If you’re looking to trade crowded city sidewalks and skyscraper-filled skylines for hidden ghost towns and scenic views of flat pine forests, dark cedar-stained rivers, and historic 19th-century buildings, there’s a hidden gem right in New York’s backyard that checks every box.
Nestled in the heart of the Pinelands National Reserve, Wharton State Forest is the largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State Park System.
Spanning over 122,000 acres across Burlington and Atlantic Counties, this sprawling wilderness is packed with serene ponds, winding rivers, backcountry hiking trails, primitive campsites, and miles of unpaved forest roads.
It’s the ultimate under-the-radar weekend getaway to explore before the seasonal crowds move in.
Explore preserved ghost towns, 18th-century iron settlements, & deep-woods ruins
Wharton State Forest’s biggest draw for history lovers and urban explorers is its collection of forgotten 18th- and 19th-century ghost towns tucked deep within the trees.
- Batsto Village: The crown jewel of the park, Batsto is a nationally recognized historical site that once served as a thriving bog iron and glassmaking industrial center from 1766 to 1867. During the Revolutionary War, Batsto’s ironworkers manufactured munitions for George Washington’s Continental Army. Today, visitors can tour restored historic structures, including a post office, general store, glass factory site, and a magnificent 32-room country manor house
- Atsion Village: Located near Atsion Lake, this historic ghost town features a striking Greek Revival mansion built in 1826 that is occasionally open for guided tours
- Deep Woods Ghost Towns: Farther off the main paths sit the haunting paper factory ruins at Harrisville and the overgrown site of Washington, a famous 19th-century tavern stop along the historic Tuckerton Stage Road
Explorer Warning: Many Pine Barrens ghost towns are only reachable via unpaved sand and dirt roads. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended. Stay alert—due to liability reasons, the State Park Police will not tow stuck vehicles out of the mud!
Paddle tea-colored cedar rivers & spot rare wildlife
Wharton sits within the famous New Jersey Pine Barrens, creating a unique ecological landscape marked by acidic soil, dense pitch pine forests, and marshy wetlands.
- Atsion Lake: Looking for a beach day? Atsion Lake features lifeguarded swimming areas, kayak launches, and quiet shorelines perfect for a lakeside picnic
- River Kayaking & Canoeing: The forest is divided by gentle, slow-moving waterways—including the Mullica, Batsto, Wading, and Oswego Rivers. The lack of white water makes it a dreamy spot for beginner paddlers or quiet day trips. Local outfitters offer equipment rentals and shuttle drop-offs directly to the river launches
- Carnivorous Plants & Wildlife: The park harbors rare plant life, including Atlantic white cedar, pitch pine, mountain laurel, and carnivorous species like pitcher plants and sundews. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles, river otters, red-tailed hawks, blue herons, and foxes!
Hike the famous 50-mile Batona Trail or camp under the stars
Whether you want a quick afternoon stroll or a multi-day backpacking excursion, Wharton offers trails for every skill level.
- The Batona Trail: Wharton serves as a major gateway for the famous 50-mile Batona Trail, which cuts across three state forests in the Pine Barrens. Backpackers typically complete the trek in three days, camping at primitive wilderness sites along the way
- Shorter Day Hikes: For a quick trek, grab a trail map at the Batsto Visitor Center for loop hikes ranging from 1 to 10 miles
- Camping Options: Choose between full-service campsites at Atsion (featuring flush toilets and hot showers) or primitive backcountry sites like Lower Forge and Mullica River—accessible only by foot, canoe, or horseback
Plan Your Visit
- Distance from NYC: ~1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by car (located near Hammonton, NJ)
- Ranger Stations & Maps: Grab topographic maps and park information at the Batsto Visitor Center (609-561-0024) or the Atsion Ranger Station (609-268-0444)
- Parking Fees: Weekend parking fees at Batsto apply between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day ($5 for NJ residents, $7 for out-of-state visitors)