. Those concerned with safety will be happy to know that Holly Acres has an electronic gate system so that access is restricted to people who are staying there.There are many activities offered at the campground that will keep your interest as well. Holly Acres publishes its Nick-A-Demus newsletter weekly to keep visitors informed of what is happening at the campsite. Typical activities include softball, arts and crafts, miniature golf, and bingo.

For those wanting a bit more action in their vacation, the casinos of Atlantic City are a mere 20 minutes away. This is close enough to be just a short drive but far enough that it is possible to get away from the lights and the crowds. There are public golf courses and a shopping mall only 10 minutes away, perfect if you want to get some shopping in. For those with more refined tastes the Renault Winery is 4 minutes away and Lenox China is 5 minutes. This makes Holly Acres a prime spot for being able to travel almost anywhere in the Atlantic region.

Holly Acres is primarily an RV park, but they do have a limited number of tent sites available. These are $36/night and sites are for one family only. The park also has cabin rentals available for families of 4-6 at $70-$95/night. RV sites are $38/night with water, cable, and electric hookups for a family of two with prices increasing during peak travel times.

For More Info: Holly Acres RV Park

Tags: campground, camping new jersey

The Blueberry Hill Campground is a friendly and well-maintained place. It is a great location to stay at if you are looking for peaceful evenings but still want to be able to take in the sights and sounds of Atlantic City during the day. They are located a mere 13 miles from Atlantic City and the Boardwalk, which lets you experience the casinos and action. The trees and forest on site make the campground feel much farther away from it though.  Blueberry Hill is also close to Storybook Land which is a great place to take younger children. There are movie theatres and bowling available nearby for those who are looking for activities during the evenings.

On site, Blueberry hill offers many amenities. They include a kiddie and an Olympic-sized pool, a game room, and a large activity lodge. Once the 2010 camping season begins, Blueberry Hill will begin offering their themed weekends, which are always a lot of fun. The campground even has a coffee and ice cream shop for when visitors want to socialize indoors. There are free cable TV hookups at all RV sites, and there is a wi-fi hotspot near the office that visitors can access free of charge.

Tent sites start at $30/night for families of four, and increase during peak seasons or weekends. RV sites start at $34/night for basic hookups and increase accordingly. There are also several options for renting cabins available. The cabins sleep from 4-8 people depending on the arrangement and start at $88/night. Blueberry Hill has an online registration system on their website, which makes it convenient for travelers to register days or even weeks before they plan to be stopping there. This also ensures that a space will be available for you when you arrive, which is particularly helpful during the busy seasons.

For More Info: Blueberry Hill Campground
 

Tags: campground, camping new jersey

Bass River State Forest was the first forest acquired by the state of New Jersey in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management.  Lake Absegami, a 67-acre lake created in the 1930's, is the center of the forest's recreational activities and provides an area for swimming and a serene setting for boating and canoeing.  A trail through the Absegami Natural Area wanders through a pine/oak woods and a small Atlantic White Cedar bog.

Camping in the Forest

The Bass River State Forest boasts 176 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables.  Although no hook-ups are provided, flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance of all sites.  Each site accommodates a maximum of six campers, two vehicles (including trailers) and two tents.  A trailer sanitary station is open from March 1 through November 30 and the campsites are open all year with a charge of $20 per night. 

The state forest also offers six group campsites with water and pit toilets within walking distance.  Each site accommodates a maximum of 25 campers and has parking on the site. This area is open all year with a charge of $25 per night per site.

There are also nine handicap accessible lean-tos.  Each of these structures has a hardwood floor, a wood burning stove, an outdoor picnic table, fire ring and grill.  Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are within walking distance.  Located on the south shore, each structure accommodates a maximum of six people, is open all year and rents for $30 per night.

The six lakeside shelters available have two bunk rooms, one double-deck bunk in each room, a living room with a picnic table and bench, wood burning stove, fire ring and screened double door.  There is an outdoor grill for cooking a table and benches.  Flush toilets and shower facilities are nearby.  The shelters are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami and each accommodates a maximum of four people.  Open from April 1 through October 31 each shelter rents from $40 per night.   

