- Bass River State Forest
The best camping in Bass River State Forest, NJ
63% (4)
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C
Chris
3 days ago
22 ft Class B
With pets
Great spot. Very responsive host and easy check in.
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S
Sweety
3 weeks ago
With kids
We had weekend trips at Bern’s place and it was wonderful. Cabin is really cozy and had everything needed. Everything was properly marked for convenience. My kid had a wonderful time hiking and watching horses.
Beautiful fire pit and peaceful nature.Bren was super responsive and helped whenever we needed anything. Wonderful place and helpful people.
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APR
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
I absolutely love this place. I always get site 1 in front of the lake. Spacious well kept. Very responsive host, super clean port-a-jon will be back time and time again!
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Keiko
October 2025
21 ft Class B
With pets
We had a great time for a quick overnight. I definitely want to return with my grandson for a weekend.
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Ann
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Creekside at Crystal Lake
We had a fantastic weekend at this site. Because the weather was cooler, we were looking for cabin camping, and the cabin was thoroughly prepped with everything we might need and was very clean. The outhouse was also spotless. Our favorite part was the outdoor area beside the cabin, with the picnic table and campfire. It felt like we were in the middle of the woods, even though we weren’t far from civilization. There is some nearby road noise, which is hard to avoid given the location, but in the morning we heard birds and the crackling fire helped drown out the car sounds. This spot is perfect for anyone seeking cabin camping with a private, secluded feel for a getaway.
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Carly
October 2025
Group trip
We had such a GREAT TIME at Great Times Camp! Bathrooms and parking are a short walk away from the cabins. The camp is private and quiet with plenty of room for our large group. Will was helpful and prompt with answering any questions. We will definitely be back!
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Jason
October 2025
27 ft travel trailer
With pets
We stayed at Bren's place with our 3 dogs in a 27' travel trailer. Easy in and out very convenient for traveling. Clean and friendly.
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Tetiana
October 2025
With pets
I booked the cabin and one tent site to accommodate our group of 2 adults, three kids, and one dog. We setup the tent near the cabin and had a fantastic time! The cabin is cozy and was very comfortable for mom with two boys. The dispersed area looks great, although we did not use it. The host was very accommodating and responded to my barrage of questions. We felt very comfortable and safe. What a great place for a family getaway!
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J
J
October 2025
Tent
With pets
I stayed at campsite #1 a few years ago and decided to come back this past weekend with some friends who were brand new to camping. The site sits right by the dock near the pond — it’s currently being worked on, so there wasn’t much water this time. But that didn’t stop us from having a good time. The space was perfect for our big group of 13! It’s quiet, roomy, and far enough from the other sites that you get plenty of privacy.
Getting in touch with Timothy, the owner, was super easy. He responded quickly to messages and made sure we had everything we needed for our stay, which made the whole experience even better. Since it’s pet-friendly, I even brought my kitten along, and he had a blast exploring the outdoors. Overall, it was an awesome weekend, and I’d totally recommend campsite #1 to anyone looking for a fun, relaxing getaway with friends or family.
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Sumona
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We loved camping in this beautiful area. Plenty of space to put up our tent and have some peace and quiet. We are local but it is a great way to end a busy, stressful week.
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JAEYONG
October 2025
Tent
With kids
cheap and nice location between phili and new york.
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Dave
October 2025
Group trip
7th trip to Great Times in 6 years and every year is better than the last. Our host Will is always just a message away and is very accommodating.
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Cecelia
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Creekside at Crystal Lake
This cozy little cabin in the woods is a fantastic little find. The cabin is comfortable, cute, clean, and just overall a wonderful place to stay. I especially like the fire pit and sitting out and hearing all the crickets and sounds of nature. The double bed is quite comfortable and the host greeted us and made sure we had everything that we needed. Overall a high recommendation.
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Yvonne
October 2025
4 ft travel trailer
With pets
This campground spends a lot of effort looking for activities for children and adults. There are a lot of things to do for children!! I received text every day about what they had planned for the day.
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Vivian
October 2025
Tent
Such a wonderful experience filled with stuff to do in a safe and private area. Perfect for both meeting new people and having private time.
