International
Magazine
Camp Ventures
Travel Adventures
Stories & Pix
Terrific Travel
Camp Ventures
Camping Travel Adventures
Las Vegas Newest & Best RV Resort
Flag of New Jersey
Serenity: Just a Short Drive Away
Greg Zaczek
Photos by Lynda Zaczek
Imagine a crisp, clear autumn evening, a low burning campfire with the embers gently lapping the fire-ring, and the night sounds soft and relaxing filling the air. In the morning, the deep rich magenta sky gives way to the majestic reds, oranges and yellows of the fall foliage that act as a back drop to a still serene lake. Now imagine all this just a short drive from New York City and Philadelphia and you are in the heart of the New Jersey Pinelands at Bass River State Forest.Bass River State Forest comprises some 25,685 acres. New Jersey acquired it in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and timber management. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and camping.There are several hiking trails that meander through Bass River. The trails are clearly marked. They extend from one to three miles to accommodate everyone from the short stroller to the day hiker. In addition to these relatively short trails, the 25-mile Batona Trail runs through the forest. The Batona Trail careens carefully through three state forests, a number of streams, a cedar swamp and a few once bustling towns with names like Washington, Four Mile, and Butler.
At the center of the forest is Lake Absegami. Lake Absegami is a 67-acre lake created in 1920 by the park service to provide recreation for the visitors. Fresh water fishing (with state license), and car-top boating and canoeing is allowed, electric motors only. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, swimming is permitted in a well-defined roomy designated area that is monitored by a lifeguard. Showers, rest rooms and a food concession is available at the lake during the summer.
One of the favorite pastimes for the guests is camping. Bass River State Forest offers 178 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are just a short walk away. The trailer sanitary station is open from April through November.
For those people who do not have a tent or trailer, don’t fret. There are 15 structures available for rent.There are nine Lean-tos; each equipped with a wood burning stove, picnic table and fire ring. Each accommodates up to six people. Shower, restroom and laundry facilities are a short walk away.
A step up from the lean-tos are the shelters. Each shelter has a furnished living room, wood-burning stove, and double screened in front door. Sleeping accommodations offer two bunkrooms each equipped with one double-deck bunk. The shelters also include an outdoor grill and benches. The shelters are located along the picturesque north shore of Lake Absegami. Shower, restroom and laundry facilities are a short walk away.
The best accommodations are the six cabins located on the North shore of the lake. They offer a living room with double-deck bunk and fireplace, two bunkrooms with double-deck bunks, kitchen with running water and electric stove, refrigerator, shower, toilet and sink. The screened in porch faces the lake. The cabins can accommodate six people. Laundry facilities are a short walk away.
The tent and trailer campsites are opened from April 1st to November 30th . The cabins and shelters are opened from April 1st to October 31st . The lean-tos are open all year for the winter camping enthusiast.
In addition there are two distinct natural areas located at Bass River and are opened to the public.
Absegami Natural area is 128 acres and showcases a beautiful wetland forest of Atlantic White Cedar, Red Maple and Magnolia. This breath taking white cedar swamp and pine-oak forest is the perfect place to observe the areas wildlife.
By far the largest natural area in the forest is the West Pine Plains Natural Area. This unique ecosystem comprises 3,830 acres. The stunted forest, known locally as the Pygmy Forest, is globally rare and supports a mass forest of pine and oak trees that may only reach a height of four feet at maturity. The area also supports an endangered plant species known as the Broom Crowberry and numerous species of rare moths.With the diverse attractions and unique opportunities to observe the wilderness Bass River State Forest has something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Lynda and Greg Zaczek both enjoy traveling, writing, photography and the outdoors. Their work has appeared extensively in the NJ Fisherman, Boaters Digest, and Byline Magazines, and on the net at Trips and Journeys
|
PLEASE SHARE YOUR CAMPING TALES WITH US!
Happy Camper members camp for 50% off the regular full hook-up rates at nearly 1,000 RV parks and Campgrounds nationwide. A common sense program that helps RV travelers save money and helps park owners fill their empty camp sites.
Real Travel Adventures Web Magazine
Thanks for visiting us!
© 2004 Bonita Productions Inc.
