FOR SMALL SCREEN DEVICES SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW THE MAP
See a SLIDESHOW of swimming hole photos in this state.
Please send us E-MAIL if
you have a swimming hole to add or if you have more information about one that is already
listed. Thank you.
Some great swimming hole LINKS for this State: N. J. PADDLING BARES Yes, nude canoeing in the garden state!
lat=39.626111, lon= -74.896416(source: Geocaching) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NJ
WATER
Spring
TYPE
Spring
DESCRIPTION
Here is a place of legend and mystery - not for the faint hearted and maybe not for anyone who values their life! Said to be 1) bottomless 2)quicksand and 3) haunted by the Jersey Devil, who pulls swimmers to their death. Oh, yes, and if none of the above are real (who knows?) the ticks sure are! WEAR LOTS OF DEET AND CHECK FOR TICKS FREQUENTLY. What more can I say? A fine place for a swim and picnic - if you are a masochist. This is a geocaching site; see GEOCHACHING.
From Vineland, go northeast on RT 54 then northwest on RT 322 to Berryland where you turn northeast on East Piney Hollow Rd.. It is best to park at the Winslow Fish and Wildlife Management Area gun range off of Piney Hollow Road. Hike on a dirt road off Piney Hollow Road, leading northwest into the Winslow Wildlife Management Area. Hike in three-fifths of a mile and follow blue trail markers, and you'll eventually come to the Blue Hole. (It is not necessary to walk into the woods just follow the road and paths.) WEAR DEET AND CHECK OFTEN FOR TICKS. I CANNOT RECOMMEND SWIMMING HERE. DO NOT SWIM HERE IF IT APPEARS OR FEELS UNSAFE!
lat=40.41217, lon=-75.04261(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NJ
WATER
Delaware River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
SEE NOTE BELOW REGARDING N.J. PROHIBITION OF SWIMMING HERE.
There are several places people have been observed to swim in the river at the State Park. The main place is at the wing dam, accessed from the campground, at the northernmost camping loop, near campsite #51. You are only supposed to go in this area if you are a camper. There is a small parking area here, at the wing dam, and some benches. The campground restrooms are very nearby. Nice kids playground very nearby.
AT HIGHER WATER LEVELS, THIS WOULD BE A VERY UNSAFE PLACE TO SWIM! DON'T DO IT!
NOTE: In 7/2003, I received this e mail from a state official: "The State of New Jersey indeed has a myriad of beautiful creeks, rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. Many of these are situate in publicly owned and State administered properties. Among the agencies that are stewards of these natural resources is the Div. of Parks and Forestry, State Park Service."
"As a Regional Superintendent employed with the State Park Service, it is my duty to point out to you (as Webmasters) that swimming is PROHIBITED in State Park/Forest waterways unless lifeguards are present. We offer numerous areas from Belleplain State Forest in the southern County of Cape May to High Point State Park in the northern climes of Sussex County in which visitors can relax and swim in clean, safe, guarded conditions."
"Bull's Island Recreation Area (D & R Canal State Park) and Sunfish Pond (Worthington State Forest) are two prime examples found on your website where beauty and allure abounds, but swimming/wading is PROHIBITED. I beg to differ with your contention that law enforcement is 'lax' at these areas... State Rangers patrol these sites and will step in to correct illegal activities when sighted."
"Signed: Thomas C. Keck, Jr., Regl. Supt. - Northern Region"
AREAS
Bulls Island S. P.; Delaware and Raritan Canal S. P.
SANCTION
Swimming prohibited
FEE
No entrance fee
FACILITIES
All facilities
ACTIVITIES
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Camping at the site. Reservations available.
BATHING SUITS
Customary, family crowd
DIRECTIONS
From Lambertville, (across the river from New Hope, PA) take RT 29 north, through Stockton and in another 3 miles you will come to the sign for the State Park. There are multiple places for river access; the campground entrance road is right next to the park office.
Swimming places on the NJ side of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and Worthington State Forest. See DIRECTIONS below for details.
AREAS
Worthington State Forest, Delaware Watergap N. R. A.
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
At the Del. Water Gap Information Center and at the campground in Worthington State Forest. See below for directions.
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Camping at Worthington State Forest campground.