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James
October 2025
Tent
This is the second time I’ve stayed at Tim’s property. Each time was very enjoyable, peaceful and you had plenty of space to run around. There is a lake there that you can’t go fishing, but unfortunately, this time I was in the dry season. This place is very well kept And enjoyable.
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Carrie
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Creekside at Crystal Lake
This little cabin had everything we needed, and we were very comfortable. Linens provided, great battery powered lamps and everything was clearly marked. We only stayed for one night and did not take advantage of the fire pit, but we enjoyed relaxing on the porch with coffee in the morning. Though the communal pit toilet is shared with others who may be camping on the land, the cabin is separate from campsites and feels very private. We’d certainly love to return for a longer stay.
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Calvin
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Went above and beyond in making us comfortable! Set up an extra fire ring for our group in addition to the pit we already had.
Went as a weekend trip from NYC and got to sneak in some great nearby visits to a honey apiary farm, pick your own vegetables farm, and the BAPS temple (3rd largest in the world!)
See moreCalvin
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Went above and beyond in making us comfortable! Set up an extra fire ring for our group in addition to the pit we already had.
Went as a weekend trip from NYC and got to sneak in some great nearby visits to a honey apiary farm, pick your own vegetables farm, and the BAPS temple (3rd largest in the world!)
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G
Gina
October 2025
16 ft travel trailer
With pets
Abraham, the host, “made” this site! He was accommodating, helpful and so pleasant! The site wasn’t what I was expecting (I thought it would be in a more rural setting because dogs can be off leash) however I stayed because Abraham was so darn nice. My dog and I had a very restful, relaxing stay.
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Stay at a public campground in Bass River State Forest
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The best camping in Bass River State Forest, NJ guide
Overview
About
You bet your bass its time to plan another trip into the forest. How about a pygmy forest made of miniature trees? Bass River State Forest is home to one of the largest pygmy forests of its type in the world. The West Pine Plains Natural Area pygmy forest reaches a canopy height of no taller than four feet. Now if only miniature ponies also roamed the area!
Easy hiking trails are a great way to explore the area which also has a historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp where they created 67-acre Lake Absegami for swimming and boating as well as many trails, observation areas, bridges, cabins and other outdoorsy goodness for visitors to enjoy. Tent camping, lean-tos, shelters and cabins round out your options for spending a few nights in the outdoors. So pack the picnic, grab the family and head on down to Bass River State Forest!
When to go
The ideal time to visit Bass River State Forest is during the spring and fall, when mild temperatures create perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Summer brings warmth and a full bloom of nature, but also larger crowds. Winters are quieter but can be brisk, so pack accordingly.
Know before you go
- Check weather conditions before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities within this timeframe.
- Stay on designated trails to protect the forest's delicate ecosystems and your own safety.
- Facilities may vary by season, so verify the availability of restrooms and picnic areas in advance.
- Remember to pack out your trash, keeping the forest pristine for fellow adventurers.
63%
4 ratings · 4 reviews
Recommends
· June 2023
Beautiful well equipped cabins with screened in porches facing the lake. In June, the entire campground was blooming with pink rhododendron. At night, from our screened in porch, we could hear whippoorwills, Carpenter frogs and at least 2 other types of frogs. The only problem is that the sounds of nature were often drowned out by traffic noise from the nearby parkway and by amplified music until after midnite on Saturday from a nearby public campground. The cabins were spacious, with full kitchen, living room with fireplace and bunkbed, and 2 small rooms each with bunkbed. The bathroom included shower with hot running water, sink and toilet. All was very clean. I would only hesitate to return due to seeing 1 or 2 live roaches in each room.
Lori L.
2 reviews
August 2015
The whole of the forest and campgrounds are very clean, there's a great swimming area and plenty of water and hiking activities to keep you busy.
Whitney B.
9 reviews
August 2015
North Shore is perfect. You get A LOT of space to yourself or you and your group, access to the waterfront and a dry cabin for when roughing-it just doesn't sound all that great.
Whitney B.
9 reviews
May 2015
If you arrive after 4pm - the office will be closed, go straight to your campsite and register in the morning.
Whitney B.
9 reviews