South Campground at Bass River State Forest

South Campground at Bass River State Forest serves as a premier destination for New Jersey residents seeking an authentic escape into the heart of the Pine Barrens. Established as New Jersey’s first state forest in 1905, this historic location provides a tranquil setting where the unique ecology of the region takes center stage. The South Campground, situated along the southern shores of Lake Absegami, offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and essential modern conveniences, making it a favorite for local families, hikers, and nature enthusiasts looking to reconnect with the outdoors.

The campground is part of a sprawling 18,208-acre forest that showcases the diverse beauty of Southern New Jersey. From the globally rare "Pygmy Forest" of stunted pines to the serene, cedar-stained waters of Lake Absegami, visitors are treated to a landscape that feels worlds away from the bustling North Jersey corridors. Whether you are planning a weekend tent-camping trip or looking for a convenient base camp to explore the nearby Atlantic City and Jersey Shore beaches, South Campground provides an accessible and affordable gateway to the natural wonders of the Garden State.

Location and accessibility are major advantages for New Jersey locals visiting South Campground. The facility is located in Bass River Township, Burlington County, approximately 25 miles north of Atlantic City and just 6 miles west of the historic village of Tuckerton. For those traveling from Northern or Central Jersey, the campground is easily reached via the Garden State Parkway. Travelers heading south should use Exit 52 toward New Gretna, while those heading north can utilize Exit 50. It is important for visitors using GPS navigation to ensure their route leads them to the main entrance along Stage Road rather than a restricted service road.

Once arrived, guests will find that the campground is strategically positioned to offer both seclusion and convenience. While the forest provides a quiet sanctuary, modern essentials are never far away. The local area includes several restaurants and shopping options, including a Walmart and a Wawa within a ten-minute drive, ensuring that campers can easily replenish supplies or grab a quick meal. This balance of wilderness and proximity to coastal towns like Long Beach Island makes South Campground an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy the forest by night and the beach by day.

The services offered at South Campground at Bass River State Forest are designed to facilitate a comfortable and safe outdoor experience. The park staff manages a streamlined check-in process, often allowing visitors who have prepaid online to head straight to their designated sites. While the campground maintains a "primitive" feel by not offering electrical or water hookups at individual campsites, it provides numerous communal services that cater to the needs of modern campers.

• On-site visitor center and park office providing trail maps, permits, and general information about the forest's history.
• Dedicated firewood sales onsite for approximately $7 per bundle, helping to prevent the spread of invasive insects.
• A central sanitary station for trailers and RVs, available from early spring through late autumn.
• Regularly maintained public restrooms and shower facilities equipped with flush toilets and running water.
• Laundry facilities located within walking distance of the camping areas for long-term visitors.
• Seasonal food and beach supply concessions near the Lake Absegami swimming area.
• Trash and recycling receptacles placed throughout the grounds to maintain the cleanliness of the forest.
• Life-guarded swimming areas at the lake during the summer season (subject to seasonal maintenance schedules).

The features and highlights of this campground set it apart from other regional parks. The natural landscape is the primary draw, but the thoughtfully designed facilities enhance the stay for every type of visitor. From historical sites built by the Civilian Conservation Corps to the extensive trail systems, there is no shortage of things to see and do within the park boundaries.

• Spacious tent and trailer sites equipped with a dedicated fire ring and a sturdy picnic table with a cooking grate.
• Pet-friendly camping options, with designated sites in the South Campground (sites 1 through 85) that allow for up to two domestic pets per permit.
• Unique "Lean-to" structures featuring hardwood floors and wood-burning stoves, offering a more sheltered camping experience year-round.
• Direct access to Lake Absegami, a 67-acre lake perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for bass, sunfish, and pickerel.
• An extensive trail system including the famous 53-mile Batona Trail, which connects Bass River to Wharton and Brendan T. Byrne State Forests.
• The Absegami Natural Area, featuring a wooden boardwalk trail through a cathedral-like Atlantic white cedar swamp.
• Educational opportunities at the Interpretive Center, which hosts seasonal programs about the local Pine Barrens ecosystem.
• Wheelchair-accessible parking lots and facilities, ensuring that the park’s beauty is available to all visitors.

To plan a visit or make a reservation, prospective campers can contact the park office directly. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer months and on holiday weekends when the park reaches maximum capacity. Reservations can be made through the New Jersey State Park Service online portal or via telephone.

• Physical Address: 762 Stage Road, New Gretna, NJ 08224, USA
• Primary Phone: (609) 296-1114
• Email Contact: BassRiverCamping@dep.nj.gov

What is worth choosing about South Campground at Bass River State Forest is the sheer variety of experiences it offers within a single trip. For many New Jersey residents, the ability to camp in a quiet, forested environment while being only 35 minutes away from the excitement of Atlantic City or the pristine beaches of Long Beach Island is an unbeatable combination. It allows for a multi-faceted vacation where one day can be spent hiking the Pine Barrens and the next can be spent enjoying the boardwalks of the Jersey Shore.

Furthermore, the campground is worth choosing for its affordability and family-friendly atmosphere. Each site can accommodate up to six people, making it an economical choice for families looking for a nature-based holiday. The presence of playground equipment, the calm waters of the lake, and the relatively easy-to-navigate hiking trails make it particularly well-suited for those with children. Even for solo travelers or couples, the "dark sky" conditions provide some of the best stargazing opportunities in the state, far from the light pollution of the metropolitan areas.

Finally, choosing South Campground means supporting the preservation of New Jersey's unique environmental heritage. Visitors have the rare chance to witness the "Pygmy Forest" and see endangered plant species like the broom crowberry in their natural habitat. While it is important to come prepared with bug spray for the local mosquito population and to secure food away from the local ant colonies, the immersive experience of the Pine Barrens at South Campground offers a sense of peace and discovery that is increasingly rare in our modern world. For a true New Jersey camping experience that bridges the gap between the woods and the waves, South Campground at Bass River State Forest remains a top-tier choice.