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Stroudsburg, PA, take I-80 east to Exit 1 (the first exit in NJ). Follow the signs to the Delaware Water Gap Information Center - you will be on Old Mine Road. Then:
INFORMATION CENTER [INFO]: The Delaware Water Gap Information Center is immediately south of I-80 on Old Mine Rd and is right on the Delaware River. At the east end of the Information Center area is a picnic area with a fence and an opening in the fence where you can go down to the river. This is a water play/swimming place. The Delaware River often has strong currents here - CHECK CURRENTS EVERY TIME AND DON'T GO IN HERE IF IT IS TOO SWIFT! LAT, LON lat=40.97038, lon= -75.12574(source: measured) (accuracy:approximate) , LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident, verified 8/09, updated 8/09.
FARVIEW [FARV]: From the Information Center, take Old Mine Rd. to the west (upstream on the Delaware) along I-80 and then under I-80 and into the Water Gap/Worthington State Forest area. You will go through a section of Old Mine Rd. that is narrow and is one way and is controlled by a traffic signal. About 1 mile after that, you will see a sign on the right for the Farview hiking trail and ON THE LEFT a large parking area (signed "Karamac"). Park here. From this parking area, several trails zig-zag down to the Delaware river. The swimming place is here in the Delaware River. PHOTO , PHOTO . The southern end has rocky ledges for jumping. The northern end of this swimming area has very gradual slope. Water there is clean/clear with very gentle current MOST of the summer. NOTE: The National Park rangers will summons you for jumping off the rocks (an old collapsed bridge) and for tubing without a life jacket! Also, no alcohol in the park area. The Delaware River can have strong currents here - CHECK CURRENTS EVERY TIME AND DON'T GO IN IF IT IS TOO SWIFT! Weekends, beware of jetskiis owned by family across the river. LAT, LON lat=40.9891, lon= -75.1283(source: measured) (accuracy:approximate) , LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident, verified 8/09, updated 8/09.
SUNFISH POND [SUNF]: Reputed swimming place in glacially-carved pond that is one of New Jersey's natural wonders. Supposedly over 600 feet deep (hardly a "pond"!). Some places with rocky bottom, others with mucky bottom. Is on the Appalachian Trail and is a favorite stop for hikers. PHOTO . Here are some notes about this place:
In 7/2003, we received this e mail from a state official: "The State of New Jersey indeed has a myriad of beautiful creeks, rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. Many of these are situate in publicly owned and State administered properties. Among the agencies that are stewards of these natural resources is the Div. of Parks and Forestry, State Park Service. As a Regional Superintendent employed with the State Park Service, it is my duty to point out to you (as Webmasters) that swimming is PROHIBITED in State Park/Forest waterways unless lifeguards are present. We offer numerous areas from Belleplain State Forest in the southern County of Cape May to High Point State Park in the northern climes of Sussex County in which visitors can relax and swim in clean, safe, guarded conditions."
"Bull's Island Recreation Area (D & R Canal State Park) and Sunfish Pond (Worthington State Forest) are two prime examples found on your website where beauty and allure abounds, but swimming/wading is PROHIBITED. I beg to differ with your contention that law enforcement is 'lax' at these areas... State Rangers patrol these sites and will step in to correct illegal activities when sighted. Signed: Thomas C. Keck, Jr., Regl. Supt. - Northern Region"
This note form a visitor in 2006:"I find this place scary because its in the middle of the woods on the top of a mountain. It's perfectly still. People say it's something like 3,000 feet deep... or maybe has no bottom? I forget what the legend is - though I know that it IS truly deep. It's also the highest elevation lake in NJ. The water is freezing cold all the time since it's so deep and probably spring-fed. The weirdest part about it is that the water is actually slightly acidic because of the geochemistry surrounding it or something (some blame acid rain from industrial pollution), so that only two species of fish and maybe a snake or two can live in it. They've tried to populate it with bass and such, for fishing, but they always die." Hmm...maybe not a place to visit on a dark night.... "
This note in 2008:"I can verify that Sunfish Pond is a great swimming hole - and I know you're not "supposed to" but, I used to take day trips every year to go swimming there. It *is* technically a glacial lake and not a pond, but since it's only about 41 acres, the name stuck. While I never checked the depth, the sides go down at a very steep slope, and judging by the neighboring landscape, it's deep."
