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New Jersey
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New Jersey State Parks

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New Jersey
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Lebanon State Forest
Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
Eastern Goldfinch
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LEBANON STATE FOREST
LEBANON STATE FOREST
Formerly known as Lebanon State Forest, visitors are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. Today's forested acres are a strong contrast to the barren, cleared land that existed in the 1800s. The Lebanon Glass Works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate.

Today, hikers can follow the sandy trails and roads that crisscross the forest, sometimes passing near the remains of stone or brick structures or where large depressions indicate the location of what was once a bustling town. Pure, iron-rich streams flow through acres of swampy land covered with dense stands of Atlantic white cedar.
History of the Area
Formerly known as Lebanon State Forest, visitors are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. Today's forested acres are a strong contrast to the barren, cleared land that existed in the 1800s. The Lebanon Glass Works was established in 1851 and was successful until 1867, when it shut down after depleting the supply of wood necessary for the furnace to operate.
Camping
Campsites: 79 tent and trailer sites each with fire rings and picnic tables. Flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are within walking distance. Campsites open April 1 through December 15. $20 per night.

Group campsites: Three group sites; total capacity: 100. Fire rings, picnic tables, water, and flush toilets. Campsites open April 1 through December 15. $30 per night.

Yurts: Three yurts. Circular tents built on a wood frame, featuring a plexiglass skylight. Each yurt has a lockable wood door, window screens and flaps, and two double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. Yurts open April 1 through December 15. Accessible to persons with disabilities. $30 per night.
Cabins
Cabins: Three cabins with furnished living room with fireplace; outdoor campfire rings; two double-deck bunks; kitchen with running water, electric stove, refrigerator; half-baths with toilet and basin. Electricity. Each accommodates four people. With prior permission from the superintendent, two additional people may be accommodated. Cabins are on the shore of Pakim Pond. Showers are available at camping area. Open April 1 through October 31. $45 per night, $315 per week.
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Location
Lebanon State Forest is located near Barnegat, Bayville and Beachwood

Picnicking
Several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the park. For larger groups, we also offer two reservable picnic areas with shelters. Area A holds a capacity of 50 people and Area B can accommodate 100 people.
Trails
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest has more than 25 miles of marked trails. The various trails and loops provide challenges ranging from long single track hiking trails to a trail accessible for people with disabilities. The Batona Trail is designed for hiking, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing (weather permitting). The Mount Misery Trail allows visitors the additional option of mountain biking, and the Cranberry Trail allows for access by wheelchairs in addition to all the other uses listed above.

The Batona Trail is almost 50 miles in length and links Brendan T. Byrne, Wharton, and Bass River State Forests. This portion of the Batona Trail is maintained by the NJ State Park Service and the Batona Hiking Club.

Other trails intersect with the Batona Trail to provide loops of about 6 miles and 14 miles for day hikes. Loops of about 2 miles at the forest office and one mile at Pakim Pond provide short easy hikes with wide pathways which avoid contact with vegetation that may harbor ticks or other insect pests.

All of the trails allow the visitor to enjoy the scenery and biological diversity of the Pine Barrens. Whether you want to spend an hour or an afternoon hiking - the trails at Brendan Byrne provide unlimited opportunities for fitness and relaxation.
Nature Programs
Programs are provided by the Pinelands Institute for Natural and Environmental Studies (PINES), (609) 893-1765.
Area Attractions
Whitesbog Village

Whitesbog was an active 19th and 20th-century cranberry and blueberry producing community. This company town was founded in the 1870s by Joseph J. White. The commercial high-bush blueberry was developed here by Elizabeth White. Once a thriving town and one of the largest cranberry farms in the state, the now silent village is an example of the changes in agriculture in this state. The site is undergoing restoration and is leased to the Whitesbog Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration of the village. For more information on the village and events sponsored by the Trust, call (609) 893-4646.

Cedar Swamp Natural Area (735 acres)

Many of the forest communities represented in the New Jersey Pine Barrens may be observed along the trails through the natural area. These include upland pine-oak and oak-pine forest, pitch pine lowland forest and Atlantic white cedar swamp. The natural area supports the federally threatened swamp pink and other endangered plant species.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
March 13 Penny Pine Forest DAR
park review stars; one to five Does anybody know of the Penny Pine Forest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution DAR The forest was started circa 1940. I understand it located somewhere in the Lebanon State Forest.
August 11 Great for offroad riding by Raakesh
park review stars; one to five I have been there a few times now and it is really cool. Various trails are all sand, some are all dirt, some gravel, some grass. Really interesting. Pakim pond is good for family, as it has a pond for fishing, and shelter, grills, water and restrooms. I want to go and stay at a cabin there one day soon.
February 16 Best place in New Jersey
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Area Campgrounds
Brookville Campground
224 Jones Road Box 169
Barnegat, NJ
609-698-3134
Long Beach RV Resort
Route 72 Box 30
Barnegat, NJ
609-698-5684
Indian Rock Family Campground
920 West Veterans Highway
Jackson, NJ
732-928-0034
Surf and Stream Campground
1801 Ridgeway Road
Toms River, NJ
732-349-8919
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
BBs / Inns
The Manchester Inn, The Ocean Grove New Jersey Bed Breakfast and The Secret Garden Restaurant are steps from the white sandy beach and the gentle surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the cooling ocean breezes from our rocking chair porch while overlooking Ocean Pathway, Ocean Groves finest avenue
32.7 miles from park*

Directions
From the NJ Turnpike, take exit 7 and follow Route 206 south to Route 38 east, to second traffic light, then turn onto Magnolia Road (Route 644). Follow Magnolia Road until you come to the Four-Mile Circle. From the circle take Route 72 east, at mile marker 1 make a left. There is a forest entrance sign on your left as you turn in. Take the first right and the office is on the left.

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New Jersey
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New Jersey State Parks

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