New Jersey may be a small state geographically, but it has plenty of state parks and camping areas available to the public. There are 120 state parks and campgrounds to choose from, which offer a variety of camping, hiking, boating, swimming, skiing and fishing. The state has mountains, forest and seashore park environments to enjoy and explore.
Most Popular Parks
Bass River State Forest is located in south Jersey in New Gretna. The park has hiking trails that are up to three miles long. Horseback riding, boating, swimming, fishing and hunting are also available. During the winter the park is open for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Hacklebarney State Park is located in Chester off Route 24/513. The park sits along the Black River, a favorite with anglers. It also has some great rocky hiking trails. Wharton State Forest is so large it stretches into three counties--Atlantic, Burlington and Camden. The Atsion Recreation Area is off route 206, eight miles north from Hammonton. Activities include hiking trails, fishing, hunting, swimming, boating and cross-country skiing.
Historic State Parks
Batsto Village has 33 historic buildings open to the public including a mansion that has an observatory tower. It has been preserved as the industrial center that it was back in the early 19th century. Batsto Village is located on Route 542, eight miles east of Hammonton. It is part of the Wharton State Forest. You will also find fishing, hiking, horseback riding, biking trails and picnic areas at the park. Allarie State Park is located in Farmingdale and has been preserved as an iron-making town from the 19th century. Some of the original buildings open for tours are the blacksmith shop, church and general store. Princeton Battlefield State Park commemorates the Revolutionary War battle that was fought there in 1777 when the Colonial troops surprised and defeated the British. It was George Washington’s first victory on the field. The park site includes a historic home, grave site and walking trails. It is located on Mercer Road in Princeton.
Camping: Cabins
There are several places that offer cabin camping that provide, plumbing, electricity, cooking and furnishings. You will find some of the cabin sites at the Bass River in Tuckerton, Parvin State Park located in Pittsgrove, High Point in Sussex, Stokes in Branchville, Wharton east of Hammonton and Belleplain in Woodbine. Group camping is offered at High Point, Stokes and Belleplain. The cabins can accommodate up to 30 people. All of the camp sites offer hiking, fishing and swimming.
Camping: Tents and Trailers
Campsites that are made for tents and trailers include Bull’s Island in Stockton, a 24-acre site surrounded by water. Jenny Jump Forest in Hope has long mountain trails with scenic views. The Worthington State Park located in Columbia has a rugged terrain for hikers near the Appalachian Trail. All of the sites have bathroom facilities.
Camping: Wilderness
If you are looking for true wilderness camping, try the Round Valley which can only by reached by foot. Wharton State Park also offers campsites deep in the forest, some can only be reached by backpacking, horseback riding or boating.
Member Comments