To get here from Farview, continue on Old Mine Rd. north along the Delaware river. Go about 1 mile from Farview then park on the right at the Douglas and Garvey trailheads - park at LAT, LON lat=41.01314, lon= -75.08165 (source: measured) (accuracy:approximate) There are 2 trails here that go up to the A. T. and Sunfish Pond; the Douglas Trail and the Garvey Springs Trail. It is about a 3 hours round trip hike up and back. You can take either trail up to the A. T., the Garvey Springs trail appears to be a bit shorter. To get to Sunfish Pond, if you take the Douglas, go north on the AT and if you take the Garvey go south on the AT. LAT, LON: lat=41.0031, lon= -75.0728 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) , LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Very confident, partially verified 8/09, updated 8/09.
THE GLEN [GLEN]: Cove, falls, sliding places, very special little swimming and water play place in Vancampens Brook. Clean, clear water. It consists of a waterfall that enters a deep, some say is 50' deep but more likely 15-20', circular hole that is really nice to relax in and a natural rock slide down to a shallow pool. The hole is mostly surrounded by a rock face. Jumping is illegal and dangerous here. PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO , PHOTO .
Here is a report on this area from 2009:"We visited "The Glen" last weekend. The Glen is approx 3 -5 miles from Worthington State Forest Campground, along the same road. The campground is south, closer to Route 80. So if anyone wanted, he/she could camp there and visit "The Glen" and "Fairview" in one day, and Sunfish Pond (whole day hike) on the other day. It would be possible to access the trailhead for Sunfish (same parking lot as Fairview), Worthington, "The Glen" -- and also "Watergate" (developed swimming area apx 1 mile from "The Glen") and also "Millbrook Village" (restored 18th century village, no swimming but no charge either) -- all by bicycle. It's a very narrow road but it does seem to attract a fair share of cyclists."
LAT, LON: lat=41.05933, lon= -74.99578(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. To get here from the parking area for Sunfish Pond (above) continue north on Old Mine Rd. about 8 more miles past the first parking area for Vancampens Glen to the Upper Glen parking area on the east (left) side of the road - park at LAT, LON: lat=41.0652, lon= -74.9853 (source: measured) (accuracy:exact). Park here and follow the trail across the road then walk along Vancampens Brook (downstream to the right) for about 1/2 mile to The Glen swimming place.
lat=40.44897, lon= -74.45308(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NJ
WATER
Farrington Lake
TYPE
Lake
DESCRIPTION
Nice, deep (15 to 20 ft) informal swim spot in Farrington Lake. Huge rope swing (may be cut). Nice secluded spot from the urban rush.
I got this negative report in 2003: "Unless I am missing
something, the hole isn't usable as described. Thre is a huge fence (I suppose a 12 year old boy could scale it) blocking the dam. The water was very high. There was no way even a 12 year old boy could walk across, though maybe with lower water it would be different. Around to the left (facing the water as described in the site) were some very scuzzy scummy ways to get into the water. There is also a huge no swimming sign. The directions to reach the place don't quite work. Can't turn left on Farrington Road, though I did double back and find it without too much trouble."
Here is another report from 2008:"I have lived in east brunswick my whole life, a block from the lake. The information on how to get to the lake is correct but thats about it. The fence does block the entry to the lake from the parking lot but that is for keeping people out out of the waters near the water
control dam. The "rope swing was moved" closer and with easier access from the parking lot. Directions: walk or drive down the main trail "easy to notice" 200 yards first left 50 feet area to park. SUV maybe needed area by left turn my be muddy, after in lot follow trail to the right which views
the water "water on left" noticeable shortly down trail where you can swing/swim safely nice water bottom, no mud. There is a metal cable hanging "must bring own rope" climb the steps built on the tree and hook your rope on. Popular spot for kids drinking and having small party's through out the day"
Here is a report in 2009: "Was just here today. Both of your locations are right - there is a rope swing if you cross the damn (beware damn is 50 ft to bottom) but you don't have to worry about enforcement on the far side. The one closer (as noted by the email suggestion from 2008), is paroled by police - it is township property and there are No Swimming signs around. The rope swing has been cut, so you'd have to bring enough rope (at least 100ft) to make your own, and I highly advise against drinking/etc at this location."
