Between Philly And The Shore Is New Jersey's Second-Largest State Forest With Fishing, Camping, And Wetlands

The New Jersey Pine Barrens are a historic section of the state that are known for ecological diversity and urban legends. Famous for ghost towns and the rumored Jersey Devil, the Pine Barrens attract many outdoor adventurers to the Garden State. Nestled in this area an hour west of Philly and a half an hour east of the Jersey Shore, Brendan T. Byrne State Forest is where nature and history intersect. The forest contains the first farm to commercially grow and sell blueberries and is home to New Jersey's first African American historic site celebrating the life of Dr. James Still. 

With over 38,000 acres to explore, Brendan T. Byrne is New Jersey's second-largest state forest. Its thriving pine woods and white cedar wetlands are teeming with local wildlife. Fishing for freshwater species is popular in the forest's designated lakes and waterways. With almost 200 bird species already logged in eBird, the forest is also a paradise for birders. "Our go to! We love the lakes and flora and fauna!" a local shared on Google. 

Previously known as the Lebanon State Forest and renamed in 2002 to honor a past governor, Brendan T. Byrne State Forest is free to enter and is open daily and year round from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those wanting to spend the night can do so in tents, trailers, or even furnished cabins. Visitors flying in from out of state can choose between Atlantic City International Airport or Philadelphia International Airport, which are both roughly an hour away from the Pine Barrens, New Jersey's most mysterious region.

While swimming is not permitted, there is still plenty of water recreation available at Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. Anglers can enjoy freshwater fishing for species like perch, sunfish, and chain pickerel. "Good place. Quiet, very isolated. Lots of good little fishing spots," a Google user shared. For more fishing adventures, head to Round Valley Recreation Area, a popular state park between Allentown and New York City. Hunting is also permitted in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in designated areas and seasons for deer, grouse, rabbits, and squirrels. Both anglers and hunters must adhere to New Jersey Fish and Wildlife regulations and should review the park's hunting map and restrictions when planning their visit. 

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest is a great place to camp, with extensive facilities and options available year round. There are 82 campsites that support tent and trailer camping, equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, showers, and flush toilets. Most of these sites are pet friendly for dogs and cats with proper registration and up-to-date vaccines. There are three group sites that can accommodate large parties. Those wanting a more comfortable stay can rent one of the forest's three furnished cabins. "One of my favorite parks to visit and camp in. The campsites are spacious and always clean. ... Site 20 is my top choice if you're unsure of which site to pick," one previous visitor explained on Google. Camping reservations can be made in advance online. 

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest offers over 25 miles of trails through white cedar swamps and pine forests. While most trails in the park are several miles long, the shortest is the 0.7-mile Brendan T. Byrne State Forest Loop. This quick, sandy trail features birdwatching, blueberries, and huckleberries when they are in season. If you are up for a longer walk, one of the area's most popular hikes is the 9.7-mile Mount Misery Trail that loops through the wetlands with views of lakes and streams. "This is a very peaceful trail," one hiker shared. "Despite its name, the trail is very flat with no mountain to speak of. The views of Pakim Pond and the cranberry bogs were great." 

For a trail with spots to fish, the 13.6-mile Pakim Pond Loop Trail offers several places to picnic and unwind along the way. "This became one of my favorite trails today! A perfect place to spend a gorgeous fall day. Wasn't crowded at all, we saw maybe a handful of people over 14 miles," one visitor said. However, to get the full New Jersey wetlands experience, make sure to hike the 6.2-mile Cranberry Trail which travels through the scenic Cedar Swamp Natural Area. Bug spray is recommended on all trails throughout the forest.

Hikers, bikers, and off-roaders can all enjoy the 4.3-mile Whitesbog Driving Tour loop that explores the land of a former cranberry farm founded in 1857. Leashed pets are allowed in the park. Visitors looking to extend their trip in the Garden State can head just half an hour away to Woodford Cedar Run, New Jersey's underrated wildlife refuge.