Penn State Forest
New Jersey’s Pine Barrens Wilderness — Undeveloped Primitive Forest, Lake Oswego Paddling and Fishing, Pygmy Pine Plains, Sand Road Network for Hiking and Mountain Biking, Oswego River Scenic Paddling Trail, Burlington County New Jersey
Penn State Forest is an undeveloped wilderness area in Burlington County, New Jersey, located deep within the Pine Barrens National Reserve. Unlike more developed state parks, Penn State Forest offers a truly primitive outdoor experience with no formal maintained trails, no campgrounds, and minimal facilities — just the raw beauty of the Pinelands. The forest features Lake Oswego for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing with a boat launch and picnic area, an extensive network of unpaved sand and gravel roads for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and 4WD exploring, sections of the Pygmy Pine Plains where trees are stunted by fire ecology, access to the scenic Oswego River paddling trail, hunting in season (blaze orange recommended October–January), and flat, sandy terrain typical of the Pine Barrens ecosystem.
Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego is the forest’s primary recreational focal point, created by a dam on the Oswego River. The lake is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with a boat launch and primitive picnic area. From Lake Oswego, paddlers can access the Oswego River, widely considered one of the most scenic and pristine paddling routes in the Pine Barrens.
The Pygmy Pine Plains
The northeastern sections of Penn State Forest contain areas of the Pine Barren Plains — a globally unique ecosystem where trees grow only 4–11 feet tall due to the area’s unique fire ecology. These “pygmy forests” are found nowhere else on Earth in this form and represent one of the Pine Barrens’ most fascinating ecological features.
Navigation and Safety
Because there are no marked hiking trails, the forest is crisscrossed by a confusing network of sand and gravel roads. A GPS device and detailed map are essential — getting lost is a real possibility. Some roads may be deeply rutted or washed out, requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. The forest is managed by Bass River State Forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp in Penn State Forest?
No, there are no campgrounds or designated camping. Nearby Wharton and Bass River State Forests offer established campsites.
What are the Pygmy Pines?
A globally unique ecosystem where pitch pines grow only 4–11 feet tall due to the Pine Barrens’ unique fire ecology.
