Formerly known as Lebanon State Forest, visitors are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. Today's forested acres are a strong contrast to the barren, cleared land that existed in the 1800s. The Lebanon Glass Works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate.

Today, hikers can follow the sandy trails and roads that crisscross the forest, sometimes passing near the remains of stone or brick structures or where large depressions indicate the location of what was once a bustling town. Pure, iron-rich streams flow through acres of swampy land covered with dense stands of Atlantic white cedar.

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program you can help us keep the parks clean and beautiful by carrying out the trash you carry in. Please bring a biodegradable bag with you when visiting to take your trash home. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

The Brendan T. Byrne State Forest recreational facilities are partially accessible to persons with disabilities. Please contact the park office for further information regarding disability access needs. Text telephone (TT) users, call the New Jersey Relay Service at (800) 852-7899.

Visit https://njparksandforests.org/sps_covid.html and follow www.facebook.com/newjerseystateparks for the most recent information on park operations — some amenities may not be available due to COVID-19.

Open daily sunrise to sunset
Office Hours: Open Daily 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Whitesbog was an active 19th and 20th century cranberry and blueberry producing community.  This company town was founded in the 1870s by Joseph J. White.  The commercial high-bush blueberry was developed here in 1916, combining the field experiments of Elizabeth C. White & the research of Dr. Frederick Coville.  What was once a bustling company town of families and employees is now an invaluable cultural and historic attraction located in the heart of the New Jersey Pine Barrens.  The site is leased to the Whitesbog Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization and a State Park Service Officially Recognized Friends Group dedicated to the restoration of the village.   Dozens of activities suited to all interests are regularly scheduled in the village each month.  The enthusiasm of interested volunteers assist in keeping the site a stimulating NJ landmark for visitors from around the world.  The highlight of each year is the Whitesbog Annual Blueberry Festival during the last weekend in June.  Visitors can enjoy “EVERYTHING Blueberry” during this two-day event.  See more about Whitesbog on Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo & YouTube.  For additional information on the village and the many events sponsored by the Trust, call (609) 893-4646 or www.whitesbog.org

Many of the forest communities represented in the New Jersey Pine Barrens may be observed along the trails through the natural area. These include upland pine-oak and oak-pine forest, pitch pine lowland forest and Atlantic white cedar swamp. The natural area supports the federally threatened swamp pink and other endangered plant species.

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest has more than 25 miles of marked trails. The various trails and loops provide challenges ranging from long single track hiking trails to a trail accessible for people with disabilities. The Batona Trail is designed for hiking, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing (weather permitting). The Mount Misery Trail allows visitors the additional option of mountain biking, and the Cranberry Trail allows for access by wheelchairs in addition to all the other uses listed above.

The Batona Trail is almost 50 miles in length and links Brendan T. Byrne, Wharton, and Bass River State Forests. This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the NJ State Park Service and the Batona Hiking Club.

Other trails intersect with the Batona Trail to provide loops of about 6 miles and 14 miles for day hikes. Loops of about 2 miles at the forest office and one mile at Pakim Pond provide short easy hikes with wide pathways which avoid contact with vegetation that may harbor ticks or other insect pests.

All of the trails allow the visitor to enjoy the scenery and biological diversity of the Pine Barrens. Whether you want to spend an hour or an afternoon hiking - the trails at Brendan Byrne provide unlimited opportunities for fitness and relaxation.

Brendan T Byrne State Forest Trail Map

Reserve a campsite at camping.nj.gov.  Please note tent and trailer family campsites are available to reserve until December 15, 2020. Cabins, group cabins, shelters, lean-tos, group lean-tos, wilderness campsites, group campsites, primitive campsites, and primitive group campsites remain closed until further notice.

Alcohol is prohibited. Pets are prohibited in overnight facilities with the exception of Pet Friendly Campsites.

A non-refundable service fee of $5.00 will be charged to the customer for each reservation.
Changes to the reservation that occur prior to the Start/Check in date will incur a non refundable fee of $5.00.
Changes made after the start/check-in date will be chargerd a service fee according to the following:

• If the total fee is greater then or equal to $50.00 then a fee of $5.00 will be charged.
  
  
• If the total fee is less then $50.00 then the fee of $2.00 will be charged.

Pet Friendly Campsites

Campsites: 82 tent and trailer sites each with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance. Oopen year round. Fee: NJ Resident $20 per night; Non Resident $25 per night.

Group campsites: Three group sites with fire rings, picnic tables, water, and flush toilets. Each campsite accommodates up to 30 people. Open year round. Fee: NJ Resident $60 per night; Non Resident $120 per night.

Cabins: Three cabins with furnished living room with fireplace; outdoor campfire rings; two double-deck bunks; kitchen with running water, electric stove, refrigerator; half-baths with toilet and basin. Electricity. Each accommodates four people. With prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated. Cabins are on the shore of Pakim Pond. Showers are available at camping area. Open March 30 through October 31. Fee: NJ Resident $55 per night; $385 per week; Non Resident $65 per night; $455 per week.

Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
Size:798 KB

back

Special Use Permit Application Package

A Special Use Permit is utilized to accommodate a specific activity or event being conducted over a short duration. There are two types of special use permits: Non-Commercial and Commercial and fees are based on NJ residency and Non-residents.  A completed application must be submitted to the park/forest area where the activity or event is being held at least 90 days prior to the event. If the special use or event is extremely large or complex, at least one-year’s prior notice is recommended.

Several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the park. For larger groups, we also offer two reservable picnic areas with shelters. Area A holds a capacity of 50 people and Area B can accommodate 100 people. They may be reserved for a fee:

back to top

State Park Service areas open to hunting

Tree Stands and Blinds Policy

Hunting is permitted in specific sections of the forest subject to the regulations of the New Jersey DEP's Fish and Wildlife Laws. Wildlife regularly hunted include deer, squirrel, rabbit and grouse. For information about hunting, refer to the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest or contact the forest office

Programs are provided by the Pinelands Institute for Natural and Environmental Studies (PINES), (609) 893-1765.

• Whitesbog Preservation Trust

back to top