Pine Barrens Canoeing, New Jersey

Many outdoor enthusiasts regard Pine Barrens canoeing or paddling a kayak in the Pine Barrens as one of the best ways to experience the Pinelands up-close.

Where to find the New Jersey Pine Barrens?

Imagine a triangle between New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City with a million-acre chunk of arid pine forests, cedar swamps, and twisty little rivers right in the middle. It’s a place called the New Jersey Pine Barrens, also known as the Pinelands, where you can paddle for two days and not see a single house.

The scenery is gorgeous - huge pines, cedars and oaks; birds singing; the clear brownish red cedar water of the river often times, the only sign of humanity in this vast forest as you quietly glide through the Pines. Pine Barrens Caneoing

A number of privately owned canoe/kayak rental agencies or "liveries," are located throughout the area, offering trips down such rivers as the Mullica, Batsto, Oswego, and the Wading. A trip down one of these Pinelands waterways can last from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the route you choose and the river conditions. Some liveries may arrange overnight trips.

Wharton State Forest (609-561-0024) features seven canoe campsites along the Mullica, Batsto and West Branch of the Wading Rivers. Most liveries are open through October and into November depending on the weather. When planning your journey down a Pinelands waterway, it is a good idea to contact a rental agency to find out about river conditions, prices, and the need for reservations. Be sure to ask your rental agent for tips to help make your trip as safe as possible.

Private Pine Barrens Canoe and kayak liveries

Bel Haven Canoes, Kayaks & Tubes
1227 Route 542
Green Bank, NJ 08215
(609) 965-2205
1-800-445-0953

Cedar Creek Campground Canoe and Kayak Rentals
1052 US Highway 9
Bayville, NJ 08721
732-269-1413

Cedar Creek, Double Trouble State Park
First Bridge Marina & Kayaks
500 Great Bay Boulevard
Tuckerton, NJ 08087
(609) 296-1888
(800) 50kayak

Great Bay , Tuckerton Creek
New Jersey Kayak
490 East Bay
Barnegat, NJ 08005
(609) 698-4440

Pine Barrens Canoe and Kayak Rental
3260 Rt. 563
Jenkins-P.O. Box 27
Chatsworth, NJ 08019
(609) 726-1515
1-800-732-0793

Oswego , Wading Rivers
The Paddle Shack
5045 Somers Point Road
Mays Landing, NJ 08330-1695
(609) 909- 5250

Egg Harbor River, Lake Lenape
Triple T Canoes, Inc.
1800 Double Trouble Road
Beachwood, NJ 08722
(732) 349-9510

Cedar Creek
Wading Pines Camping Resort
85 Godfrey Bridge Road
Chatsworth, NJ 08019
888-726-1313

For the best in Pine Barens canoeing experience, combine it with an overnight camping adventure at a nearby camp ground.

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