Bass River State Forest

09/28/2026

Look at these cuties enjoying the wet weather!

Photo credit to our VSA Joe!

09/20/2026

Got a few monarch caterpillars enjoying our native garden today!

09/13/2026

Loving this weather!! Much needed rain! Keep it comin!

09/07/2026

☀️ Some of the views from Lake Absegami this Labor Day! Today’s the last day of swimming! See you next summer! ✌🏻

09/04/2026

👁️ Eye spy some fungi 🍄!
Come on by Bass River State Forest this Labor Day weekend, to see how many you can find!

09/02/2026

Please take note we are NOT open for swimming tomorrow, Thursday!

Beat the heat and cool off at a lifeguarded swimming area at New Jersey State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites.

Lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Island Beach State Park and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at lakefront swimming areas.

🏖️Island Beach State Park – 7 days a week
🏖Atsion Recreation Area (Wharton State Forest) – Open Wednesday - Sunday
🏖Bass River State Forest – Open Wednesday & Friday - Sunday
🏖Belleplain State Forest – Open Wednesday - Sunday
🏖Cheesequake State Park – Open Saturday
🏖High Point State Park – Swimming closed
🏖Hopatcong State Park – Swimming closed
🏖Parvin State Park – Swimming closed
🏖Round Valley Recreation Area – Swimming closed
🏖Swartswood State Park – Open Wednesday - Sunday
🏖Wawayanda State Park – Open Friday - Sunday

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
⚠️Check the operating status of your favorite state park or forest before visiting to see whether it has reached capacity: https://dep.nj.gov/parksandforests/get-outside/parkstatus/
🏊🏻‍♂️Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty.
♻ KEEP IT CLEAN AND GREEN! Protect local habitats by taking your trash with you. Whatever you carry into the park, plan on carrying it out too. Bring a bag or two for trash, recycling and cleaning up after your pet. There are no trash receptacles in the park.
🦺Any lifejackets used in state park swimming areas must be US Coast Guard approved.
🏊🏻‍♂️If you are interested in becoming a New Jersey State Parks lifeguard, visit: nj.gov/dep/workinparks

08/27/2026

Unfortunately
the Full moon hike is canceled!
So sorry everyone