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Rope swing
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From New Brunswick area, take RT 1 south to RT 130 south. Go about .5 miles on RT 130 then turn east (left) on Farrington Blvd. Park at the end of the road (a gravel area with picnic benches.) Walk across dam and follow path to the right for about 100 yards. or just follow the side of the lake. A secluded swimming spot with rope swing is here.
lat=40.46489, lon= -73.99406(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NJ
WATER
Atlantic Ocean (one of the BIGGER swimming holes)
TYPE
Ocean beach
DESCRIPTION
Gunnison Beach is a well-frequented public nudist beach in the Sandy Hook Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area (a National Park). Please respect the established etiquette of this place. If you go - GO NUDE, and NO GAWKING, NO CAMERAS, NO SEXUAL BEHAVIOR. link to more info.
AREAS
Gateway National Recreation Area
SANCTION
Official
FEE
Yes, see web site above
FACILITIES
All facilities
ACTIVITIES
Nude sunbathing, nude swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
None at site
BATHING SUITS
Nudist beach
DIRECTIONS
From the Garden State Parkway, exit 117, (at Matawan, south of New York City) take RT 36 south (follow sign for Gateway National Recreation Area). Continue on RT 36 about 12 miles. Nearing the ocean shore, watch for sign "Sandy Hook / Gateway National Recreation Area next right" just before a drawbridge. Immediately following the drawbridge, an exit ramp to the right crosses back over RT 36 into the park. Once in the park, follow signs to Gunnison Beach.
lat=41.06975, lon= -74.32103(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NJ
WATER
Unknown
TYPE
Pool (Natural)
DESCRIPTION
This description from a local resident:"The pool is a non-profit community owned pool that was built in the 1930s by daming a small stream. People refer to it as a swimming hole, because:
* No chemicals are used in the pool
* It is fed by a mountain stream and rarely goes above 65 degrees
* The bottom is mucky
* Resident fish, newts and snakes inhabit the pool
(Hey- sounds like a genuine swimming hole to me!)
There is a membership fee, but daily use passes are available and often used by
hikers using the adjacent trails. The pool is located in Ringwood New Jersey,
and is close to another listing, Otter Hole." See their web site at www.highlandspool.com .
Adjacent at Weis Ecology Center, Reservations: (973) 835-2160
BATHING SUITS
Required
DIRECTIONS
From I-287 in Pompton Lakes area, take Ringwood Road north about 4 miles then turn west (left) onto Westbrook Road at Rohde's Ringwood Inn (RRI). At the end of the reservoir, there will be a fork
where you must bear left and continue on on Westbrook Road over a small bridge.
The second left is Snake Den Road. Continue about 0.6 miles (drive slowly and
watch for people on this country road!), bearing left at top of hill. You'll
then come to a clearing and the entrance for New Jersey Audubon/Weis Ecology
Center. Follow signs for the Pool..
lat=40.3754, lon= -74.7676(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NJ
WATER
Quarry
TYPE
Quarry
DESCRIPTION
Swimming place in quarry, said by a member to be, "A gem of a place." NOTE: It is now a club- members and guests of members only. The phone number is below for membership rates and hours. The main entry point is somewhat rocky; water shoes are helpful. There are three diving boards; 4, 10 & 15 feet. There are picnic tables and grills available.
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Official
FEE
Yes, members only- call phone number below for rates.
FACILITIES
Yes, see above
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Diving, Jumping
PHONE
(609) 466-9887
CAMPING
None at site.
BATHING SUITS
Required
DIRECTIONS
From Trenton, from I-95 north of Trenton, take exit 4 then take RT 31 (Pennington Rd.) north towards Ewing/Pennington. Go about 6 miles north on RT 31 (though a circle) then turn east (right) onto Mine Rd. Go about .3 miles and turn right onto Stony Brook Rd.. Go about .5 miles and turn left onto Pennington Hopewell Rd. Go another .5 miles and turn right onto Crusher Rd.. The quarry is on Crusher Rd..
(Another way: from the north - take RT 27 South to RT 518 Through Rocky Hill, towards Pennington at the fork.)
lat=40.56683, lon= -75.09733(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NJ
WATER
Delaware River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
Swimming place in town in small pool in river. CHECK CURRENTS AND DON'T GO IN IF IT IS TOO SWIFT! DONT SWIM OUT INTO THE CURRENT.
