SJ Attractions: Bass River State Forest

Bass River State Forest, located about 25 miles north of Atlantic City and six miles west of Tuckerton, is 25,685 acres that was acquired by the state of New Jersey in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management.

Lake Absegami, within the forest, is a 67-acre lake created in the 1920s, and is the center of the forest's recreational activities. It 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.

Batona Trail
This easy walking trail, well marked with pink blazes, runs for fifty miles through Bass River State Forest, Wharton State Forest and Lebanon State Forest, crossing streams and passing 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 and the Batona Hiking Club.

Absegami Natural Area
A nature trail loops through this 128-acre wetland forest, where Atlantic white cedars share the canopy with red maple and magnolia. The Pinelands white cedar swamp and surrounding oak-pine forest community make up the Absegami Natural Area.

West Pine Plains Natural Area
This 3,830-acre unique stunted forest ecosystem, known locally as the Pygmy Forest, 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.

Facilities and Activities
Aside from visiting the park and enjoying the beautiful view, the following facilities and activities are available at Bass River State Forest:
* Swimming (Lake Absegami), shower facility
* Boating/canoeing: electric motors only, boat launch area
* Fishing, hunting
* Picnic tables, picnic shelter, playground, food concession
* Horseback riding, hiking (trails from 1 to 3 miles long)
* Cross-country skiing

Camping
There are many different camping opportunities available at the park; most are open all year. To make a reservation, please contact the park office during normal business hours. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance of the reservation date in person at the area office; by mail using an overnight application form; or by telephone using a credit card. These facilities are 100% reservable year-round or whenever camping facilities are available for public rental.

Campsites: There are 178 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance. The trailer sanitary station is open March 1 through November 30.

There are also three group campsites with water and pit toilets are within walking distance. Each site accommodates up to 50 campers. Campsites open all year. Campsite fees: $10. per night. Group Campsite fees: $0.75 per person per night.

Lean-tos: There are nine lean-tos with woodburning stoves; each accommodates six people and has an outdoor picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities are within walking distance. Open all year. Lean-to fees: $15 per night.

Shelters: There are six shelters with furnished living room, woodburning stove, screened double door, two bunk rooms, and one double-deck bunk in each room; each accommodates four people. They each have an outdoor grill for cooking, table, and benches. Flush toilets and shower facilities are nearby. The shelters are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami. Open April 1 through October 31. Shelter fees: $20 per night, $140 per week.

Cabins: There are six cabins with a living room, double-deck bunk and fireplace; two bunkrooms with double-deck bunks; kitchen with running water, electric stove, refrigerator; and a bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink. Also, a screened-in porch faces the lake. The cabins have electricity. Each accommodates six people. The cabins are located along the shore of Lake Absegami. Open April 1 through October 31. Cabin feess: $42 per night, $294 per week.

Bass River State Forest is located at 762 State Road in New Gretna, NJ.

For more information, camping reservation information, and directions, call (609) 296-1114 or visit the Bass River State Forest website.

For an extensive list of South Jersey Attractions, with links to websites and other information, check out our Attractions page.

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Author: R. Cohen