North campground at Bass River State Forest

Bass River State Forest holds a special place in the history of New Jersey as the very first forest acquired by the state for public recreation back in 1905. Today, it remains a premier destination for residents of the Garden State who are looking to immerse themselves in the distinct ecology of the Pine Barrens. The North Campground at Bass River State Forest is specifically situated along the northern shore of the beautiful 67-acre Lake Absegami. This campground offers a peaceful, wooded retreat where the air is scented with pine and the nights are filled with the tranquil sounds of nature. Whether you are a local from Ocean County or traveling down from North Jersey, this site provides a classic outdoor experience that feels miles away from the modern world.

The North Campground is particularly favored by those who enjoy a variety of accommodation styles. While the area is known for its traditional tent and trailer sites, the North Shore is also home to more structured options such as cabins and shelters. This diversity makes it an excellent choice for groups with varying levels of camping experience. The campground serves as a gateway to the Pinelands National Reserve, an ecologically sensitive area that spans over a million acres. Visitors often find themselves enchanted by the dwarf pine plains and the Atlantic white cedar bogs that characterize this unique landscape. It is a place where history and nature converge, offering a serene backdrop for making lifelong memories with family and friends.

The North Campground at Bass River State Forest is located within the expansive state forest grounds in Bass River Township, Burlington County. The address for the main park entrance is 762 Stage Road, Tuckerton, NJ 08087. For New Jersey residents, the park is incredibly accessible via the Garden State Parkway; those traveling south can take Exit 52, while those heading north can utilize Exit 50. Its location makes it a convenient weekend getaway for those in the Atlantic City area, which is only about 25 miles to the south, as well as for those coming from the Philadelphia suburbs.

Once inside the forest, the North Campground is easily reached via well-marked park roads. The area is designed with accessibility in mind, offering on-site parking for both day-use visitors and overnight campers. The proximity to Lake Absegami means that most camping loops are just a short walk away from the water's edge, the beach complex, and the various trailhead kiosks. While the forest provides a deep-woods feel, its location just six miles west of Tuckerton ensures that essential supplies and local dining are never too far away if needed.

• Campsite Rentals: Offers a variety of sites suitable for both tents and trailers, each equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table.
• Cabin Accommodations: Six furnished cabins on the north shore feature living rooms, fireplaces, kitchens with running water, and bathrooms with showers.
• Shelter Rentals: Six "lean-to" style shelters provide a rustic indoor space with wood-burning stoves and screened double doors.
• Sanitary Facilities: Flush toilets and hot showers are located within walking distance of the camping loops for guest convenience.
• Trailer Sanitary Station: A dedicated station for RV waste management is available for use from March through November.
• Water Access: Multiple potable water spigots are distributed throughout the campground loops for easy access.
• Interpretive Programs: During the summer months, the park offers nature programs and presentations at the lakeside to educate visitors about the Pine Barrens.

• Lake Absegami Recreation: The 67-acre lake is the heart of the park, offering supervised swimming areas, boating, and canoeing (electric motors only).
• Extensive Hiking Trails: Access to over 12 miles of marked trails, including the famous 50-mile Batona Trail that winds through the Pinelands.
• Absegami Natural Area: A 128-acre wetland forest featuring a self-guided nature trail through Atlantic white cedar bogs and oak-pine woods.
• Kid-Friendly Environment: The park features playgrounds and easy-to-navigate trails that are perfect for younger children to explore safely.
• Pet-Friendly Options: Designated pet-friendly sites (primarily on the south shore, but accessible to all forest visitors) allow you to bring your dogs along for the trip.
• Pygmy Forest Exploration: Close proximity to the West Pine Plains Natural Area, home to globally rare stunted pine trees that reach only four feet at maturity.
• Historic CCC Landmarks: The forest contains remains and memorials dedicated to the Civilian Conservation Corps, who built many of the park's original structures in the 1930s.

For more information or to make a reservation for your next camping trip, you can contact the Bass River State Forest office directly. Reservations can be made through the New Jersey State Park Service online portal or by calling the park office during business hours. It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially for holiday weekends and the busy summer season.

Address: 762 Stage Rd, Tuckerton, NJ 08087, USA

Phone: (609) 296-1114

What makes the North Campground at Bass River State Forest worth choosing is the incredible balance it strikes between primitive beauty and family convenience. For many New Jersey families, the affordable camping fees make this a high-value alternative to the more expensive coastal resorts, while still being close enough to the shore for a day trip. The ability to choose between a rustic tent site and a fully equipped cabin allows visitors to customize their level of "roughing it," making it an ideal entry point for new campers or a comfortable return for seasoned veterans.

Furthermore, the environmental significance of the location provides an educational layer to your vacation that you won't find at a standard RV park. Walking through the Absegami Natural Area or seeing the world-famous Pygmy Pines offers a perspective on New Jersey's natural heritage that is truly unique. With the added benefits of on-site parking, kid-friendly facilities, and the welcoming "carry-in, carry-out" philosophy that keeps the grounds pristine, North Campground remains a top choice for anyone looking to experience the best of the Jersey Pinelands. Whether you are there to fish for pickerel in the lake or to hike the pink-blazed Batona Trail, the North Campground provides the perfect home base for your next outdoor adventure.