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
None at site. Camping south of here at Bulls Island S. P.
BATHING SUITS
Customary
DIRECTIONS
From Easton (PA) go east on I-78 to exit 7 at Bloomsbury. Then take RT 173 into Bloomsbury, then RT 639 south toward Warren Glen then RT 519 south to Milford (NJ). Take RT 519 to Milford and turn towards the bridge over the Delaware to PA (right if southbound) onto the main street of Milford. Find a path under the bridge and enjoy.
lat=40.7795, lon= -74.9039(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NJ
WATER
Musconetcong River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: As of 8/2011, trash, drugs and crime have become a problem here. We're gonna loose this one if folks keep abusing it.
Swimming place in river. Two rope swings. It is an
old mill and there are a couple of big cement pilings from the mill great for sunning.
Deep, slow moving place. This from a visitor:"There were two rope swings, but they weren't obvious. You have to walk down an eroded asphalt path back toward the highway."
AREAS
None
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Jumping
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
None at site. Camping north of here at Stephen's State Park.
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From Phillipsburg, take RT 57 northeast through Washington. About 3 miles past Washington, you will see a sign for Penwell on the right. At the sign, there is a small road to the right. Go down this road, turn left immediately before bridge, and park.
lat=41.04789, lon= -74.34281(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NJ
WATER
Posts Brook
TYPE
Brook/Falls
DESCRIPTION
Nice little swimming hole at cascades in brook.
AREAS
Norvin Green State Forest
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Swimming
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Not at site.
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
In northeastern NJ, take Exit 53 off I-287 onto RT 511 west. Follow RT 694 through Bloomingdale. Keep right where it becomes Hamburg Turnpike. Turn right at the Y-junction onto Glen Wild Av.. Go about 3.3 miles on Glen Wild Av and park in second parking area. Walk down the road (southeast) about 300 feet until the end of the guardrail. Proceed northeast straight into the woods only 80 to 100 feet, and there is the swimming hole. There is no trail, but you'll find it. There's an upper cascade within a rocky gorge, and then a lower cascade. The lower falls empties into a swimming hole about 4 feet deep and 20 feet long. The water is clean and clear, but the bottom of the swimming hole is entirely boulders covered with algae that stirs up quickly. Not too pleasant.
lat=41.185479, lon= -74.347283(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NJ
WATER
Surprise Lake
TYPE
Lake
DESCRIPTION
Nice, deep glacial pond at the top of a mountain. Not sure how good the swimming is here but it is a strenuous uphill hike of about 1.2 miles (each way) to get there so you will be ready to cool off. There may be snapping turtles in the lake - dont know how dangerous these are. For a description of the hike, see HIKE SITE .
AREAS
Hewitt State Forest
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Unknown
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
Find West Milford in far northern NJ (south of border with NY). From West Milford, go north on RT 513 (Union Valley Rd) about 2.1 miles. Turn left at County Rd 511 N (Lakeside Rd) and follow it along the west shore of Greenwood Lake to the NY state line where you will see the Greenwood Marina on the east side of the road (right side). Park in the lot opposite the marina and look for the State Line trailhead with a blue-on-white blaze. Take this trail generally uphill (pretty strenuous), past a great overlook of Grenwood Lake, for about 1.2 miles to Surprise Lake.
lat=40.89987, lon= -75.07682(source: map) (accuracy:approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NJ/PA
WATER
Delaware River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
(This place is best accessed from the PA side of the river). Train trestle bridge over the Delaware, south of the Delaware Water Gap area. Swim under it. (Dont jump off it - BE CAREFUL!) CAREFUL- Moving current. 15 feet deep. Inner tube all the way down the little rapids right to the campground. Real nice time.
AREAS
None (near Delaware Water Gap N.R.A.)
