Bass River State Forest

Bass River State Forest spans thousands of acres of woodland, cedar swamps, and marked hiking trails through the Pine Barrens region. The terrain consists of dense forest mixed with wetland areas that create varied landscape throughout the property.

The Civilian Conservation Corps established a camp in the forest in 1933 and built camping facilities and roads that remain in use today. These early infrastructure projects shaped how the forest is accessed and used by visitors currently.

The forest contains carnivorous plants and Atlantic white cedar swamps that form part of the Pinelands ecosystem, a landscape that has shaped local identity for generations. These distinctive habitats draw visitors interested in experiencing rare native plant communities found nowhere else in the region.

The campground offers sites with fire rings and picnic areas, plus facilities including flush toilets and showers for overnight guests. Visitors should stick to marked trails and bring appropriate clothing for wet ground conditions common in wooded and swampy areas.

A long trail marked with pink blazes connects this forest with two other state forests, creating a continuous hiking route for experienced walkers. This pathway allows trekkers to explore multiple protected areas in one extended journey through connected woodlands.

Location: Burlington County

Location: Ocean County

Inception: 1906

Website: http://state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/bass.html

GPS coordinates: 39.62053,-74.42465

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:03