BASS RIVER STATE FOREST
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.
Bass River State Forest is located in New Jersey's Burlington and Ocean counties and is the first state forest established in the state. Its history can be traced back to the early 1900s when the state of New Jersey began acquiring land for the purpose of preserving and utilizing its natural resources.
In 1905, the New Jersey Legislature passed the Forest Park Reservation Act, providing funding for the creation of public forests and parks. This marked the initial steps towards the establishment of the state forest system. The state began acquiring land in 1905, and by 1908, the Bass River State Forest was officially designated as the first state forest in New Jersey.
Initially, Bass River State Forest was primarily used for its timber resources. Logging activities were conducted within the forest, with trees being harvested for their wood. However, by the 1930s, the timber industry declined, and the focus shifted towards recreational use and conservation.
During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in developing the forest. CCC workers were employed to build infrastructure, including roads, trails, and recreational facilities. They also conducted reforestation efforts, planting trees and restoring the forest's natural ecosystem.
Cabins: Six lakefront cabins with living room with double-deck bunk and fireplace; two bunk rooms with double-deck bunks; kitchen with running water, electric stove, refrigerator; bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink. Screened-in porch faces lake. Outdoor fire rings. Electricity. Each accommodates a maximum of six people. Cabins are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami. Open April 1 through October 31. $65 per night, $455 per week.
Campsites: 176 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance of all sites. No hook-ups provided. Each site accommodates a maximum of six campers, two vehicles (including trailers) and two tents. Trailer sanitary station is open March 1 through November 30. Campsites open all year. $20 per night.
Group Campsites: Six group campsites with water and pit toilets are within walking distance. Each site accommodates a maximum of 25 campers. Parking is directly on the site. Open all year. $25 per night
Lean-tos: Nine handicap accessible lean-tos each with a hardwood floor and a woodburning stove. Outdoor picnic table, fire ring and grill. Flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities are within walking distance. Located on the south shore. Accommodates a maximum of six people. Open all year. $30 per night.
Shelters: Six lakeside shelters with two bunk rooms, one double-deck bunk in each room, a living room with a picnic table and bench, woodburning stove, fire ring and screened double door. Outdoor grill for cooking, table and benches. Flush toilets and shower facilities are nearby. Shelters are located along the north shore of Lake Absegami. Accommodates a maximum of four people. Open April 1 through October 31. $40 per night
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Swimming is permitted in Lake Absegami from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day while lifeguards are on duty. Visitors will find a beach complex containing changing area, restrooms, showers, a first-aid station and a concession building offering refreshments, novelties and beach supplies. Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area. Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. Pets are prohibited on the beach.
A public boat launch is located north of the recreational area parking lot. Powered boats are limited to electric motors only. A rowboat concession is operated during the summer months. Coast guard approved life preservers are required.
Boating/Canoeing
A public boat launch is located north of the recreational area parking lot. Powered boats are limited to electric motors only. A rowboat concession is operated during the summer months. Coast guard approved life preservers are required.