Bass River State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Bass River State Park encompasses 18,208 acres and is located 25 miles from New Jersey's Atlantic City. The beautiful terrain provides visitors with everything from a relaxing sandy beach to the vast Bass River State Forest. The land was purchased in 1905 for the sole purpose of public recreation. In 1930, the 67-acre human-made Lake Absegami was created by damming two streams and has since become the park's centerpiece and main draw. The Civilian Conservation Corps was established within the park in 1933, and the Corps built the roads and picnic shelters that are still used today. Over the years, it hasn't disappointed, with activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and camping delighting the thousands of visitors that come each year.
Nearby Cities:
Mystic Island, NJ
Smithville, NJ
Ocean Acres, NJ
Pomona, NJ
Spring 32-71 F
Summer 60-85 F
Fall 37-78 F
Winter 23-47 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Bass River State Park
Campground Accommodations
North Shore Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 30 feet
Other amenities: Fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities
South Shore Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 30 feet
Other amenities: Fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities
Atlantic Shore Pines Campground
Atlantic Shore Pines Campground is nestled in New Jersey Pine Barrens and 30 minutes from the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The campground offers spacious RV sites with water, sewer, and electric hookups. There is a dump station, snack bar, dog park, and free Wi-Fi offered here. You can swim in the pool and play miniature golf, horseshoes, and shuffleboard at the campground. RV rates start at $63 per night.
Timberline Lake Camping Resort
Timberline Lake Camping Resort boasts 185 shaded, wooded and lakefront sites with partial and full hookup availability. The campground is big rig-friendly and offers winter storage options. All campsites include free Wi-Fi and cable TV, dog beach access, and many other amenities. Campers will receive free use of Ocean City beach tags. RV rates start at $ 60 per night.
Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds
Pilgrim Lake Campgrounds can house RVs up to 35 feet long on any of its wooded, waterfront, or secluded sites. All RV sites are equipped with water, sewer, and electric hookups. The campground is conveniently located near Atlantic City, Wildwood, Long Beach Island, and Ocean City. RV rates start at $35 per night.
What to Do at
Bass River State Park
You'll find a wonderful assortment of activities in Bass River State Park, such as wildlife viewing as you explore the hiking trails that go through the park's many forested acres. Lake Absegami provides visitors with an excellent opportunity for boating and fishing, and at the end of the day, you can enjoy a picnic while taking in the beautiful scenery. History buffs can grab a CCC brochure from the park office and take a self-guided trail through the remains of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp and memorial. The two campgrounds at the park allow you to experience New Jersey's natural environment up close and are complete with fire rings for campfires and cookouts.
Bass River State Park is the ideal location for boating and canoeing on its 67-acre lake. The surrounding area offers walking trails and opportunities for camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Inside Bass River State Park
The lake inside the state park provides an area for swimming with a beach complex with restrooms, changing area, showers, and a first-aid station. Boating and canoeing are also permitted on the lake. There is a boat launch on the north side of the recreational area. You can enjoy a stroll on any of the eight easy walking trails, where you can view animals, birds, and plant life of the Pine Barrens. Other activities to do at Bass River State Park are camping, picnicking, and observing the natural habitat.
Fishing
Although you can fish year-round in Lake Absegami, the best fishing in Bass River State Park is from April through October. Common catches include sunfish, bass, pickerel, and catfish.
Stargazing
Bass River State Park is far from city lights, making stargazing at the park one of visitors' favorite activities. You can lay on a blanket at the beach or bring an evening meal to one of the picnic areas to see the stars, planets, and on dark and clear nights, you can even catch a glimpse of the Milky Way.
Flora and Fauna
While visiting Bass River State Park, you are likely to spot a variety of wildlife, such as deer, bears, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. During hikes, you will be shaded by red maple, Atlantic white cedar, and magnolia trees. The West Pines Plains Nature Area supports a unique stunted forest ecosystem where the pine and oak trees only grow to a height of four or five feet. In this area, you can also see specimens of the endangered broom crowberry plant and numerous rare species of moths.
Hiking
There are eight hiking trails in Bass River State Park, and most are easy to navigate and suitable for the whole family. The Absegami Trail has interpretive signs, and you will wind through an oak forest and then onto an elevated wooden boardwalk to explore an Atlantic white cedar swamp. For those looking for a longer and more strenuous hiking experience, the park's trail system connects to the 50-mile-long Batona Trail.
Boating
The park has a boat ramp to access Lake Absegami. Many visitors spend the day exploring the shoreline and its inlets in a kayak or canoe. You can also rent a boat from the park if you don't bring your own.
Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the designated swimming area on Lake Absegami when a lifeguard is on duty. There is a large beach and a nearby complex with restrooms, showers, and changing rooms.
How to Get to
Bass River State Park
From Tuckerton, go north on South Green Street toward East Main Street. Turn left on U.S. 9 South. Next, take a right on Stage Road. Continue past the Walmart Supercenter until you get to the Flatwater Paddle Company. Turn right onto the unmarked road found there. Next, take a right at the first intersection after Dump Road, where you will see signs you can follow to the park.
Entering Bass River State Park
There are two parking lots by the South Shore Campground. The entry fee for the park is $5 per vehicle on weekdays and $10 on weekends.
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Bass River State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bass River State Park
Although the park is open year-round, summer is the best time of the year to visit Bass River State Park. The swimming area is open with a lifeguard on duty, and the weather is ideal for exploring the hiking trails. Fall is also a wonderful time to visit for cooler weather and to experience the autumn colors.
As you explore Bass River State Park, you will likely see deer, bears, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. Birders may be able to add several fascinating species to their journals, including the rose-breasted grosbeak, red-breasted nuthatch, and the eastern whip-poor-will.
Among Bass River State Park's two campgrounds, you'll find 176 campsites suitable for RVs less than 30 feet long. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Restrooms and showers are just a short walk away.
While reservations are not required, you can reserve a Bass River State Park campsite through the park's website. Reservations are recommended during the busy summer months. Campsite fees range from $20 to $25 per night.
A maximum of two pets per campsite are allowed for an additional fee of $5 per night. You'll need to fill out a Pet Registration and Certification Form when you check in.
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