Bass River State Forest was the first forest acquired by the state of New Jersey in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management. Lake Absegami, a 67-acre lake created in the 1930's, is the center of the forest's recreational activities and 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

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Bags are provided throughout the site. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Bass River State Forest and the Boy Scouts of America are holding an informational meeting at the forest office for adults interested in volunteering as leaders/advisors for the newly formed Venture Crew #55 that will be hosted at Bass River. Venturing is a young adult development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women ages 14-20 that provides positive experiences to help young people mature and become more responsible, while teaching leadership skills. Venture Crew #55 will be involved in outdoor, environmental activities and assist with forest projects and events. Find out more by coming to the meeting or calling the office at 609-296-1114.

A self guided nature trail loops through this 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.

This 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.

This easy walking trail, well marked with pink blazes, runs for 50 miles through Bass River State Forest, Wharton State Forest and Brendan T. Byrne 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, Outdoor Club of South Jersey and the Batona Hiking Club.

For forms and information on a booking a campsite visit our: reservations page

Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.

Campsites: 176 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance of all sites. No hook-ups provided. Each site accommodates a maximum of six campers, two vehicles (including trailers) and two tents. Trailer sanitary station is open March 1 through November 30. Campsites open all year. $20 per night.

Group Campsites: Six group campsites with water and pit toilets are within walking distance. Each site accommodates a maximum of 25 campers. Parking is directly on the site. Open all year. $25 per night

Lean-tos: Nine handicap accessible lean-tos each with a hardwood floor and a woodburning stove. Outdoor picnic table, fire ring and grill. Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are within walking distance. Located on the south shore. Accommodates a maximum of six people. Open all year. $30 per night.

Shelters: Six lakeside shelters with two bunk rooms, one double-deck bunk in each room, a living room with a picnic table and bench, woodburning stove and screened double door. Outdoor grill for cooking, table and benches. Flush toilets and shower facilities are nearby. Shelters are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami. No ground fires and no outside wood fires allowed. Accommodates a maximum of four people. Open April 1 through October 31. $40 per night

Cabins: Six lakefront cabins with living room with double-deck bunk and fireplace; two bunk rooms with double-deck bunks; kitchen with running water, electric stove, refrigerator; bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink. Screened-in porch faces lake. Electricity. Each accommodates a maximum of six people. Cabins are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami. No ground fires and no outside wood fires allowed. Open April 1 through October 31. $65 per night, $455 per week.

Camping Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Camping Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
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A public boat launch is located north of the recreational area parking lot. Powered boats are limited to electric motors only. A rowboat concession is operated during the summer months. Coast guard approved life preservers are required.

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Swimming is permitted at Bass River from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty. Visitors will find a beach complex containing changing area, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station and a concession building offering refreshments, novelties and beach supplies. Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area. Pets are prohibited on the beach.

The Division's State Forestry Services has published a comprehensive Forest Resource Management Plan for Bass River State Forest to improve the long-term forest management practices and resource protection needs of Bass River. For a copy, please call (609)292-2531.

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