Situated 14 miles to the northeast of Shamong in Burlington County, the Rancocas State Park features a network of hiking trails that wander through hardwood forests. The trails lead to the North Branch of the Rancocas Creek and a freshwater tidal marsh. Hiking and wildlife watching are available, as well as a nature center operated by the Audubon Society. There are no picnic facilities, restrooms or camping sites. A portion of the park has been leased to the Powhatan Indians, who have constructed a replica of an Indian village of the 1600s and hold an annual festival that features music, performances and crafts.
Rancocas State Park
P.O. Box 215
New Lisbon, NJ 08064
609-726-1191
stateparks.com/rancocas.html
The largest state park in New Jersey, Wharton State Forest is about 19 miles south of Shamong and has hiking trails, rivers and streams for boating and wildlife viewing. One of the main attractions in the park is Batsto Village, an historic site that is a restored iron- and glass-making center from the 18th and 19th centuries. The park has both developed and primitive campsites. The developed ones have amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, drinking water, flush toilets, a dump station and showers. The primitive sites have pit toilets, and either hand-pumped water or no water. Some of the sites can be reached by vehicle and others cannot. Wildlife in the park includes foxes, deer, bald eagles, hawks, ospreys, great blue herons and great horned owls.
Wharton State Forest
31 Batsto Road
Hammonton, NJ 08037
609-561-0024
stateparks.com/wharton.html
Formerly called Lebanon State Forest, the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest is in New Lisbson, about 15 miles from Shamong. Sandy trails and roads can be found throughout the forest and they often lead to the remains of former towns. The forest also has streams that flow through acres of swampland with groves of white cedar trees. The park has 79 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. These sites are within walking distance of flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities. Cabins, yurts and group campsites are also available. Several picnic areas with table and grills are scattered throughout the park.
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
P.O. Box 215
New Lisbon, NJ 08064
609-726-1191
state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/byrne.html
