Camping in NJ - Pine Barrens? (Burlington, Tuckerton: buy, luxury, cabins) - New Jersey - City-Data Forum

AnthonyB · 07-14-2009, 05:31 PM

I want to take my 2 kids, 5 and 7 for a weekend camping. Don't want to travel far, just give them a taste and see a part of NJ we haven't done more than drive by.

Was thinking about the Pine Barrens. Would love to hear recommendations for campsites, things to do, general areas to visit, etc.

I also saw that many state parks have lean-tos and cabins. I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to roughing it (don't need luxury, but a bug free night might be nice). Any experiences?

Gerania · 07-14-2009, 07:22 PM

I've only camped at Atsion, but have been by most of the other sites. I'm busy right now...I'll get back in a little while.

NewHomeHappy · 07-14-2009, 08:18 PM

Many years ago, a group of us camped in tents at Bass River state park . From what I remember, it was ok. Try the search features..Google:NJ camping? just trying to help !

but I agree about the "wuss" thing....there are bears in them thar woods. They can't eat through a wood shack but they sure as hell can rip through your tent.

These days I prefer my camping at a Hilton

twista6002 · 07-14-2009, 08:27 PM

Watch out for the Jersey Devil!

NewHomeHappy · 07-14-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twista6002

Watch out for the Jersey Devil!

oh YES !

That book is a must-read for bedtime stories for the kids.

Gerania · 07-15-2009, 05:54 AM

Other than the standard precautions like putting your food away and cleaning up, you don't have to do anything special to avoid wildlife at your campsite. There are very few bears down here. In NJersey or NEPA you'd have more of a problem.

Bass River State Forest has lean-tos, shelters and cabins. Atsion has cabins. I'd pick Bass River; the lake beach is more convenient to the campsites. If they're booked, and they might be, there are a lot of private campgrounds as well.

BRST has scheduled events every weekend in the summer and they might have something for kids. Maybe a side trip to Tuckerton Seaport? Search Pine Barrens festivals and events; there might be something of interest scheduled, like this:

Saturday, August 8, 2009, 1PM: Smokey Bear's 65th Birthday! Join the men and women of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service as they demonstrate the techniques and equipment used in fighting forest fires, from the ground to the air. Then we'll honor our special guest, Smokey Bear, on his very special 65th birthday. Batsto Village Visitors Center. For more information, please call 609-561-3262.

MoorestownResident · 07-15-2009, 06:02 AM

The cabins are typically rented out months in advance. I doubt you'll get one at this point unless you luck into a cancellation.

dhanu86 · 07-15-2009, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewHomeHappy

Many years ago, a group of us camped in tents at Bass River state park . From what I remember, it was ok. Try the search features..Google:NJ camping? just trying to help !

but I agree about the "wuss" thing....there are bears in them thar woods. They can't eat through a wood shack but they sure as hell can rip through your tent.

These days I prefer my camping at a Hilton

I went to Bass River this weekend for a day. The beach lake is better than most and there is food u can buy to in the log shelter/ bathrooms infront of the lake. Don't plan on going on an adventerist hike there because the trails are parallel to the road and people can see you in the woods walking as they drive by. Really pathetic. But apart from that it's nice and off of route 9 around Burlington county. Lebanon state forrest is also nice and probably more secluded, they have cabins as well and better trails, however their lake isn't as nice, to dark and scary for me.

I think there are also beach camps but I've never experienced them. Like a yogi bear camp near wildwood. Whatever u do don't fall for these independenly run camp sites in the forrest like " Paradise Lake " on rt 206. Because it's not a lake, it's a swamp which appears like a lake but once u get in a coneo the water doesn't get any deeper than 2 feet. And they charge u 10 dollars a person, just to get in.

These little vacation spots in NJ are very deceiving, so make sure u really do ur research as well as call to ask questions to make sure it has what u are looking for, before u show up there without a plan B.

Tuckerton sucks unless u have jetskis.

AnthonyB · 07-15-2009, 09:53 AM

Thanks for the info so far. I'll look up Bass River, sounds interesting.

I did think it would be difficult to get a cabin.

Southjerseyjay · 07-15-2009, 03:57 PM

Try a private campground. Many have cabins and are family friendly. A great one in the Pinelands for kids is Yogi's Jellystone Park in Mays Landing. Check out New Page 2