Bass River State Forest Campground

Bass River State Forest was the first forest acquired by the state of New Jersey in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management. Lake Absegami, a 67-acre lake created in the 1930's, is the center of the forest's recreational activities and provides an area for swimming and a serene setting for boating and canoeing. A trail through the Absegami Natural Area wanders through a pine/oak woods and a small Atlantic white cedar bog. With 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. Park Hours : Open daily sunrise to sunset Day Use Area : 8 am to dusk Office Hours : Sunday through Thursday 8 am to 4 pm, Friday and Saturday 8 am to 7 pm. If you are arriving after office hours , please call the office 609.296.1114 Between November 1 and March 31, the Forest Office is closed on recognized state holidays. Pertinent Rules & Regulations : Alcohol is prohibited. Pets, except for service animals, are prohibited from swimming areas & camping areas unless pet friendly sites. Pets must be on a maximum 6 foot leash where permitted. Observe quiet hours of 10pm to 6am. Unduly annoying conduct prohibited. Camping facility must be occupied and vacated as stated on permit. Maximum 6 people per site and 2 licensed vehicles. Maximum 25 people per group site and 8 licensed vehicles Extra vehicles fee applies. Campsite visitors are allowed from 8am to 8pm (day use fees apply). Maximum 14 night stay initially, then up to 40 night total in calendar year. Reservation cancellation fees apply. No refunds to evicted persons. Under age campers must have one adult supervisor to every 9 campers under the age of 18. Adult supervisors must have transportaion available for emergencies. No posting of signs. No person shall damage, move or remove any plant, animal, equipment or structure. Where permitted, metal detectors require a permit. Possession of firearms is prohibited. Swimming is restricted to supervised beaches. Diving prohibited. Coast Guard approved life jackets must be available when boating. Motor vehicles must be licensed, insured and registered. Motor vehicles are restricted to established roads & parking areas. All terrain vehicles (ATV), motorized trail bikes and off-road vehicles are prohibited. Unless otherwise posted, motor vehicle speeds is limited to 35 mph on improved roads and 25mph on dirt, gravel or sand roads. Do not block traffic on roadways, paths or trails. Woodfires in campsites are permitted only in fire rings and fireplaces unless fire restriction is in effect. Fire regulations are dependant on weather conditions and do change daily.