South Campground at Bass River State Forest

- JHFC+4C, Bass River, NJ 08087

Welcome to the South Campground at Bass River State Forest, a beloved and enduring fixture in the New Jersey State Park System. As the state’s very first state forest, Bass River offers a truly authentic, preserved wilderness experience within the unique beauty of the Pinelands National Reserve. The South Campground, often referred to as the South Shore Campground, is particularly favored by local New Jersey users for its generally spacious sites, proximity to the day-use area, and its welcoming approach to family camping—pets included!

This campground provides a peaceful, year-round environment where you can disconnect from the hustle of New Jersey life. The campsites are nestled beneath the distinctive pitch pine and oak trees of the Pinelands, offering shade and a genuine sense of privacy that is highly valued. Whether you are bringing a tent, a trailer, or opting for one of the rustic lean-to shelters, the South Campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the over 30,000 acres of protected land. It's a place where the air smells of pine and the only traffic noise is the rustle of the wind through the forest canopy.

A key appeal for many local families is the pet-friendly status of the South Campground, allowing residents to bring their furry companions along on their outdoor adventures. Additionally, its location offers a fantastic dual experience: pure, deep-woods relaxation combined with the convenience of being just a short, 35-minute drive from the famous Jersey Shore beaches and the entertainment of Atlantic City. This accessibility makes Bass River a perfect weekend or week-long escape that truly delivers the best of both worlds.

Campers here are strongly encouraged to embrace the Pinelands environment. The forest floor is naturally sandy, a characteristic of the unique soil composition, and while this contributes to the rustic feel, guests should be prepared with proper insect repellent, especially during dusk hours, and mindful of keeping food securely stored to prevent unwelcome visits from local fauna.

Location and Accessibility

The South Campground at Bass River State Forest is located in the southern portion of the recreational area, offering easy access from major New Jersey roadways while maintaining a remote feel. The forest spans both Burlington and Ocean counties, making it highly accessible for residents of South and Central Jersey.

To reach the campground, visitors typically take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 52 (heading south) or Exit 50 (heading north). The official forest address is 762 Stage Road, New Gretna, NJ 08224, but those using GPS for the South Campground specifically should ensure their route directs them to the entrance along Stage Road and not a less-maintained 'service road' to guarantee a smooth entry, as some long-time campers have noted.

The campground’s coordinates, JHFC+4C, Bass River, NJ 08087, USA, pinpoint its location on the south shore of the 67-acre Lake Absegami. This prime position places it near several key trailheads, the seasonal Interpretive Center, and the main park office. Despite the rustic feel of the individual campsites, the central access roads within the state forest are paved and well-suited for RVs and trailers, with no challenging terrain to navigate.

Services Offered

The South Campground is designed to facilitate comfortable, primitive camping and provides all essential services needed for a memorable stay in the woods:

• Year-Round Tent and Trailer Sites: The campground is open all year, featuring numerous sites suitable for both tents and RVs up to 55 feet in length.
• Accessible Lean-Tos: There are nine accessible lean-tos located on the south shore, which offer a more structured, year-round camping experience. Each lean-to features a hardwood floor, a woodburning stove for heating, and can accommodate up to six people.
• Pet-Friendly Designated Sites: South Shore campsites 1 through 85 are designated as pet-friendly, allowing domestic dogs and cats (maximum of two per permit) with an additional nightly fee. Note that pets are prohibited inside the lean-tos, cabins, or shelters.
• Essential Utilities: Fresh, potable drinking water spouts are conveniently located throughout the campsite loops.
• Sanitation Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers, and a laundry facility are within walking distance of all sites, offering a welcome convenience.
• Trailer Dump Station: A sanitary station for RV and trailer use is available on-site, operating seasonally from March 1 through November 30. No electric, water, or sewer hook-ups are provided at individual sites, maintaining the forest's primitive camping ethos.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood bundles are available for purchase on-site for campfires.
• Campsite Amenities: Each individual campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with an attached cooking grate.

Features and Highlights

The South Campground's popularity stems not just from its accommodations but from the extensive recreational opportunities that radiate from its location:

• Prime Pet-Friendly Area: The high number of pet-friendly sites on the South Shore makes it the primary destination for local campers who wish to vacation with their dogs, fostering a welcoming community for pet owners.
• Direct Trail Access: Several of Bass River’s eight easy walking trails, including the short Joe's Trail, which leads to the historic picnic pavilion, start directly from the South Shore campground. This immediate access to the forest trail network, which connects to the 50-mile Batona Trail, is a major highlight for hikers and cyclists.
• Fishing Opportunities: Lake Absegami is well-known for fishing, with species like pickerel, sunfish, and catfish commonly caught. Even when other water activities are restricted, fishing remains a popular year-round activity (a New Jersey state fishing license is required).
• Proximity to Shore Excursions: A significant convenience for New Jersey residents is the short, approximately 35-minute drive to the Jersey Shore (Long Beach Island) and Atlantic City, making beach trips or casino excursions an easy afternoon add-on to a camping vacation.
• Unique Pinelands Flora: The area is known for its natural beauty and is a great place to observe unique Pinelands flora, such as the carnivorous pitcher plants, offering a fantastic opportunity for nature photography and education.
• Interpretive Center: The seasonally-operated Interpretive Center is located near the South Shore camping area, serving as a contact point for nature study, programs, and educational resources, enriching the camping experience with local knowledge.

Contact Information

For reservation assistance, current fees (which are lower for New Jersey residents), and up-to-date information on seasonal closures, please contact the Bass River State Forest Office:

Address: 762 Stage Rd, New Gretna, NJ 08224

Phone: 1-609-296-1114

Email: BassRiverCamping@dep.nj.gov

Reservations: Booking for campsites and lean-tos can be made online through the official New Jersey Outdoors reservation system up to 11 months in advance of your planned stay.

Conclusion: Why the South Campground is the Local’s Choice

The South Campground at Bass River State Forest stands out as an immensely suitable and desirable destination for New Jersey residents. It perfectly encapsulates the dual nature of the Garden State, offering a true wilderness experience without sacrificing proximity to convenience and culture. As a state forest, it is maintained specifically for public recreation, providing affordable rates to its residents, solidifying its role as a vital local resource.

The abundance of pet-friendly sites solves a major logistical problem for local families who want to include their animals in their travel plans, a feature highly valued by the community. Furthermore, the availability of year-round camping, from simple tent sites to equipped lean-tos, ensures that locals can enjoy the Pinelands during every season, from the quiet solitude of winter to the vibrant energy of a summer morning.

While occasional maintenance issues, particularly with bathhouse cleanliness, have been noted by patrons, the overwhelming consensus points to the irreplaceable value of the forest itself—the large, private sites, the excellent fishing on Lake Absegami, the expansive trail system, and the sheer convenience of being just a short drive from both major retail (like Walmart) for forgotten supplies and the iconic Jersey Shore for an easy day trip. For an authentic, flexible, and accessible outdoor retreat in South Jersey, the South Campground remains a premier choice for residents seeking the best of the Pinelands.

South Campground at Bass River State Forest

JHFC+4C, Bass River, NJ 08087, USA