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