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
None
FACILITIES
None
ACTIVITIES
Swimming, Tubing
PHONE
None
CAMPING
Unknown
BATHING SUITS
Unknown
DIRECTIONS
From I-80, take Exit 4 (Columbia) cross the river to the PA side (toll bridge) then turn immediately south on River Rd.. Go about 1.75 miles on River Rd. to where the railroad trestle crossed the river. Park somewhere near here and walk to the river. The swimming hole is under the trestle. No better directions.
lat=39.70289, lon=-74.75014 (source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE
NJ
WATER
Mullica River
TYPE
River
DESCRIPTION
There are several places very close to Batsto in the Wharton State Forest (Pine Barrens) in the Mullica River. The three listed here are all thanks to Al Braley, AMC Webmaster at AMC-NY
PLEASE NOTE: I received the following e-mail in 7/2003: "... the places listed are not authorized swimming areas. The authorized swimming area for Wharton State Forest, is the Atsion Recreation Area. There are no other areas on Wharton State Forest where swimming is allowed, because there are no lifeguards. Anyone found swimming illegally will be fined by the State Park Rangers. Your site does indicate that you may tube, which is correct. You may also canoe or kayak down the rivers. Signed: Wharton State Forest, Supt. Lynn E. Fleming"
PLEASE NOTE ALSO: I received the followin in 1/2004: " Though New Jersey's official policy is no swimming in the many creeks, rivers and lakes of the Pine Barrens, there is no real patrol out there banning people from the rivers. Many of the creeks and swimming holes are less than three feet deep so they are not even dangerous. Most are so hidden, that the few rangers we have never get out to them. Our rangers -- thankgoodness -- are more concerned with drinking and drug use in our forrests than bothering a few swimmers. How do I know? I live 3.3 miles away from Batsto and the 12 swimming holes located nearby. "
Be sure to visit Batsto while you're here, learn the interesting history of 200 years of industrial
efforts in the Pinelands of NJ that are almost all gone today. And read "The Pine Barrens", an
excellent book by John McPhee.
OLD STATE CAMPGROUND [OLDS]: (See red circle on local area map, left panel): This is just
above a beaver dam that creates a nice hole with a sand beach at the Old State Campground. To
get there: from Atsion on RT 206, go E on Quaker Bridge Rd. about 2 mi to a fork in the road.
Here take the right fork (shown on map as "Bad Road") to the river access point at the Old State
Campground. (No camping here, see "camping" below.)
MULLICA RIVER WILDERNESS CAMPGROUND [MULL]: (See red circle on local area map, left
panel) This hole is at the current Mullica River Wilderness Campground where there are
several beaches along the river bank. To get there: Follow the directions above (for OLD
STATE CAMPGROUND) as far as the fork in the road. This time take the left fork for about
1/2 mi further to a second fork. Take a right at the second fork and then park. There are signs
and parking areas about 15 minutes walk north and south of the campground. (It is a traffic
violation if you are caught driving in campground.) Walk from parking to the MULLICA
RIVER WILDERNESS CAMPGROUND. (No car-camping here, see "camping" below.)
CONSTABLE BRIDGE [CONS]: (See red circle on local area map, upper right panel) Lots of folks like to tube and swim along the Mullica
from Constable Bridge to the Route 542 access area. To get there: To get to Constable Bridge by
car it's a short drive, about 1 mile, on a good sand road off 542 starting along the split rail fence
for the Batsto Village. DO NOT GO BAREFOOT HERE - BROKEN GLASS!
AREAS
Wharton State Park (Pine Barrens)
SANCTION
Unofficial
FEE
Unknown
FACILITIES
Unknown
ACTIVITIES
Tubing, Canoeing
PHONE
Unknown
CAMPING
Wharton State Forest ( HQ is at Batsto), has about 6-7 different car-
camping areas, 3 are marked on the local area map and the others are within 4-5 miles along the Wading River a bit east of here.
Wharton State Forest campgrounds shown on the local area map are:
Atsion Family Campground: on the map where Mullica crosses Rte 206, hot showers,
flush toilets, tables;
Goshen Pond: 1 mile or so west of Atsion Family, primiive, pit toilets;
Buttonwood Hill Camp: Off Rte 542, East of Batsto.
Mullica River Wilderness Campground: Is the only one that is off-limits
to vehicles. There are signs and parking areas about 15 minutes walk north and south of the
campground. It is a traffic violation if you are caught driving in this campground.
It is considered a walk-in, canoe-in or ski-in area. There are pit toilets there
and a pump for fresh potable water, no tables.
Private campgrounds shown on the local area map are:
Paradise Lake: On shuttle route map off 206, store
Forks Landing Marina: Near Sweetwater; Bell Haven Lake.
A Family-Friendly 
