Parks in the NJ Pine Barrens

Double Trouble State Park Route 530, Berkeley Township, NJ (732) 341-6662 Double Trouble is the site of a working cranberry farm, with many partially restored buildings of the old village. It also contains a wonderful nature trail through cedar forests, across Cedar Creek and around the cranberry bogs. Purchased by the state of New Jersey in 1964, it is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Call 1-732-341-6662 for more information. (east)

Northern Ocean County is home to Ocean County Park, in Lakewood Township.  This 300+ acre park was once the home of Billionaire John D. Rockefeller. It features a fresh-water swimming lake, tennis courts, ball fields, plenty of picnic facilities and more. Call 1-877-OCPARKS for more info. (north)

Mre details and photos

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest P.O. Box 215 New Lisbon, NJ 08064 (609) 726-1191 Formerly known as Lebanon State Forest, visitors to BTB State Forest are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. Today's forested acres are a strong contrast to the barren, cleared land that existed in the 1800s. The Lebanon Glass Works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate. Today, hikers can follow the sandy trails and roads that crisscross the forest, sometimes passing near the remains of stone or brick structures, or where large depressions indicate the location of what was once a bustling town. Pure, iron-rich streams flow through acres of swampy land covered with dense stands of Atlantic white cedar. (north)

Bass River State Forest Stage Road, Tuckerton NJ Burlington and Ocean Counties Lake Absegami for swimming, boating and canoeing. A trail through the Absegami Natural Area wanders through a pine/oak woods and a small Atlantic white cedar bog. Includes West Plains Natural Area (Pygmy Pine Forest); access points to the 50-mile Batona Trail. Campsites available. (south-east)

Edwin G. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Great Creek Road, Oceanville, NJ More than 43,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats are actively protected and managed for migratory birds. Several locations along the Jersey coast. Brigantine Wildlife Drive and trails are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. (call first) (south)

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Barnegat Light, NJ Located on 32 acres at the northern tip of Long Beach Island. Gorgeous views, trails, picnicking, fishing, birdwatching, Interpretive Center. (east)

Island Beach State Park Seaside Park NJ Located on a barrier island, accessible via S.H. 37 E. 3,007 acres. Pristine oceanfront and bayfront, 10 miles of coastal dunes, nature trails, protected areas, sugar sand beaches, excellent surf fishing, MSFV's by permit. Part of the Pinelands National Reserve. (east)

Cloverdale Farm County Park Cloverdale Road (off Route 554/W. Bay Ave.) Barnegat NJ In Late 2004, the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust purchased the 80 acre tract of land known as Cloverdale Road Farm in Barnegat. This property is tucked away off West Bay Avenue, and is a much needed and appreciated measure to assure conservation. Once a working cranberry farm, this area is a haven for nature lovers. Wildflowers, birds and yes, even cranberries are here, all for great photo opportunities. Nature walks are offered, and plans are underway to start "working" the bogs once again. Call 609-971-3085 for details. Photos (east)

Allaire State Park & Historic Village Farmingdale, NJ 07727 (732) 938-2371 Although technically outside of the "Pinelands Management Area, Allaire State Park in southern Monmouth County is probably best known for its historic 19th-century ironmaking town, Allaire Village. The antique steam trains on the Pine Creek Railroad are also well-known. The Manasquan River, which winds through the park, attracts canoeists and fishermen. The river’s floodplain provides habitat for over 200 species of wildflowers, trees and plants as well as habitat for birds and other wildlife. Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders enjoy the many trails in the park. (north)

For information on parks throughout New Jersey, visit PARKDAY, a non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of public parks in the state.

© 1998-2008 PineyPower LLC
P.O. Box 307, Barnegat NJ 08005
609-698-2501
Member, Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

Please note: Unless otherwise noted, all articles and photographs on this site are the property of PineyPower, and as such, may not be reproduced without written permission.
Thank you.

CHARTER SPONSORS Thanks for Your Support!

RUSSO'S FRUIT & VEGETABLE FARM Tabernacle NJ

THE GOLD DUSTER Nautical Gifts Barnegat NJ

RAMADA INN OF HAMMONTON Hammonton, NJ

VALENZANO WINERY "South Jersey's Farm Vineyard and Winery" Shamong, NJ

BUZBY'S CHATSWORTH GENERAL STORE Chatsworth NJ

J.D. THOMPSON INN "Between the Pines and the Bay" Tuckerton NJ