| Voorhees, like Parvin
State Park, served as a camp for the Civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC) - Franklin Roosevelt’s program to get people
back to work during the Depression. The CCC planted trees
and constructed shelters, picnic sites and trails throughout
the park. Two overlooks provide scenic views of Round
Valley Reservoir and Spruce Run
Reservoir.
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.
Open daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Winter Office Hours: the office is temporarily closed. Camping reservations and other information regarding Voorhees State Park can be obtained by contacting Spruce Run Recreation Area at (908) 638-8572.
Note: Camping is closed through March 31.
The park office at Voorhees is temporarily closed. Camping reservations and other information regarding Voorhees State Park can be obtained by contacting Spruce Run Recreation Area at (908) 638-8572.
| Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) History at Voorhees |
From 1933-1941 about one thousand young men worked at Voorhees and Hacklebarney in a Depression-era federal agency known as the Civilian Conservation Corps. The CCC was the brainchild of one of the 20th century’s leading figures, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The agency had two goals: to give jobs to unemployed young men, between the ages of 17 and 24 and veterans of World War I, and to undertake thousands of conservation projects across the nation in parks, forests and at historic sites.
When the CCC boys arrived at Voorhees in 1933, they found three relatively undeveloped parcels of land. The park still reflected Governor Voorhees’ use of the property as a farm including pastures, woodland, barns and an apple orchard. By the time the CCC boys were finished working eight years later, under the supervision of the National Park Service (NPS) and the United States Army, they had built the present-day road systems, shelters, latrines, visitor amenities, and trail systems or major public access areas that still remain or are used in different ways today.
Each CCC company had 200 men, although that number was not always maintained. The CCC camp at Voorhees was initially known as Camp #20 or Camp Voorhees. Later it was given the designation of SP#5 with Company 1268 assigned to it. SP designated State Park and the company number coincided with the Army Corps district.
CCC boys were paid $30 a month and $25 was automatically sent home to family members or guardians for their support. The boys were paid $2.50 every other week. For many enrollees at Voorhees, the CCC provided vocation and avocational classes. The education program was known as “The School of the Woods” and included job training, current events and access to a camp library.
The staff of Voorhees State Park continues to pursue learning about their CCC history. All former enrollees or surviving family members of Company 1268 are encouraged to contact the park office at 908-638-6969.
Additionally, in an effort to show our appreciation to the enrollees of CCC Company 1268, Voorhees is planning to erect a life-sized bronze statue of a CCC worker at the entrance of Company Street. This statue would commemorate the outstanding work of the CCC throughout this great country during the years of 1933 to 1943. Contact the Voorhees State Park main office at 908-638-6969 to learn more about how to be a part of this effort!
CCC history courtesy of
Peter Osborne, author
Images of America: Hacklebarney and Voorhees State Parks.
In 1965, the New Jersey Astronomical Association
built an observatory on land leased from the state. The 26-inch
Newtonian reflector telescope is one of the largest privately
owned telescopes in New Jersey. The public is invited to explore
the night sky at skywatching programs that are offered year
round by the NJAA. For further information, call (908) 638-8500.
Voorhees has 7 trails that are suitable for
a wide range of abilities and interests. All trails in the
park are multi-use except the Cross Park Trail and the Parcourse
Circuit, which are footpaths only. The trails range from wide
and graveled to rocky and steep in places; the parcourse is
accessible for people with disabilities.
back
For forms and information
on booking a campsite visit our:
reservations
page
Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities.
Campsites: 47 tent and trailer
sites with fire rings and picnic tables are available. Modern
toilets and showers are within walking distance. Trailer sanitary
station is open April 1 through October 31. Campsites open April 1 through October 31. $20 per night.
Group campsites: Two group
sites; capacity: 50 campers each. Picnic tables, fire rings,
toilets, showers. Open April 1 through October 31. $50 per night.
Shelters: Three shelters. Cabin-like structures with wood stove for heat and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. Sites include a fire ring and picnic table. Open April 1 through October 31. $10 a bunk per night, based on the number of bunks. To view a picture of the shelters click here.
Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High resolution for printing purposes)
File
Size:1,763 KB
Several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the park. For larger groups, we also offer three reservable picnic areas with shelters. Area A and Area B can accommodate 100 people each. Area C can accommodate 75 people. They may be reserved for a fee:
$80.00 per day |
April 1st thru October 31st |
50 percent of Fee |
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee |
• Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual park area offices.
Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation form* downloadable here. Payment in full of the appropriate group picnicking fee must accompany this application.
*To view this form, please download the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat
View the State Park Service areas open to hunting for 2009-2010.
Hunting is permitted in designated areas within the park and is subject to Division of Fish and Wildlife regulations.
• New
Jersey Astronomical Association
| FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions) |
| Is there fishing in
the park? |
There is Bass and Bluegill fishing
available in several small ponds in the park. |
| Is there swimming in the park? |
There is no swimming allowed at
Voorhees State Park. However, Spruce
Run Recreation Area will permit registered Voorhees
campers to use their beach and swim facilities. |
| Is hunting permitted
in the park? |
Hunting is permitted in several
areas throughout the park and is subject to Division of
Fish and Wildlife regulations. |
| Are pets allowed in the park? |
Dogs are allowed in the day use
area of the park. They must be leashed at all times. Dogs
are not allowed in the campground at any time. |
| When is the Observatory
open? |
The New
Jersey Astronomical Association operates the observatory.
For days and hours of operation please call the NJAA at
(908) 638-8500. |
back
to top
|