Hi all, I am somewhat new to The Pine Barrens but not camping. We have driven through the fire trails and done some minor hiking. Now it's time to try camping there. Here is my dilemma, I would like as secluded as possible but can no longer walk very far. No electricity or water is a plus but some type of bathroom facility is preferred (not required). Are there any secluded sites that can be driven too? What would be the most secluded I could get while walking no more than a mile or so? Thank you in advance.
I'm looking for specific type of campsite.
- Thread starter TheFishMan
- Start date
T
Toothy Critter
Guest
If you can drive there and there is a bathroom facility, it won't be secluded. Camping just anywhere you want in the Pines is not legal. You should use a state or private campground. State Campgrounds are pretty quiet if not virtually empty during the week. But mobbed on weekends.
I didn't think it was legal to camp anywhere I wanted. NJ is too screwed up for that. I'm just looking for smaller sites that would be more woodsy. We are looking for mid October, hopefully there won't be many campers.I can only back pack it for so far. I have never been camping there and know nothing about any of their sites. Hopefully this won't get deleted for a WNJ type of post but I'm looking to take the kids out for the weekend of Friday the 13th.
You might give the Batsto Office a call (609) 561-0024, and describe what your looking for. If you need toilet facilities, you can always bring your own portable chemical unit. You can also review the various camp site maps on the Wharton web site;
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wharton.html
Map of Wharton with camp site locations marked;
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/maps/WhartonAreaMapFinal_reduced.pdf
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wharton.html
Map of Wharton with camp site locations marked;
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/maps/WhartonAreaMapFinal_reduced.pdf
Lower Forge, lots of trails, pit toilets, sites on a BIG hill overlooking the Batsto river, wilderness area (no traffic), no well so bring your own water (supplies). About .4 mile hike in. Consider doing a supply drop ahead of time if it seems too much.
http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.72568323152682&lng=-74.67313784759523&z=15&type=topo&gpx=
http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.72568323152682&lng=-74.67313784759523&z=15&type=topo&gpx=
T
Toothy Critter
Guest
Lower Forge would require leaving your vehicle unattended on a dirt road. I would not recommend this, but do whatever you feel comfortable with. Fish Man, if you go to Reserve America, there is access to "Date Range Availability" which will give you an idea of the least crowded areas at state campsites. You are planning October so I think you may find some good spots. It shows every State camping area in the state and shows the availability of every single site,