With its year-round outdoor recreation, Wharton State Forest, NJ offers a refreshing break from the casinos of Atlantic City. Wharton State Forest visitors can enjoy everything from hiking and horseback riding to canoeing on the Mullica River.
Set in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, Wharton State Forest is the largest single chunk of land in the New Jersey State Park System. It is also home to Batsto Village, where 33 historic buildings and structures bear witness to the area's past as a bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from 1766 to 1867.
Outdoor activities available at Wharton State Forest include mountain biking, cross-country skiing, tent and trailer camping, fishing, swimming and birding. Wildlife that may be spotted at Wharton State Forest includes bald eagles, swans, ospreys, river otters and foxes. Hikers may enjoy a trip down the 50-mile Batona Trail, which connects Wharton State Forest to the Brendan T. Byrne and Bass River State Forests.
Wharton State Forest Operating Schedule
Wharton State Forest is open for year-round public recreation. Selected sites within the New Jersey state forest are open seasonally.
Wharton State Forest Fees
Although entrance to Wharton State Forest is free, fees may apply to certain areas and activities within the park.
| Camping: |
| Atsion campsites |
$20/night (open April 1 till mid-December) |
| Godfrey Bridge campsites |
$20/night (open year-round) |
| Wilderness campsites |
$1/person per night |
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| Cabins (4, 6 or 8 people) |
$45-$85/night or $315-$595/week (Open April 1-October 31) |
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| Fees charged only from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day: |
| Batsto Village |
$5 entrance fee on weekends |
| Atsion Recreation Area |
$2 walk-in/bicycle, $5 weekdays, $10 weekends |
| Boat Launch Fees |
$10/launch or $55 annual fee |
(Pricing and hours subject to change without notice and from what is listed on this Web site)
Wharton State Forest Location
Wharton State Forest covers more than 115,000 acres in New Jersey's Atlantic, Burlington and Camden Counties.
Wharton State Forest Contact Information
Mailing Address:
4110 Nesco Road
Hammonton, NJ 08037
Batsto office: (609) 561-0024
Atsion office: (609) 268-0444
Web Site: www.state.nj.us
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