In addition to all of the above the Bass River State Forest provides six lakefront cabins each with a living room with double-deck bunk and fireplace, two bunk rooms with double-deck bunks, kitchens with running water, electric stoves, refrigerators; bathrooms with showers, toilets, and sinks.  All of the screened-in porches face the lake.  Outdoor fire rings and electricity have also been provided.  Each accommodates a maximum of six people.  The cabins are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami.  Open from April 1 through October 31, each cabin rents for $65 per night or $455 per week.

Alcohol and pets are prohibited in all overnight facilities.

Highlights of Bass River State Forest

Absegami Natural Area (128 acres) is a self guided nature trail that loops through this wetland forest, where Atlantic White Cedars share the canopy with Red Maple and Magnolia trees.  The Pinelands white cedar swamp and surrounding oak-pine forest community make up the Absegami Natural Area.

West Pine Plains Natural Area (3830 acres) is a unique stunted forest ecosystem, known locally as the Pygmy Forest, which is globally rare and supports an extensive forest of pine and oak trees that may obtain a canopy height of only four feet at maturity. New Jersey contains the largest acreage of this forest community type worldwide.  The area also supports an endangered plant species – the broom crowberry – and numerous rare species of moths.

Trails:  There are eight easy walking (non-ADA accessible) trails from 1 to 3.2 mile winding throughout the forest.  The 1/2 mile self-guided Absegami Trail includes a wooden foot bridge with benches.  All trails start at the second parking lot at the beach. Animals, birds and plant life of the Pine Barrens may be found along the way.  A trail brochure is available at the office, or on the portion of the Pink Trail that passes through the old Civilian Conservation Corps camp near East Greenbush Road.  This guide describes the camp foundations.

Batona Trail is an easy walking trail, well marked with pink blazes and runs for 50 miles through Bass River State Forest, Wharton State Forest and Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.  The trail crosses streams and passes through forested areas that were once bustling towns with names such as Four Mile, Butler, Martha and Washington.  This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the NJ State Park Service, Outdoor Club of South Jersey and the Batona Hiking Club.

The Civilian Conservation Corp at Bass River State Forest

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was created during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "The Hundred Days," the beginning of FDR's first term, and a time of massive legislative efforts to deal with the paralyzing effects of the Great Depression.  The CCC put needy young men to work who in turn sent a large portion of their pay back to their families.  The fact that only 37 days elapsed between FDR's swearing in and the induction of the first CCC enrollee on April 7, 1933 reflects the importance of this program.  By the time the program ended in 1942, due to World War II, over three million unemployed young men had been enrolled, planting over three billion trees and completing many other conservation projects including building much of the infrastructure at Bass River State Forest. 

The CCC camp at Bass River State Forest, Camp S-55, lasted from 1933 to 1942, throughout the entire life of CCC.  Company 225 served at the camp from 1933-1937 and Company 2201-V, a Veteran’s company, followed from 1937-1942.  There were usually 200 men at the camp, which was a full complement.  The CCC members performed a wide range of conservation work from building park roads, trails, bridle paths, bridges for vehicles, ponds for fish and waterfowl, lookout towers, nature observatory shelters, picnic areas, cabins, fireplaces, campgrounds, recreational lakes, and landscaping.  The most noteworthy feat was the creation of the 67-acre Lake Absegami, by damming two streams flowing through the forest.  The foundations of Camp S-55 and the CCC Memorial are part of a self-guided trail.  Brochures are available at the Forest Office and at the beginning of the trail near the parking lot on East Greenbush Road.  Stop in and visit the Forest Office to see artifacts from the Camp as well as a list of members. 

Location:
Burlington and Ocean Counties
762 Stage Road
Mailing Address:
762 Stage Rd
Tuckerton, NJ 08087
 (609) 296-1114 (609) 296-1114
GPS Coordinates
DMS 39° 37’ 14.30” N 74° 25'28.83" W
Size: 27,635 acres
Fees: Entrance fees are charged per vehicle from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

Directions:
Bass River State
Forest is about 25 miles north of Atlantic City and six miles west of Tuckerton. Take the Garden State Parkway to exit 52 heading south and exit 50 heading north.

Tags: campground, nj campgrounds

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

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