New Jersey's state parks are some of the best parts of our state. Showcasing an abundance of natural beauty, recreational activities, beautiful picnic areas, and wildlife galore, you could easily spend a lifetime making your way from park to park. One place that has our attention right now is Wharton State Forest. It's the largest tract of land within New Jersey's state park system, boasting 110,000 stunning acres to explore. Morevoer, this forest encompasses one of the state's most prized natural treasures: the Pinelands.

The abundance of natural resources in this region is what allowed South Jersey to become such a capital of industry. During the Revolutionary War, Batsto Village produced iron products for the war efforts. Today, remarkably, over 30 buildings dating back to the 19th century remain, the most popular of which is the Batsto Mansion.

If you enjoy outdoor activities, you'll hardly find a better place for them than Wharton State Forest. The woods are perfect for hiking through, and there are rivers and lakes perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. In the summer, Atsion Lake is the picture-perfect New Jersey swimming hole.

If you're interested in hiking through the forest, there are 50 miles of marked trails to enjoy, each of them offering a unique way to connect to the wilderness. The most popular trail within the state forest is Batsto Lake Trail. This 4.1-mile loop trail takes most hikers a little over an hour to complete and is considered to be relatively easy. On the circuit, you'll enjoy a combination of sand, bog bridges, and pine-needle-covered walkways. It's a lovely way to experience the Pinelands on one convenient hike, but of course, there are plenty of other options to enjoy. Other popular hiking trails within the forest include Mullica River and Batona Trail Loop, Mullica River Trail, and Tom's Pond Trail.

As you may have guessed, there are plenty of opportunities for camping at Wharton State Forest. The Atsion Campground offers 50 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. At Godfrey Bridge Campground, there are 34 sites that are open year-round. There are even a handful of cabins within the property for a bit of an elevated camping experience. Learn more about how you can make your reservation here.

We can't wait to plan our visit to this magical area of the Pinelands. Who are you bringing with you? Feel free to share this article with them! For more information about Wharton State Forest, be sure to visit the official New Jersey Parks and Forests website. And don't forget to pack all of these camping essentials before your trip!